Too Many Bones Unbreakable: Gearloc Setup and Early Tyrant Tips
By Chip Theory Games | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to setting up your Gearlocs and handling the first Tyrant in Too Many Bones: Unbreakable, with common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Start by choosing Gearlocs that cover both damage and support, then prioritize unlocking key skills before the first Tyrant encounter. Keep your party's action economy efficient and avoid spreading experience too thin. For your first run, focus on learning the new Unbreakable mechanics rather than chasing a perfect win.
Choose a balanced starting party
Before you set up the encounter, pick Gearlocs that complement each other. A mix of ranged and melee abilities helps handle the varied Baddies you'll face. If you're playing with Gasket, note that its hydro valve and multiple modes allow it to blitz, blast, ram, and scram, making it a flexible addition. Avoid taking only high-damage Gearlocs with no support; you'll struggle to manage incoming threats.
Prepare the Tyrant and Baddie pools
Set up the Tyrant and Baddie pools according to the scenario. Unbreakable introduces new Baddie types, so separate any special ones from the standard pool to avoid confusion. Double-check that you have the correct number of Baddie chips for your player count. A common mistake is mixing in Baddies from other Too Many Bones sets, which can unbalance the encounter.
Allocate starting skill points wisely
Each Gearloc starts with a set of skills. Before the first turn, review your options and invest in abilities that will help you survive the early rounds. For example, if you're using a Gearloc with a defensive skill, unlocking it early can prevent costly damage. Don't hoard points for later; the first Tyrant can be aggressive. A checkpoint: ensure every Gearloc has at least one active skill ready to use.
Position your Gearlocs for the first encounter
Place your Gearlocs on the Battle Mat with attention to range and line of sight. Melee Gearlocs should be close to the front, while ranged Gearlocs stay back. If you have a Gearloc like Gasket, use its mobility to reposition as needed. Avoid clumping all Gearlocs together; area effects from Baddies can punish that. Check that each Gearloc can reach a target or support an ally on turn one.
Step-by-step: Gearloc setup and early Tyrant tips
- Select Gearlocs with complementary roles: Choose at least one Gearloc with healing or support abilities and one with high damage output. If you have Gasket, consider using it as a hybrid. Checkpoint: Can your party handle both single-target and group threats?
- Review the Tyrant's abilities before setup: Read the Tyrant card and note any special rules or Baddie types. Prepare the Baddie pool accordingly, removing any that don't apply. Common mistake: Forgetting to include Tyrant-specific Baddies, which can make the encounter too easy.
- Spend starting skill points immediately: Unlock at least one active skill per Gearloc before the first turn. Prioritize skills that mitigate damage or control Baddies. Checkpoint: Every Gearloc should have a usable skill on turn one.
- Set up the Battle Mat with clear front and back lines: Place melee Gearlocs in front, ranged in back. Keep them within support range but not clustered. Common mistake: Leaving ranged Gearlocs too close to melee, exposing them to unnecessary attacks.
- Plan your first turn around action economy: Use skills that grant extra actions or reduce enemy actions. Focus fire on one Baddie to reduce incoming damage quickly. Checkpoint: Did you eliminate at least one Baddie in the first round?
Product facts
- Too Many Bones: Unbreakable: Too Many Bones: Unbreakable is a base game that continues the story after the death of Nobulous Grint, with Gearlocs going underground. This set introduces new mechanics and a campaign-style narrative, so it's ideal for players who want a fresh start with different challenges.
- Too Many Bones: Gasket (The Hydromech): Gasket (The Hydromech) is an expansion Gearloc with a pumping hydro valve and multiple modes of Baddie dismemberment, capable of blitzing, blasting, ramming, and scramming. Gasket adds versatility to your party, able to adapt to different situations, making it a strong pick for players who like flexible tactics.
