Did you know that some of the modern games that we enjoy today are based on ancient games that were created centuries ago? Many modern games are just spin-offs or spiced-up versions of older kinds of games. And Ludo King is one of these games. It is a modern version of an Indian royal game called Pachisi, but it’s much more straightforward than the ancient game. In this article, let’s explore the history and development of the timeless game, Ludo.
Tracing the Origins and Evolution of the Classic Game of Ludo
Evidence of the game first appeared in the caves of Ellora. It was created in Ancient India during the 6th century and played by Indian Kings and Queens. In the original version, it was described in Mahabharata where Pandavas put Draupadi on the stake. Another name for the game is “Chopad,” but this is considered a contemporary version that was played by the Mughal emperors of India.
How It Was Renamed
When India was colonized, the English adopted and modified the game. It was renamed and patented as “Ludo” in England in 1896. The Royal Navy also took an interest and converted it into the board game, “Uckers”. There are other derivations of the game, and it is called by different names too. For example, it is known as Parcheesi in the United States. In Spain, it’s called Parchis, while in Colombia, it is called Parques. In Ghana, it is called “Six mi Ludo.”
How To Play Ludo King
Ludo King is a strategy board game, and it has a simple and straightforward gameplay. The game happens on a board that has four colored areas, and each one is assigned to a player. A player chooses colored tokens to identify themselves and their home base. The game can be played by 2 to 6 players. Each player is provided with 4 tokens at the start of the game. The player who successfully places all his/her tokens to the center of the board wins.
Basic Rules of the Game
- Players can only move out from their base if they manage to roll a six.
- After a player rolls out a six, other players can get their turn to roll the dice.
- A turn is skipped when a player rolls six three times in a row.
- A player gets another dice roll when a token crosses the finish line.
- When a token is captured by another player, the player who captured it gets another dice roll.
- There are about eight safe colored and starred squares on the board.
- The player’s tokens must exit the player’s base and move around the board in order to succeed.
Playing Ludo King on Mobile and PC
From being a traditional board game, Ludo King also found its way to modern devices such as mobiles and PCs. Now that the game can be played digitally, its gameplay has evolved quite a bit. Players can now choose different game modes and enjoy new features that were never experienced before. Below are just some of these.
1. Playing Against AI (Computer)
This mode allows players to play against two to four AI players. This means that a player can now enjoy the game solo. Playing against AI generally does not require an Internet connection, so it’s a great mode for practicing and mastering the game.
2. Multiplayer Mode
This is a bit tricky (depending on the device that you are using). Although you get to enjoy Ludo King with actual friends or family, this means that you also have to take turns using the device.
3. Multiplayer Online Mode
This is more exciting because you get to challenge other players from different parts of the world in real time! However, this would require a stable Internet connection to be enjoyed.
4. Playing With Online Friends
This is another multiplayer mode that lets you create a special lobby (like a group chat), so you can play Ludo King with the friends you have made online.
The history of Ludo has evolved throughout time, starting from ancient India and continuing to the present-day digital version. It has consistently been enjoyed by players of all ages and backgrounds, from Indian royalty to British colonizers, and the general public, proving to be both entertaining and challenging.
