The Kakapo: Buddy & Party Rulebook

Table of Contents

Components
Introduction
Setup
Game Flow
Phase 1: Determine the Decision Card
Phase 2: Select a Scanner Piece
- When No Scanner Piece Can Be Selected
- Available Skills
Phase 3: Place the Scanner Piece
- Placement Rules
- When There Is Nowhere to Place the Piece
Phase 4: Check for Mission Clear
- Check the Round Count
- Scan Completion Condition
Mission List — Buddy Edition
Mission List — Party Edition
Free Mission
- When You Clear a Free Mission
FAQ
Epilogue

Components

Scanner Pieces — 40 pieces (values 1-8, in each of 5 colors). Each color/number combination exists exactly once; there are no duplicates. Each piece is a multi-square (polyomino) tile.
Scanner Cards — 40 cards (values 1-8, in each of 5 colors). Each color/number combination exists exactly once; there are no duplicates. Each Scanner Card has exactly one matching Scanner Piece, shown in the card's center.
Game Board — 1 (a 12x12 grid).
Decision Card Space — 1.
Skill Counters — 5.
Mission Pieces — 25 total: 13 of Level 1, 5 of Level 2, 5 of Level 3, and 2 of Level 4. Each Mission Piece's level and serial number are printed on its back.
Summary Sheets — 2 types, 4 of each.

Introduction

The Kakapo: Buddy & Party has a "Buddy" rule set for exactly 2 players, and a "Party" rule set for 3-4 players. The goal of the game is the same either way, but some rules differ. In this rulebook, such places are marked as follows:

[Buddy only] — a rule that applies only under the Buddy rules.

[Party only] — a rule that applies only under the Party rules.

Setup

Place the game board in the center of the table.
Group the Scanner Pieces by color and place them beside the game board. Also place the Decision Card Space beside the game board.
[Buddy] Place 5 Skill Counters face up beside the game board. [Party] Place 3 Skill Counters face up beside the game board.
Choose one mission to play from the mission lists that follow (Buddy ▶ p.15, Party ▶ p.26), and place the Mission Pieces on the game board as specified by that mission.

Note: this game has 20 missions each for Buddy and Party. Playing them in order takes you through increasing difficulty, but you may of course play them in any order you like.
[Buddy] Gather all 40 Scanner Cards face down and shuffle them well. Then draw 8 cards, and return them face down to the box — these cards are not used for the rest of the game. Deal the remaining 32 cards evenly among the players. [Party] With 4 players: gather all 40 Scanner Cards face down, shuffle them well, and deal all of them evenly among the players. With 3 players: remove the "Purple 1" Scanner Card (it is not used for the rest of the game), gather the remaining 39 cards face down, shuffle them well, and deal them all evenly among the players.
The Scanner Cards you were dealt become your "hand." Keep it hidden so other players cannot see it. During play, you may not show your hand to other players or talk about it. You also may not explain your own plan of action, instruct another player to take a specific action, or otherwise discuss strategy for beating the mission.
Whichever player holds the "Purple 8" Scanner Card in hand declares that they have it. That player becomes the start player. If no one holds the "Purple 8" Scanner Card, decide the start player by some other suitable method, such as rock-paper-scissors.

Setup is now complete. Hand out the two types of Summary Sheets to each player as needed. It's also convenient to keep the "Scanner Piece List" (p.37-38) open during play — this is a purely visual reference chart showing every Scanner Piece's shape, color, and number, and is not reproduced here.

Game Flow

This game repeats "Rounds" until the mission is cleared, or until the following number of rounds is completed:

[Buddy] 8 rounds [Party] 10 rounds

Each round is divided into four "Phases," which are carried out in the following order:

Determine the Decision Card
Select a Scanner Piece
Place the Scanner Piece
Check for Mission Clear

Phase 1: Determine the Decision Card

In this phase, all players together play a mini-game using their hands. Starting with the start player and proceeding in order, each player chooses one Scanner Card from their hand and reveals it, and finally a "Judgment" is made. When choosing which Scanner Card to reveal, players must follow the "Must Follow" rule.

