How to Play Rolling Realms Promo Realms: Apiary, Skulk Hollow, Origin Story, and Hokkaido

Quick answer

To play the Apiary, Skulk Hollow, Origin Story, and Hokkaido promo realms, you need the Rolling Realms core game and the matching promo packs. Shuffle each promo realm into the realm deck as its own separate realm, then play normally. Each pack adds six cards, so you can mix one, two, or all four at once. Start with one promo realm per game to learn its scoring quirks before combining them.

Rolling Realms promo realms are small expansions that add new scoring puzzles to your core game. The Apiary, Skulk Hollow, Origin Story, and Hokkaido packs each contain six cards inspired by their respective games. If you already own the Rolling Realms core game, these promos are the easiest way to add variety without learning a full new rule set.

This guide walks through the exact steps to integrate any of these promo realms into a session. It covers what you need before you start, how to shuffle and play them, and the mistakes that trip up new players. By the end, you'll know how to use each pack and when to combine them.

What you need before adding promo realms

The Rolling Realms core game is required for every promo pack. Each promo pack contains six cards and does not include the base dice, score pads, or core realm cards. If you don't own the core game, you cannot play these promos on their own.

You also need the specific promo pack for the realm you want to play. The Apiary, Skulk Hollow, Origin Story, and Hokkaido packs are sold separately. Each one is inspired by a different game, but they all function as additional realms within Rolling Realms.

• Check that your core game is complete before adding promos.
• Each promo pack requires the Rolling Realms core game.

How to shuffle and set up a promo realm

Shuffle the six cards from your chosen promo pack together with the other realm cards from the core game. Each promo realm is treated as a separate realm, so you can add one or all of them to the deck. When you deal out realms for the game, the promo cards will appear randomly like any other realm.

If you want to guarantee a specific promo realm shows up, you can separate its six cards and place them on top of the deck before dealing. This is useful for teaching or for trying a new realm for the first time.

• Mixing all four promo packs at once makes it harder to learn each one.
• Start with one promo realm per game to understand its scoring.

Playing a promo realm during the game

Once a promo realm is in play, you use it exactly like any other realm. On your turn, you roll your dice and assign them to available actions on the realm card. The promo realms introduce new combinations and scoring opportunities, but the core turn structure stays the same.

Because each promo pack is inspired by a different game, the actions and scoring may feel unfamiliar at first. Read the card text carefully before your first roll. If a card references a mechanic from its source game, it will be explained on the card itself.

• Don't assume a promo realm works like its source game; follow the card text.
• If a rule is unclear, check the Rolling Realms rulebook for general realm rules.

Common mistakes when using promo realms

The most common mistake is forgetting that each promo pack requires the core game. You cannot play them standalone. Another mistake is shuffling all four packs into the deck at once, which makes it hard to learn any single realm's strategy.

Players also sometimes treat promo realms as minor additions and ignore them during play. In reality, they can be just as competitive as core realms. Give each new realm a fair look before deciding it's not for you.

• Don't mix all promos at once until you know each one.
• Promo realms are full realms, not side attractions.

Step-by-step: Adding a promo realm to your game

1. Confirm you own the Rolling Realms core game: Every promo pack requires the core game. Without it, you cannot play the promo realms. Checkpoint: core game box is present.
2. Choose one promo pack to add: Pick Apiary, Skulk Hollow, Origin Story, or Hokkaido. Start with one to learn its scoring. Checkpoint: only one promo pack in play for your first game.
3. Shuffle the six promo cards into the realm deck: Treat the promo realm as a separate realm. Mix its six cards with the core realm cards. Checkpoint: promo cards are evenly distributed.
4. Deal realms and play as normal: Use the promo realm like any other realm. Roll dice and assign them to actions on the card. Checkpoint: you understand the card's actions before rolling.
5. After the game, note what worked: Decide if you want to add another promo pack next time or combine two. Next step: try a second promo pack or mix two together.

Promo packs that work with these steps

• Rolling Realms Promo: Lost Ruins of Arnak: Expand your copy of Rolling Realms with this set of 6 promo cards inspired by Lost Ruins of Arnak. This promo pack requires the Rolling Realms core game. This is another example of a six-card promo pack that follows the same integration steps. If you can add Lost Ruins of Arnak, you can add Apiary, Skulk Hollow, Origin Story, or Hokkaido the same way.
• Rolling Realms Promo: Finspan: Expand your copy of Rolling Realms with this set of 6 promo cards inspired by Finspan. This promo pack requires the Rolling Realms core game. Finspan is another six-card promo pack. It reinforces that every Rolling Realms promo pack uses the same core-game requirement and six-card format, so the setup steps are identical.

Adding Apiary, Skulk Hollow, Origin Story, or Hokkaido to Rolling Realms is a simple process: confirm your core game, pick one pack, shuffle its six cards into the realm deck, and play. Start with one promo realm per session, then combine more once you know each one. The same steps work for any Rolling Realms promo pack.