Scythe Rules FAQ: Factory, Objectives, Resources, Tunnels & Encounters
This Scythe rules FAQ answers base-game questions that do not need a full combat, movement or scoring guide. It follows the current Stonemaier multiplayer rules and FAQ/errata; expansion modules and Automa can change some answers.
Quick links: Factory · objectives · resources · encounters · tunnels and Mines · action timing · stars and scoring.
How does the Factory work in Scythe?
How do you get a Factory card?
The first time your character reaches the Factory territory, choose one of the remaining Factory cards. During setup, the Factory deck contains a random number of cards equal to the player count plus one, so earlier visitors have more choices.
Can a mech or worker take a Factory card?
No. The Factory-card benefit is tied to your character reaching the Factory.
Can you change your Factory card later?
No. Once selected, that Factory card becomes your additional action option for the rest of the game.
Does the Factory produce resources?
No. The Factory is a special territory and does not produce one of the four standard resources.
How much is the Factory worth at the end?
For endgame territory scoring, control of the Factory counts as three territories rather than one.
Can Rusviet repeat the Factory action?
Current publisher errata prevents Rusviet from using Relentless to select a Factory card on consecutive turns. See Scythe factions and Player Mats for the related faction rule.
How do objective cards work?
Players begin with objective cards according to their Player Mat setup. When you fulfill the requirements of an objective at the permitted timing, you may reveal it and place an objective star. In the normal base game, a player can place at most one star for objectives; Saxony’s Dominate ability is the notable faction exception to the usual objective/combat-star limits.
Do not treat an objective card as a private pile of endgame victory points. Its main base-game value is the star when its condition is legally completed.
Where do resources go after production?
Resources stay on the board territory where they are produced. They are not moved into a private off-board inventory. You spend resources you control, and territory control therefore matters economically as well as for final scoring.
Can resources move by themselves?
No. Resources do not independently take Move actions. Their location changes through control and transport rules associated with units. For movement details, use the Scythe movement guide.
When do encounters happen?
Encounter tokens are resolved by the character, not by workers or mechs. When your character reaches a territory containing an encounter token under the encounter rules, resolve the card and remove the token after the encounter.
Most factions choose one encounter option. Polania’s Meander ability changes that by allowing the faction to choose up to two options when resolving an encounter.
How do tunnels and Mine structures work?
Printed tunnel territories are connected to one another for movement as described in the rulebook. The Mine structure adds its territory to the tunnel network for the player who has access to that structure’s ability.
Tunnels are different from Riverwalk. Riverwalk gives faction-specific permission to cross particular river boundaries after the relevant mech is deployed; tunnels connect designated territories. See Riverwalk, lakes, tunnels and unit movement.
Can you do both actions on a Player Mat section?
Yes. After selecting a legal Player Mat section, you may perform its top-row action, bottom-row action, both, or neither when legal. If you perform both, resolve the top-row action before the bottom-row action.
Do you have to pay for the bottom action?
Yes. A bottom-row action requires its currently visible cost. Upgrades can change the printed economy by moving technology cubes between benefits and costs.
Can you choose the same section next turn?
Normally no. Your action token must move to a different legal section. Rusviet’s Relentless faction ability is the main base-game exception, subject to the current Factory-card erratum.
Does six stars mean you win?
No. Placing a sixth star triggers the end of the base game immediately, but the winner is determined by final coins after scoring stars, territories, resources and structure bonuses through the player’s popularity tier.
See Scythe stars and game-end rules and Scythe scoring explained for the full sequence.
More common Scythe rules
- Scythe setup guide
- Complete How to Play Scythe guide
- Combat: power, cards, ties and retreats
- Movement, Riverwalk, lakes and tunnels
- Factions, Player Mats and banned combinations
- Scythe strategy guide
- Scythe board game hub
Official sources
Checked September 27, 2026. Base multiplayer game unless a faction exception is specifically identified.