Must Follow

The color of the first Scanner Card revealed by the start player of the round is called the Lead Color. From the second player onward, when a player reveals a Scanner Card from their hand, if they hold any Scanner Card of the Lead Color, they must choose the card they reveal from among their Scanner Cards of that color. Only if a player holds no Scanner Card of the Lead Color may they reveal a card of a different color. This is called Must Follow.

The start player may reveal whichever card they like when they are the first to reveal a card. If a player has more than one candidate Scanner Card they are allowed to reveal, they may freely choose among them.

How to Play Cards

[Buddy — 2 players]

The start player chooses one Scanner Card from their hand and reveals it face up.
The other player chooses one Scanner Card from their hand and reveals it face up (following Must Follow).
The start player chooses another Scanner Card and reveals it. (Must Follow also applies to the start player here.)
The other player chooses another Scanner Card and reveals it. (If they have no card of the Lead Color left in hand, they may reveal a different color.)

[Party — 3-4 players]

Starting with the start player and proceeding clockwise, each player chooses one Scanner Card from their hand and reveals it face up, following Must Follow. (If a player has no card of the Lead Color left in hand, they may reveal a different color.)

Judging the Decision Card

Following the rule below, decide (the "Decision") which of all the revealed Scanner Cards will be used in the "2. Select a Scanner Piece" phase.

Normally, the Scanner Card of the Lead Color with the highest number is chosen. The chosen card is called the Decision Card.

However, if at the time of judgment a card of the same color as the top card currently in the Decision Card Space is included among the revealed cards, the judgment method changes as follows: in that case, the Decision Card becomes the card with the highest number among the cards matching the color of the top card of the Decision Card Space.

Note: the Decision Card Space holds whichever card became the Decision Card in the previous round. On round 1, nothing is there yet, so in that case treat the color of the Decision Card Space itself (purple) as "the color of the top card."

Phase 2: Select a Scanner Piece

This phase is carried out by the player who revealed the Scanner Card that became the Decision Card in Phase 1.

The active player checks the Scanner Piece that corresponds to the Decision Card. Then, if they are able to use a "Skill," they declare whether they will use one, and if so, which kind. The available Skills are described below.

If not using a Skill: the Scanner Piece corresponding to the Decision Card is selected.

If using a Skill: a Skill can be used by spending one Skill Counter. A Skill's effect can change, or add to, the Scanner Piece(s) to be placed. If there is no Skill Counter left to spend, a Skill cannot be used. Also, only one Skill may be used per round.

When a Skill is used, flip one Skill Counter face down to show that it has been used. Also declare to the other players, so that it is clear, which Scanner Piece(s) were selected as a result.

After that, place the Decision Card on top of the Decision Card Space, and set the rest of the revealed Scanner Cards aside as a discard pile at the edge of the table. Players may check the Scanner Cards in the Decision Card Space, or in the discard pile, at any time during play.

When No Scanner Piece Can Be Selected

If the piece corresponding to the Decision Card has already been used, and even using a Skill leaves no unused piece available to select, then no Scanner Piece can be selected. Skip the next "3. Place the Scanner Piece" phase, and proceed to the "Check the Round Count" step of "4. Check for Mission Clear."

Available Skills

1. Double Scan

If all of the revealed Scanner Cards are the same color, then in addition to the Scanner Piece corresponding to the Decision Card, you may also select the Scanner Piece corresponding to the revealed Scanner Card with the lowest number.

Example: if every revealed Scanner Card is the Lead Color, Double Scan can be used. In that case, using it selects both the Scanner Piece for the highest value revealed (e.g. 7) and the Scanner Piece for the lowest value revealed (e.g. 2).

Example where Double Scan cannot be used: if the revealed Scanner Cards are not all the same color, Double Scan cannot be used — for instance, if the 4th card revealed is a different color from the Lead Color.

[Buddy only] In addition to Double Scan, the following two Skills can also be used:

2. Wild Color

You may change the Scanner Piece to be selected from the one corresponding to the Decision Card to a different-colored Scanner Piece with the same number. For example, using Wild Color, instead of the Green 6 piece you may select the Yellow 6, Red 6, Blue 6, or Purple 6 piece. However, you cannot select a Scanner Piece that has already been placed.

