BoardGameArchiveHow to Play Pipeline: Pipes, Crude Oil & Refining
Learn Pipeline base-game rules: take actions, buy pipes, build refinery networks, purchase crude oil, run machines, store refined products, fulfill orders and manage three years.
Pipeline is a three-year economic game about buying crude oil, refining it through pipe networks and selling the output at the right time.
Pipeline is a three-year economic game about buying crude oil, refining it through pipe networks and selling the output at the right time.
At a glance
Learn Pipeline base-game rules: take actions, buy pipes, build refinery networks, purchase crude oil, run machines, store refined products, fulfill orders and manage three years.
About this guide
Pipeline is a three-year economic game about buying crude oil, refining it through pipe networks and selling the output at the right time.
What this guide covers
Take one action
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Build pipe networks
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Buy crude oil
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Run the refinery
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Take one action
Spend an action to buy pipes, acquire oil, refine, take upgrades, fulfill contracts/orders or use other legal market spaces.
Build pipe networks
Purchase and place pipe tiles so continuous paths reach the lengths required to refine specific oil colors and grades.
Buy crude oil
Acquire crude from the available market, paying current prices and respecting storage limits.
Run the refinery
Move oil through qualifying pipe paths to improve its grade. Refining can happen manually or through machine/automation systems where available.
Store products
Tanks let you hold crude or refined oil for future processing or better sale opportunities.
Fulfill orders and contracts
Sell the required oil grades to available buyers or contract spaces for money and bonuses.
Upgrades
Upgrades improve action efficiency, storage, refining or market access.
Three-year structure
Costs and pressure increase as the game advances. Final scoring converts your business, money and remaining assets under the base rules.