Complete Territory Conquest Game Guide

Table of Contents

Game Basics

Territory Conquest is a strategic board game where players compete to control the most territory on various maps. Each player takes turns placing pieces on adjacent cells, capturing enemy territories through strategic positioning.

Objective

Control the largest territory when the game ends. The game ends when:

Basic Rules

  1. Starting Position: Each player begins with one piece on the board
  2. Movement: Players can only place pieces on cells adjacent to their existing territory (horizontally or vertically)
  3. Capturing: When you place a piece next to an opponent's piece, you automatically capture all adjacent enemy pieces
  4. Walls: Some maps have walls that block movement and cannot be captured
  5. Disputed Areas: Special zones (marked with red borders) that can be recaptured even after being taken

Controls & Interface

Desktop Controls

Mobile Controls

💡 Pro Tip: On mobile devices, enable "Show Valid Moves" in settings to highlight all possible moves with a green outline.

Core Strategies

1. Corner Control Strategy

Controlling corners gives you a defensive advantage as corners can only be attacked from two sides instead of four. This strategy works especially well on rectangular maps like USA and China.

  • Start by expanding toward the nearest corner
  • Build a solid base before attacking
  • Use corners as anchor points for expansion

2. Center Domination

Controlling the center gives you maximum flexibility and options for expansion. This strategy is crucial on maps like Star and Space Station.

  • Rush to secure central positions early
  • Maintain multiple expansion paths
  • Force opponents to the edges

3. Wall Manipulation

Using walls strategically can trap opponents or protect your territory. This becomes available every 5 rounds.

  • Place walls to cut off opponent expansion routes
  • Break walls to open new attack paths
  • Create chokepoints to control map flow

4. Sacrifice and Recapture

In disputed areas, sometimes losing territory temporarily can set up a larger capture later.

  • Let opponents overextend into disputed zones
  • Build strength around the area
  • Recapture with a massive counter-attack

Map-Specific Tactics

🇺🇸 USA Map (2 Players)

Key Features: 9x9 grid, no walls initially, balanced layout

Strategy: Focus on controlling the edges first, then push toward the center. The player who controls the most edge cells usually wins.

Starting Positions: Northwest vs Southeast corners

Winning Tip: Create a diagonal line across the map to limit opponent movement.

🇨🇳 China Map (2 Players)

Key Features: 9x9 grid with inactive cells forming China's shape

Strategy: The irregular shape creates natural chokepoints. Control these bottlenecks to dominate the map.

Critical Zones: Central area and the "neck" regions

Common Mistake: Don't spread too thin trying to control both sides early.

🔱 Trident Map (3 Players)

Key Features: Three-pronged design with natural territories

Strategy: Secure your prong first, then expand to the center. Avoid early conflicts while the third player is strong.

Alliance Dynamics: Temporary alliances often form against the leading player

🌊 Pacific Map (4 Players)

Key Features: Large 15x15 grid with island formations

Strategy: Island hopping is key. Control bridges between islands to restrict enemy movement.

Special: Disputed areas in strategic locations

🏝️ Island Map (4 Players)

Key Features: Separate islands connected by narrow bridges

Strategy: Secure your home island completely before expanding. Bridge control is vital.

Tip: Use walls to block bridge access once you've crossed

🌀 Maze Map (3 Players)

Key Features: Pre-placed walls creating maze-like paths

Strategy: Memorize the shortest paths between regions. Control key intersections.

Warning: Easy to get trapped if you don't plan escape routes

🚀 Space Station (4 Players)

Key Features: Circular design with modular sections

Strategy: Control the central hub to maintain access to all sections. Radial expansion works better than linear.

Special: Diagonal movement available every 5 rounds

💰 Tariff Dispute (4 Players)

Key Features: Economic zones with different values

Strategy: High-value zones in the center are contested. Sometimes controlling more low-value zones is safer.