3. Shift Change

You may change the Scanner Piece to be selected from the one corresponding to the Decision Card to a Scanner Piece of the same color whose number is one higher or one lower. If the Decision Card is an 8, you cannot shift up by one; likewise, if the Decision Card is a 1, you cannot shift down by one. For example, using Shift Change, instead of the Green 6 piece you may select the Green 5 or Green 7 piece. However, you cannot select a Scanner Piece that has already been placed.

Note: unlike Double Scan, Wild Color and Shift Change can be used even when the revealed Scanner Cards are not all the same color.

Phase 3: Place the Scanner Piece

This phase, too, is carried out by the player who revealed the Scanner Card that became the Decision Card in Phase 1.

The active player decides where on the game board to place the Scanner Piece(s) selected in Phase 2, and places them there. Follow the placement rules below.

Placement Rules

The piece must not extend beyond the 12x12 grid.
It must not overlap an already-placed Mission Piece or Scanner Piece.
It must not be adjacent, sharing an edge, with an already-placed Scanner Piece of the same color.
An already-placed Scanner Piece cannot be moved.
A Scanner Piece may be placed showing either its front or its back.
It may be placed in an empty space that is not adjacent to any other piece.
It may be placed adjacent to a Mission Piece of a different color.

Note: be aware that this can sometimes make it impossible to satisfy a mission's clear condition later on.

Some examples of legal placement: a piece may be placed anywhere in an empty space; a Scanner Piece may be placed showing either its front or its back; a piece may be placed touching a Mission Piece of a different color; and a piece may be placed near a same-colored Scanner Piece as long as they do not actually share an edge.

Some examples of illegal placement: a piece cannot be placed so that it extends beyond the 12x12 grid; two same-colored Scanner Pieces cannot be placed sharing an edge; and a piece cannot be placed overlapping another piece.

When There Is Nowhere to Place the Piece

If the Scanner Piece cannot be placed anywhere within the 12x12 grid, the mission fails and the game ends. If the active player judges that the Scanner Piece cannot be placed anywhere on the grid, they must declare this. Afterward, all players must together reconfirm that there is truly nowhere to place it; once everyone has confirmed this, end the game.

Phase 4: Check for Mission Clear

A mission's clear condition is to complete the scan of the number of Mission Pieces specified for that mission. Check the current mission's clear condition in the mission list, and confirm whether it has been satisfied.

If the clear condition is satisfied, the mission is a success. End the game, and share the joy with all the players!

Check the Round Count

If the clear condition is not satisfied, and the specified number of rounds has not yet been reached, proceed to the next round. The player who revealed the Scanner Card that became the Decision Card this round (i.e. who carried out Phases 2 and 3) becomes the start player for the next round.

If the specified number of rounds is reached without satisfying the clear condition, the mission fails and the game ends.

Note: when playing with 3 players under the Party rules, 3 cards will remain unused in hand once round 10 ends.

Scan Completion Condition

"Completing the scan" of a Mission Piece means that both of the following are satisfied:

Every edge of the Mission Piece is surrounded by Scanner Pieces.
Every edge of the Mission Piece that has a color on it is surrounded by a Scanner Piece of that same color.

Example of a completed scan: every edge of the Mission Piece is surrounded, and every colored edge is surrounded by a Scanner Piece of the same color.

Example of an incomplete scan: every edge of the Mission Piece is surrounded, but a colored edge is not surrounded by a Scanner Piece of the same color.

This concludes the explanation of the rules. The pages that follow are the mission lists.

Mission List — Buddy Edition

Each mission is presented with a mission number and difficulty rating, the serial numbers and names of the Mission Pieces it uses (the serial number is printed on the back of each Mission Piece), and its clear condition, given as scans completed / Mission Pieces placed — not every mission requires completing the scan of every Mission Piece placed. Each mission page also shows a diagram of the exact starting placement of its Mission Pieces on the board; since that diagram is image-only, it is not reproduced here, and the piece list and clear condition below give the information needed to set the mission up.

