Official Gnomes at Night Rules

Last Updated on May 29, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Gnomes at Night is a fast-paced cooperative maze game that challenges 2–4 players to communicate and work together in real time. Using magnetic gnome movers on opposite sides of a vertical maze, players race against the sand timer to retrieve stolen treasures hidden throughout the castle.

This page explains the setup, gameplay, and full rules for Gnomes at Night, including how to play with different numbers of players and how scoring works across three exciting rounds.

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How to Play Gnomes at Night

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Introduction

Queen Benevolence is planning a grand celebration to honor her loyal subjects, but disaster strikes when she discovers her treasure box has been looted! A thief has stolen 12 magical items and fled into the winding mazes of the castle. There’s only a short time before sunrise and the start of the party—the treasures must be recovered!

Two of the Queen’s most trusted gnomes set off to recover the stolen treasures. With your help, they’ll navigate the castle’s secret passageways, working together to track down the magical artifacts before the sand timer runs out. It’s a race against time!

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Game Components

• 2 magnetic gnome movers
• 4 maze game boards (levels A–D)
• 12 treasure cards
• 4 corner start cards
• 2 team cards (for 3–4 player games)
• 2 plastic posts
• 1 sand timer (2½ minutes)

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Object of the Game

Work together to help the gnomes recover as many of the 12 treasures as possible before time runs out.

Ages: 6+
Players: 2–4
Play Time: 15 minutes

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Setup

1. Insert the two plastic posts into the designated slots in the game box base.
2. Choose a maze board (A = easiest, D = hardest) and place it upright in the posts so both sides of the board are visible.
3. Shuffle the 4 corner start cards and place them face down next to the box.
4. Shuffle the 12 treasure cards and place them in a separate face-down pile.
5. Place the sand timer within view of all players.
6. Position the magnetic gnome movers on opposite sides of the board.
7. Players sit on opposite sides of the game board.

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How to Use the Gnome Movers

Each player controls the gnome on their side of the board, but the magnets keep them connected through the maze. Only one player moves at a time while the other releases their mover. If both try to move simultaneously, the magnets may detach—if this happens, reset both movers to the corner indicated by the next start card.

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Gameplay

Playing with 2 Players

1. Draw the top corner start card and place both gnome movers in the indicated corner of the maze (1–4).
2. Flip over the top treasure card and turn over the sand timer to begin the round.
3. Work together to guide the gnomes through the maze to the treasure shown on the card.
   • The treasure is located on one side of the board only.
   • You’ll need to communicate to find the best route—walls block movement, but the player on the opposite side may be able to help by moving through areas you can’t see.
4. Once the gnomes reach the treasure, set aside that treasure card and reveal the next one. Keep playing until the timer runs out or all 12 treasures are found.

Playing with 3 or 4 Players

• 3 players: Two players form a team with one team card; the third player plays solo. Alternate the solo player each round.
• 4 players: Players pair up and each team receives a team card. Each player chooses one color for the game.
  • Each treasure card shows two colors—only the players whose colors appear may speak and move the gnomes during that turn.

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Round End and Scoring

Each round ends when:

• The sand timer runs out, or
• All 12 treasures are found.

After each round:

• Count how many treasures were recovered—each is worth 1 point.
• Record your total.
• Shuffle the treasure and corner cards for the next round.
• You may reuse the same maze or try a more difficult one.

The game is played over 3 rounds. Add up your total points to determine your final score.

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Scoring Guide

Points	Result
0–9	The Queen appreciates your effort but encourages another try.
10–18	A good attempt, but some treasures remain missing.
19–24	The townspeople are impressed—well done!
25–30	The thief is no match for your team. Excellent work!
31–36	You’ve saved the celebration! The Queen is overjoyed!

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Magical Treasures

Here are the enchanted items you’re racing to recover:

• Glass Key – Opens any door.
• Spyglass – Reveals the future.
• Golden Horseshoe – Wards off misfortune.
• Map of Legends – Uncovers mythical hideouts.
• Walking Stick – Guides the lost home.
• Ancient Book – Holds all knowledge.
• Hourglass – Bends time.
• Amulet – Detects lies.
• Magic Potion – Turns metal into gold.
• Jeweled Goblet – Lets you speak any language.
• Magical Moss – Instantly heals wounds.
• Dragon’s Tooth – Gives courage to the bearer.

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Tips

• Challenge yourselves to beat your previous high score!
• Communication is key! Describe your maze clearly and listen carefully.
• Take turns moving—never move both gnomes at the same time.