King of Tokyo
Roll dice to attack rivals, heal, gain energy and score points while giant monsters fight for control of Tokyo.
Roll six dice up to three times to generate attacks, healing, energy and matching-number victory points.
Entering Tokyo increases scoring pressure and broadens attacks, while energy buys power cards that can permanently change a monster’s capabilities.
Why We Love It
King of Tokyo makes occupying Tokyo both powerful and dangerous. Staying there earns points and lets your attacks hit everyone outside, but you cannot heal normally while holding the city.
About King of Tokyo
Roll six dice up to three times to generate attacks, healing, energy and matching-number victory points.
Entering Tokyo increases scoring pressure and broadens attacks, while energy buys power cards that can permanently change a monster’s capabilities.
Game at a Glance
Roll and Reroll
Shape each turn through up to three dice rolls.
Attack Rivals
Claws damage opponents, with Tokyo changing who can hit whom.
Manage Health
Healing matters because the monster in Tokyo cannot recover normally.
Control Tokyo
Hold the city for points, but leave before the damage becomes fatal.
What is King of Tokyo?
King of Tokyo is Richard Garfield’s monster-battle dice game. Players control giant creatures competing to reach 20 victory points or eliminate every rival.
IELLO’s current standard edition supports 2–6 players, ages 8+, in about 30 minutes.
How the game works
On your turn, roll six dice up to three times, keeping and rerolling results as you choose. Dice can produce victory points, attacks, healing and Energy.
Only one monster occupies Tokyo at a time in the basic structure. Being in Tokyo helps score points and changes who your attacks hit, but monsters in Tokyo normally cannot heal from heart results. Energy can be spent on Power cards that alter abilities and tactical options.
The decisions that define it
The core tradeoff is whether to stay in Tokyo for points and pressure or leave before incoming damage becomes too dangerous.
Rerolls also matter because chasing a perfect result can sacrifice reliable healing, points or Energy already available.
Who is it for?
Choose King of Tokyo if your group enjoys dice, direct attacks and quick dramatic swings.
If you prefer luck management without player elimination, compare The Quacks of Quedlinburg.
Learn King of Tokyo in depth
Publisher sources & scope
Checked September 15, 2026. This hub covers the identified current base or standalone edition. Use the publisher rulebook for exact card, tile and special-effect interactions.