MISSION #B-1 — Difficulty ☆☆☆☆☆

"I'm April, and I'll be supporting you. Nice to meet you. Getting right to it — it seems a mutant variety of 'Kakapo' has been discovered nearby. The target is just one bird, but if you can't coordinate, clearing it will be difficult. First, make sure to check each other's movements."

Target: LV1-1 Purple Kakapo
Clear condition: Scan complete 1/1

MISSION #B-2 — Difficulty ★☆☆☆☆

"Good work on your first mission. Did you get the hang of the moves? You just got back, but here's the next mission. Apparently an Emu has been chasing a Swallow around. This time there are two targets. Coordination will matter even more than last time, so don't forget to grasp the situation."

Targets: LV1-13 Swallow 2, LV1-10 Emu 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #B-3 — Difficulty ★☆☆☆☆

"You handled two birds calmly. I think you're gradually getting better at coordinating. As for the next mission — someone claims to have seen a phoenix in the westernmost country. It shouldn't even exist... what could this mean? Go find out."

Targets: LV1-6 Puffin 1, LV1-9 Quetzal 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #B-4 — Difficulty ★☆☆☆☆

"So the 'phoenix' turned out to be a Quetzal after all... Well done. By the way, another Quetzal has been discovered. And apparently an Emu is chasing it around again. You've scanned both of these before, but a different combination makes it a different challenge, so don't let your guard down."

Targets: LV1-8 Quetzal 1, LV1-11 Emu 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #B-5 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"Good work. Your reputation within the organization is excellent. This time, a mutant Kakapo has reportedly been found in the southern forest. The scholars have named this mutant 'Raphael.' It's a rare species with only one individual confirmed. Go scan it right away!"

Target: LV1-2 Red Kakapo
Clear condition: Scan complete 1/1

MISSION #B-6 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"I believed you could scan Raphael. It seems mutant Kakapos are being discovered one after another in various places. This time it's in the eastern forest. Codename: 'Leonardo.' We can't afford to fall behind the other teams. Head there right away!"

Target: LV1-3 Blue Kakapo
Clear condition: Scan complete 1/1

MISSION #B-7 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"You've got the Leonardo case down to a science. Next is the most important one: an original species called 'the progenitor of Kakapo,' named 'Splinter,' has been sighted in the northern forest. It was said to have gone extinct long ago, but who would have thought it would actually be found. This one is your assignment too. Go right away!"

Target: LV1-4 Green Kakapo
Clear condition: Scan complete 1/1

MISSION #B-8 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"Splendid work scanning Splinter. Thanks to your track record, the scanning of the last mutant, 'Michelangelo' in the west, is also your assignment. This is a direct appointment from the director, so don't mess it up, okay?"

Target: LV1-5 Yellow Kakapo
Clear condition: Scan complete 1/1

MISSION #B-9 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"Congratulations on clearing all the Kakapos. Word has come that you're to be assigned to the director's own elite team. I'm quite proud of that. The next mission is to scan the Ogre Toucan, which many teams have failed to do. There should be a Duck nearby too, so complete the scan of both."

Targets: LV2-1 Ogre Toucan 1, LV2-5 Duck 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #B-10 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"The Ogre Toucan was a breeze once it was in your hands. Your assignment to the director's team has now been officially decided. I'm happy your efforts have been recognized, but it's a little bit lonely too. This will be the last mission I oversee for you, but I'll keep praying for your continued success!"

Targets: LV2-3 Wyvern, LV2-5 Duck 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #B-11 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"Congratulations, both of you, on your assignment to my team. This is where teams with especially strong track records within the organization gather — the so-called elite! The missions here won't be as easy-going as before. Let's see what you're made of first. You've come this far, so I have high expectations."

Targets: LV2-2 Flamingo, LV2-4 Peacock 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #B-12 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"Well done. You live up to the rumors. But this is where it really begins. From now on, you'll be in charge of a major habitat area where many birds gather. There may still be mutant species there, so this mission also serves as a preliminary survey. Make sure to reliably scan two birds."

