Mandate of Heaven is a deck-builder for 2-4 players. Each player takes on the role of Chinese nobility, vying to prove they have the Mandate of Heaven through military strength and efficient administration. The game features a unique card acquisition mechanic, multiple paths to victory and lots of direct player interaction. The players struggle to control Provinces (positions at the start of 4 rows of cards), from which they can gain unclaimed cards currently on the board. The goal is to acquire tiles from the ends of each row. The tiles, which generate victory points at the end of the game, represent your dynasty's cultural and historical achievements. The more cards you have in play, the higher the tax you must collect from your populace. Tax is discarded directly from your hand, and eventually, you will not be able to maintain your growing empire. Collapse is inevitable! Players develop their provinces, fight for position in Provinces and collapse until one of the end-game conditions is met. Then everybody counts up their Victory Points. The person with the most Victory Points clearly has the Mandate of Heaven!