Disputed Areas: Multiple zones can be recaptured

✈️ Airplane Map (5 Players)

Key Features: Airplane-shaped board with wings and fuselage

Strategy: Control the fuselage for maximum connectivity. Wings are defensive positions.

Tip: The cockpit area is a strong defensive position

⭐ Star Map (5 Players)

Key Features: Star shape with five points

Strategy: Secure your star point first, then expand to the center. Central control is crucial for late game.

Special: Center player has advantage but faces pressure from all sides

∞ Infinity Map (4 Players)

Key Features: 27x18 figure-eight design

Strategy: Control the connection points between the two loops. These bottlenecks determine the winner.

Unique: Largest map with most complex strategies

Special Abilities Guide

🔨 Break Wall

Available: Every 5 rounds

Usage: Destroy one adjacent wall

Strategy: Save for crucial moments when you need to open new paths or escape traps

🚧 Place Wall

Available: Every 5 rounds

Usage: Place a wall on an empty adjacent cell

Strategy: Block opponent expansion or protect your territory

↗️ Diagonal Movement

Available: Round 5, 10, 15, etc.

Maps: Select maps only

Strategy: Surprise attacks and reaching isolated areas

Advanced Techniques

1. The Sacrifice Gambit

Intentionally leave weak points in your territory to bait opponents into overextending. When they capture your bait, counter-attack their exposed flanks.

2. The Pincer Movement

Expand along two separate paths to surround opponent territory. Even if one path is blocked, the other continues the encirclement.

3. The Fortress Strategy

Build a compact, highly defensible territory rather than spreading out. Especially effective when ahead in points near the end game.

4. Chain Reaction Captures

Set up positions where capturing one enemy piece triggers a cascade of captures. Requires careful positioning over multiple turns.

5. Tempo Control

Force opponents to respond to your moves rather than executing their plans. Maintain initiative by making threatening moves that demand immediate responses.

⚠️ Common Advanced Mistakes:
  • Overvaluing special abilities - basic positioning is more important
  • Focusing too much on one opponent in multiplayer games
  • Not adapting strategy based on current score
  • Ignoring disputed areas until too late

Multiplayer Tips

Online Mode Strategy

  • Time Management: You have 20 seconds per turn. Plan your move while opponents play.
  • Psychological Warfare: Quick moves can pressure opponents into mistakes.
  • Connection Issues: If someone disconnects, AI takes over - exploit AI patterns.
  • Chat Strategy: Use chat to form temporary alliances in 3+ player games.

Local Multiplayer (Hot Seat)

  • Screen Peeking: Hide your planning by considering multiple moves
  • Bluffing: Hover over different cells to confuse opponents
  • Alliance Signals: Subtle board positioning can signal alliance intentions

AI Opponents

Easy AI: Makes random valid moves. Exploit by controlling key positions.

Medium AI: Considers immediate captures. Bait with sacrifice plays.

Hard AI: Plans ahead and controls strategic points. Requires solid fundamental play to beat.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Can't click on cells

Solution: Ensure you're clicking adjacent cells to your territory. Check if it's your turn. Refresh if the issue persists.

Game stuck or frozen

Solution: Refresh the page (Ctrl+F5). Your game state is saved in online mode.

Connection lost in online mode

Solution: The game auto-reconnects. If not, refresh and rejoin the same room.

Can't use special abilities

Solution: Special abilities are only available every 5 rounds and only once per round. Check the round counter.

Conclusion

Mastering Territory Conquest requires understanding map layouts, timing special abilities correctly, and adapting your strategy based on opponents. Practice different strategies on various maps to find your preferred playstyle.

Quick Success Checklist

  • ✅ Learn each map's unique features
  • ✅ Master basic capture mechanics
  • ✅ Practice special ability timing
  • ✅ Study opponent patterns
  • ✅ Adapt strategy based on player count
  • ✅ Control key positions (corners, center, bridges)
  • ✅ Plan 2-3 moves ahead