Targets: LV2-3 Wyvern, LV2-5 Duck 1, LV2-4 Peacock 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #B-13 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"Good work. I was surprised there were still Wyverns around. In any case, we now know this area has many rare species. That's thanks to you. From now on, this area will likely become the center of our activities. Stay sharp."

Targets: LV2-2 Flamingo, LV2-5 Duck 1, LV2-1 Ogre Toucan 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #B-14 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"Thanks to your efforts, the research team has been gathering a great deal of biological data. As a result, we've been able to start working not only on species preservation, but also on the restoration of especially rare species. This too can be counted as one of your achievements. Keep up the good work."

Targets: LV2-2 Flamingo, LV2-1 Ogre Toucan 1, LV2-4 Peacock 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #B-15 — Difficulty ★★★★☆

"Another fine job this time. For the next mission, you'll head to the northern area. A rarely-seen Long-tailed Tit has reportedly been discovered. It's a harsh environment known as 'the land that puts you to the test,' but you, who are more skilled with a scanner than anyone, should be fine."

Targets: LV3-1 Ogre Toucan 2, LV3-2 Peacock 2, LV3-4 Long-tailed Tit
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #B-16 — Difficulty ★★★★☆

"The Long-tailed Tit... what a cute creature. If it weren't a protected species, I'd want to capture one myself. The research team has apparently succeeded in cloning a rare species. Let's go ahead and send the Long-tailed Tit's data right away too. The preservation of species is progressing steadily."

Targets: LV3-1 Ogre Toucan 2, LV3-2 Peacock 2, LV3-3 Duck 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #B-17 — Difficulty ★★★★☆

"Your teamwork always amazes me. There's probably no team in this organization as skilled as you. As for the next mission, a Turaco has been discovered. It seems this area still has many more rare species in it. Head out right away."

Targets: LV3-5 Turaco, LV3-3 Duck 2, LV3-4 Long-tailed Tit
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #B-18 — Difficulty ★★★★★

"Bad news. It seems clones have escaped from the research facility. And apparently not just one. The investigation team is searching desperately right now, so once they're found, you'll be sent to investigate. The next mission covers the area with the largest gathering of birds we've seen yet. I'm counting on you."

Targets: LV3-1 Ogre Toucan 2, LV3-5 Turaco, LV3-4 Long-tailed Tit, LV3-3 Duck 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/4

MISSION #B-19 — Difficulty ★★★★★

"Yet another new species has been confirmed. A pair of Archaeopteryx. It's extremely difficult to scan, and this will likely be an especially challenging mission unlike any before. Naturally, there's no one but you I can entrust this to. This mission will carry the organization's prestige. I'm counting on you."

Targets: LV4-1 Archaeopteryx 1, LV4-2 Archaeopteryx 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #B-20 — Difficulty ★★★★★

"The clone individuals that escaped the other day have reportedly been found. And what's more, all in the same place. Could such a thing really happen? I have a bad feeling about this. Go investigate what on earth is going on. This will be your final mission. Good luck!"

Target: LV??? King Kakapo
Clear condition: Scan complete 1/1

About King Kakapo's Scan Condition

For King Kakapo, the inner edges where its Mission Pieces touch each other are not included in the scan condition. The edges that count are the outer perimeter formed by joining together the outer edges where the Mission Pieces do not touch each other — treat this as if it were one single large piece, and aim to satisfy the scan-completion condition for it as a whole.

This concludes all of The Kakapo: Buddy missions. Thank you for playing! Please also try the Party rules and the Free Missions!

Mission List — Party Edition

As with the Buddy missions, each mission below shows its number and difficulty, the Mission Pieces it uses, and its clear condition; the printed starting-placement diagram for each mission is image-only and is not reproduced here.

