Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team
Panda Royale is a dice-based strategy game with elements of luck and decision-making. Players take on the role of panda Elders, choosing pandas from seven different clans (represented by different colored dice) and using their unique abilities to earn points.
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How to Play Panda Royale
Game Overview
Every year, as the mid-summer festival begins, the seven panda clans gather to celebrate their years of peace and prosperity. After feasting, storytelling, and games, the Elders host the annual competition where the bravest pandas come together to battle for honor and glory. Each panda clan possesses unique powers, and the Elders carefully select their teams based on these strengths to ensure the best chance of victory.
As a panda Elder, you will choose pandas from each of the seven clans (represented by dice in seven colors), each offering its own distinct abilities. Strategically assemble your team to earn the highest score over 10 rounds and emerge victorious in the competition.
Game Setup
- Distribute a score sheet, a pencil, and a yellow six-sided die to each player.
- Place the Panda token in the center of the table, along with the required number of pink dice based on the number of players:
- 2-3 players: 1 pink die
- 4-6 players: 2 pink dice
- 7-9 players: 3 pink dice
- 10 players: 4 pink dice
- Place all unused pink dice and yellow dice back in the box. These will not be used in the game.
- Store the yellow dice, pink dice, and Panda token in the small bag to avoid mixing them with the rest of the dice.
- Place the remaining dice in the large bag within easy reach.
Gameplay
The game is played in 10 rounds, and each round follows these steps:
- Roll Dice and Calculate Scores
- Determine Which Players Earn a Pity Die
- Trade Dice
- Choose a New Die
In the final round, only Step 1 (Rolling Dice and Calculating Scores) is performed.
Step 1: Roll Dice and Calculate Scores
Players roll all their dice simultaneously. Then, sum the face value of their yellow dice. The player with the highest total of yellow dice earns the Panda token. If there’s a tie for the highest yellow value, players re-roll their yellow dice until the tie is broken.
Afterward, players tally their scores for the round, considering each color of dice with its own scoring method:
- Yellow Dice: Sum the values of all your yellow dice.
- Purple Dice: Add the value of all purple dice, then double the total.
- Blue Dice: Add the value of all blue dice; if any blue dice are glitter dice, double the total value.
- Red Dice: Add the value of red dice, considering white numbers as positive and black numbers as negative. Multiply the sum by the number of red dice you own.
- Green Dice: Sum the value of all green dice.
- Clear Dice: Sum the value of all clear dice.
- Pink Dice: Record the value of your pink die if you have one. Pink dice are special and are awarded to the lowest-scoring players each round.
Step 2: Claim the Pity Dice
The lowest-scoring player for the round claims a pink pity die. Then, the next lowest player claims a pink die, and so on until all the pink dice are distributed. In the event of a tie for the lowest score, start with the player to the right of the Panda token and distribute the pink dice counterclockwise until all are claimed.
Step 3: Trade Dice
The player with the Panda token starts trading dice. Players with at least one clear (white) die may trade it for any die from another player, excluding pink dice. Players take turns trading dice, with the player holding the Panda token taking the final trade.
Step 4: Choose a New Die
Draw random dice from the bag until there is one more die than the number of players. Place these dice in the center of the table as the pool from which players will choose. Starting with the player holding the Panda token, players take turns picking one die from the pool to add to their hand. After all players have chosen, return any remaining dice to the bag, and proceed to the next round.
Winning the Game
After 10 rounds, players tally their scores from each round. The player with the highest total score wins the game. In the case of a tie, the victory is shared between the tied players.
Panda Royale is an engaging dice game that requires a blend of strategy, risk-taking, and a bit of luck to win. Fans of fast-paced dice games like Yahtzee and Farkle will enjoy the exciting twists and turns of each round. It’s a perfect game for family and friends to enjoy together.








