30 Rails

Build your railroad empire across the American frontier in this captivating roll-and-write adventure

All Aboard the Rails

Step into the boots of a railroad tycoon during America's golden age of steam. In 30 Rails, every roll of the dice brings new opportunities to expand your network, connect bustling towns, and outmaneuver your competitors.

This isn't just another roll-and-write game – it's a journey through the untamed frontier where strategic thinking meets the thrill of chance. Whether you're a seasoned conductor or new to the rails, 30 Rails offers an experience that's easy to learn but impossible to master.

1-4
Players
30min
Play Time

What Makes 30 Rails Special?

  • 🎯 Strategic depth that rewards both planning and adaptability
  • 🎲 Dice-driven gameplay that keeps every turn exciting
  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Multiple maps and scenarios for endless replayability
  • πŸ‘₯ Perfect for solo adventures or group competitions

How to Play

🎲

Roll the Dice

Start each turn by rolling the dice to determine your available actions and resources for building your railroad network.

πŸ›€οΈ

Build Your Network

Use your dice results to draw railway lines on your map, connecting cities and creating efficient transportation routes.

πŸ†

Score Points

Earn points by completing routes, connecting distant cities, and achieving various railroad objectives throughout the game.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of railroad strategy? Download the complete rulebook and discover all the nuances that make 30 Rails an unforgettable gaming experience.

πŸ“– Download Complete Rules (PDF)

Print & Play

Can't wait to start building your railroad empire? Download our print-and-play sheets and get started right away. All you need is a printer, some dice, and a pencil to begin your journey across the frontier.

Game Sheets

High-quality game sheets optimized for home printing. Choose your preferred paper size and start playing within minutes.

Printing Tips

  • βœ“ Use standard 20lb (75gsm) paper for best results
  • βœ“ Print at 100% scale - do not fit to page
  • βœ“ Black and white printing works perfectly
  • βœ“ You'll need 2-3 standard dice to play
  • βœ“ A pencil with eraser is recommended

The Story Behind the Rails

From Concept to Classic

30 Rails was born from a love of both railroad history and the elegant simplicity of roll-and-write games. The designer wanted to capture the excitement and strategic challenges faced by the railroad barons who shaped America's landscape.

What started as sketches on napkins during coffee shop visits evolved into a game that perfectly balances historical theme with engaging mechanics. Every element, from the dice combinations to the scoring system, was carefully crafted to reflect the real challenges of building a railroad empire.

Since its release, 30 Rails has found its way into the hearts of gamers worldwide, from casual family game nights to competitive tournament play. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of trains and the timeless joy of strategic gameplay.

Game Timeline

1
Initial Design
Concept development and early prototyping
2
Community Testing
Extensive playtesting and rule refinement
3
Print & Play Release
Free version made available to the community
4
Digital Adaptation
Mobile app development and release

See 30 Rails in Action

Watch this comprehensive gameplay walkthrough to see exactly how 30 Rails unfolds. From the first dice roll to the final scoring, you'll get a complete picture of what makes this railroad adventure so engaging.

Complete Gameplay Tutorial

This detailed walkthrough covers everything from setup to final scoring, showing you the strategic decisions and exciting moments that make each game of 30 Rails unique. Perfect for both newcomers wanting to learn and experienced players looking to refine their strategy.

🎯 Strategy Tips
Learn optimal route planning
🎲 Dice Management
Master risk vs. reward decisions
πŸ† Scoring Secrets
Maximize your point potential

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 30 Rails suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! While 30 Rails offers strategic depth for experienced gamers, the core mechanics are straightforward enough for newcomers to pick up quickly. The rulebook includes a step-by-step tutorial to get you started, and most players are comfortable with the basics after just one game.

Can I play 30 Rails solo?

Yes! 30 Rails includes dedicated solo rules that provide a challenging and engaging single-player experience. The solo mode features unique objectives and scoring mechanisms that make it feel like a completely different game while maintaining the core railroad-building excitement.

What's the difference between the print-and-play and mobile versions?

Both versions offer the complete 30 Rails experience with identical rules and gameplay. The mobile app adds convenience features like automatic scoring, multiple difficulty levels, and online leaderboards. The print-and-play version gives you the tactile experience of pencil and paper gaming that many players prefer.

How long does a typical game take?

Most games of 30 Rails finish in 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick gaming session or as a warm-up for longer games. The simultaneous play means that adding more players doesn't significantly increase the game time.

Do I need special equipment to play the print-and-play version?

Not at all! You just need a standard printer, regular paper, 2-3 dice (standard six-sided dice work perfectly), and a pencil with an eraser. That's it – you're ready to start building your railroad empire.

Are there expansions or additional content available?

The base game includes multiple maps and scenarios to keep gameplay fresh. The mobile version regularly receives updates with new challenges and features. Keep an eye on our community forums for fan-created content and additional scenarios.