MISSION #P-1 — Difficulty ☆☆☆☆☆

Target: LV1-1 Purple Kakapo
Clear condition: Scan complete 1/1

MISSION #P-2 — Difficulty ★☆☆☆☆

Targets: LV1-13 Swallow 2, LV1-10 Emu 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #P-3 — Difficulty ★☆☆☆☆

Targets: LV1-6 Puffin 1, LV1-9 Quetzal 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #P-4 — Difficulty ★☆☆☆☆

Targets: LV1-8 Quetzal 1, LV1-11 Emu 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #P-5 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"Good work. Even when the combinations change, you're managing to coordinate well. Your reputation within the organization is excellent too. The next mission is to scan the Ogre Toucan, which many teams have failed at. Since this will be your first time with both of these, approach it with care."

Targets: LV2-1 Ogre Toucan 1, LV2-5 Duck 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #P-6 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"The Ogre Toucan was a breeze once it was in your hands. As for the next mission — a Wyvern has actually been found. It's a giant winged dragon said to be the ancestor of birds, thought to have gone extinct long, long ago. If you succeed at this, everyone will surely acknowledge your ability."

Targets: LV2-3 Wyvern, LV2-5 Duck 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #P-7 — Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

"Scanning the Wyvern was quite the achievement. Word of your reputation is spreading, and this team is increasingly being requested by name for assignments. The next mission also has a new-species target, but if you can coordinate the way you have so far, you should be able to clear it."

Targets: LV2-2 Flamingo, LV2-4 Peacock 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

MISSION #P-8 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"Your work has been recognized, and from now on you'll be in charge of a major habitat with many species. Since there are more birds in this area, grasping the situation and communicating with each other will matter even more than before. Don't let the sheer numbers overwhelm you."

Targets: LV2-3 Wyvern, LV2-5 Duck 1, LV2-4 Peacock 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #P-9 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"Good work. Your situational awareness and coordination, even with a Wyvern in the mix, have reached quite an impressive level. Word has come that you're to be assigned to the director's own elite team. I'm quite proud of that. The missions from here on will continue to be difficult, so don't let your guard down."

Targets: LV2-2 Flamingo, LV2-5 Duck 1, LV2-1 Ogre Toucan 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #P-10 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"You've become able to deliver results consistently. Your assignment to the director's team has now been officially decided. I'm happy your efforts have been recognized, but it's a little bit lonely too. This will be the last mission I oversee for you, but I'll keep praying for your continued success!"

Targets: LV2-2 Flamingo, LV2-1 Ogre Toucan 1, LV2-4 Peacock 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #P-11 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"Everyone, congratulations on your assignment to my team. This is where teams with especially strong track records within the organization gather — the so-called elite! The missions here won't be as easy-going as before. Let's see what you're made of first. You've come this far, so I have high expectations."

Targets: LV1-13 Swallow 2, LV1-11 Emu 2, LV1-9 Quetzal 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 3/3

MISSION #P-12 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"Well done. You live up to the rumors. But this is where it really begins. There will be more sites with rare species and larger numbers of birds. Stay sharp. The next mission includes a Kakapo for the first time in a while. It should be a good chance to remember your roots. Go make sure to check each other's movements again."

Targets: LV1-1 Purple Kakapo, LV1-6 Puffin 1, LV1-8 Quetzal 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 3/3

MISSION #P-13 — Difficulty ★★★☆☆

"Splendid work again this time. It seems your teamwork is the real deal. Thanks to your efforts, the research team has been gathering a great deal of biological data. This too can be counted as one of your achievements. Keep up the good work."

Targets: LV1-12 Swallow 1, LV1-7 Puffin 2, LV1-10 Emu 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 3/3

MISSION #P-14 — Difficulty ★★★★☆

Targets: LV3-1 Ogre Toucan 2, LV3-2 Peacock 2, LV3-4 Long-tailed Tit
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #P-15 — Difficulty ★★★★☆

Targets: LV3-1 Ogre Toucan 2, LV3-2 Peacock 2, LV3-3 Duck 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #P-16 — Difficulty ★★★★☆

Targets: LV3-5 Turaco, LV3-3 Duck 2, LV3-4 Long-tailed Tit
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/3

MISSION #P-17 — Difficulty ★★★★★

"A major breeding ground for the Ogre Toucan has been found. You've scanned a few of them so far, but succeeding at this mission would be a big step forward in analyzing this species. You've overcome difficulties to get this far. I'm sure you'll manage well."

