THE RULES

Federal Nightmares is a game of money, power, survival, and empire building. Players purchase properties, collect rent, build empires, draw Dream and Nightmare cards, manage Heat, and attempt to become the last empire standing. Opponents are eliminated when they cannot pay their debts or lose all money and assets.

Assemble the board. Shuffle the Dream, Nightmare, State Property, and Empire decks separately and place them beside the board. Each player selects a Character Card. Give each player $300. Place all pieces on START. Place the Heat Marker on 0. The youngest player goes first.

On your turn: roll both dice, move your piece, resolve the space you land on, then buy property, collect rent, draw cards, or perform any available actions. End your turn and pass the dice to the next player.

Unowned property can be purchased for the listed price or left unowned. Owned properties require payment of rent immediately when an opponent lands on them. Empire Upgrades increase earnings and rent values. Empire types include Rental Property, Apartment Complex, and Business Center. Multiple upgrades may be placed on properties unless prohibited by a card effect.

Bandos generate income but attract Heat — 1 Bando = +1 Heat, 2 = +2, 3 = +3, 4 = +4. Vibes generate larger profits but attract more Heat — 1 Vibe = +2 Heat, 2 = +4. Choose your income carefully: every dollar brings the Feds closer.

Players sent to the Hospital cannot collect money or perform actions while there. Certain Nightmare Cards and board spaces can send you to the Hospital. The Survivor character ignores their first Hospital visit.

Heat represents federal attention on your operation. 0–4 is Low Profile (nothing happens). 5–9 is Under Investigation — you are on the Feds' radar and every time you pass The Porch you pay the Plug $100. At 10 you are INDICTED: move immediately to The Feds, remain there for 10 turns, and you may not move around the board.

Draw a Dream Card and follow its instructions. Most Dream Cards provide money, opportunities, protection, legal help, or business growth. Return the card to the bottom of the deck unless instructed otherwise.

Draw a Nightmare Card and follow its instructions. Nightmare Cards can cost you money, increase your Heat, damage your businesses, cause setbacks, or send you to the Hospital.

The last empire standing wins. Opponents are eliminated when they cannot pay their debts or lose all money and assets. Outlast everyone — trust no one.