Targets: LV3-1 Ogre Toucan 2, LV2-1 Ogre Toucan 1, LV1-10 Emu 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 3/3

MISSION #P-18 — Difficulty ★★★★★

"Including the Ogre Toucan, we're on the verge of achieving our initial target data count for many species. That means our mission is heading toward its final stage. But we still haven't gotten every species aboard this ark. To save every last species, head to the next site."

Targets: LV3-5 Turaco, LV2-3 Wyvern, LV1-8 Quetzal 1
Clear condition: Scan complete 3/3

MISSION #P-19 — Difficulty ★★★★★

"Splendid work. There's surely no team that can outdo you now. The next mission covers the area with the largest gathering of birds we've seen yet. It's a mission more difficult than any before, but I trust in your teamwork. I'm counting on you."

Targets: LV3-1 Ogre Toucan 2, LV3-5 Turaco, LV3-4 Long-tailed Tit, LV3-3 Duck 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/4

MISSION #P-20 — Difficulty ★★★★★

"This will be the final mission. Many teams have attempted this Archaeopteryx before, but every single one has failed. You'll need situational judgment, teamwork, and even luck on your side. There's no one but you who can accomplish this. I'm counting on you."

Targets: LV4-1 Archaeopteryx 1, LV4-2 Archaeopteryx 2
Clear condition: Scan complete 2/2

This concludes all of The Kakapo: Party missions. Thank you for playing! Please also try the Buddy rules and the Free Missions!

Free Mission

This is a place for Free Missions. Using this as a simulator, you can freely take on missions of your own devising. You could slightly change the placement of a regular mission to adjust its difficulty, or set up a completely new, higher-difficulty challenge to take on.

Set up your own placement of Mission Pieces and your own clear condition, and give it a try! How you arrange them is entirely up to you. If you want to practice with friends, or if the regular missions aren't challenging enough and you want to try something harder, we'd love for you to help liven up the world of "The Kakapo: Buddy & Party" together with us!

When You Clear a Free Mission

Please post a photo to Twitter with the hashtags "#TheKakapo" and either "#Buddy" or "#Party"! You can also scan the QR code (printed in the rulebook) to go straight there.

FAQ

Q. Does the start player of the first round have to play the Purple 8 Scanner Card?

A. No. The Purple 8 card is only checked to determine the start player — you may choose to play whichever card you like.

Q. Is it okay to discuss as a team where to place what next?

A. Basically, no. That said, since this might be your first time playing, or someone in the group might not be used to board games, if everyone agrees, it's fine to loosen the rule a little within a range that keeps it enjoyable.

Q. We just can't clear the mission at all...

A. Try a different way of placing pieces. There's more than one solution. For small-numbered Scanner Pieces that rarely become the Decision Card, try using Skills effectively.

Q. We can't use Double Scan well, and end up with leftover Skill Counters...

A. Double Scan often can't be used in the later part of a mission. It might be a good idea to go ahead and use it boldly early on.

Q. Is it okay to play a Buddy mission with 4 players, or a Party mission with 2 players?

A. That's fine, but note that some missions may become impossible to clear due to differences in available Skills or the number of rounds.

Epilogue

"Thanks to the team's efforts, we've gathered plenty of data. Now we can finally take a long-overdue vacation!"

"Yes. All of the scanned data has been transmitted to the gene bank. The operators on the other end should be able to take it from here."

"EMERGENCY ALERT! EMERGENCY ALERT!"

"This is bad! An alert has gone off at the gene bank! Someone is deleting the data at the data center!"

"What!? Is this the work of a hostile faction!? Can we do anything about it!?"

"No good! 90% of the data has already been deleted!"

"This can't be... something irreversible has happened. There's no other way. You, over there!"

"Me!?"

"Get into this device and go back 100 years. Then redo the scan of every bird species' biological data!"

"Director! That dial is off by one digit! It's set to 1000 years ago!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAH!"