Don't Fall Through! - Strategic Board Game

Step into the world of "Don't Fall Through!" an exciting reimagining of the classic board game that adds thrilling new twists and strategic elements! This engaging game combines luck, strategy, and a dash of mischief as players navigate a treacherous 7x7 grid while trying to avoid falling through unexpected holes.

A fully customizable strategy game for families, friends, and creative minds! Build, modify, and play your way through this 7x7 grid of challenges. With endless design possibilities and gameplay twists, this is a game that evolves as you do. At Ozarkexpeditions, we always try to design our games and toys with replay value in mind. 

📣 Custom Step Files Now Available! - Create your own custom game play by downloading the STEP files for the game board and sliders. It's very easy to use the negatives where you would like to create a hole and simply Boolean remove it from the part. You have my permission to post your own creations from your game board on MakerWorld, but only the game board, please include a link for folks to download the base game here. Thanks!

Design Features

• 3D printable game board with sliding rows and columns
• Create your own games
• Multiple game modes for varied play experiences
• Perfect for family game nights or friendly competitions
• Designed for 2-4 players, ages 6 and up

Game Components

• 1 main game board (7x7 grid)
• 14 sliding row/column pieces
• 4 set of 3 color marbles (3 per player)
• 1 six-sided die
• Various interchangeable game plates

Maker's Notes & Assembly

We've included STEP files for the game plate design, allowing makers to create and share their own custom variations. Whether you want to modify the hole patterns, add special spaces, or create themed versions, the possibilities are endless! Share your custom game plate designs by uploading them as new print profiles.

Basic Game Rules

Setup

• Assemble the game board with your chosen game plate:
  • The youngest player will choose the position of the sliders for the first game.
  • In each subsequent game, the next player will choose the starting slider pattern.
• Each player receives 3 marbles (AKA "Lives")
• The first space on the board is marked by a green circle, indicating where players place their marble after their first roll. This space is counted as the starting point for movement based on the die roll.
• Youngest player goes first, then play continues clockwise

Core Gameplay

• Players take turns rolling a single six-sided die.
• Move your piece the number of spaces shown on the die.
• Movement follows a serpentine path across the board.
• After moving, player MAY slide any row or column one position. (To avoid marbles jumping out, gently move the sliders using both handles)
• You cannot move a slider back to the position that the last player just moved it from.
• Landing on another player's marble will send that other player back two spaces.

Special Spaces

• Red Switch Space: Must switch positions with a player behind you. If no player is behind you, you will need to start that ball over from the starting space.
• Green Switch Space: May switch positions with any player ahead of you.
• Green Forward Spaces (3): May move forward 2 additional spaces.
• Red Back Spaces (3): Must move back 3 spaces.

Holes & Safety

• Some holes are permanently covered (safe spaces), but you can still see through to view the slider position. 
• Other holes can be revealed or covered by slider movements.
• Landing on an open hole:
  • Lose a marble "life".
  • Complete your slider move as normal.

Winning Conditions

• First player to reach the finish space wins.
• If all players lose their 3 lives, the player who progressed furthest wins.

Game Variations

Classic Mode

• Traditional style gameplay
• Extend these rules with your own marble movement rules
• Focus on hole avoidance and tactical slider moves
• Play multiple marbles at the same time from the start

Team Challenge

• Form teams of two, share “lives” between teammates, take turns moving and sliding
• The First team to get both players to the end wins

Sprint Mode

• A quick game variant where you start with 2 lives instead of 3 and only use half of the board.

Custom Challenges

Create your own game variations by designing custom plates with:

• Different hole patterns
• New special space layouts
• Themed designs
• Alternative paths

Design Intent

"Don't Fall Through" was created to bring families together for engaging, strategic fun while offering makers the opportunity to expand and customize their gaming experience. The modular design allows for many variations while maintaining the core excitement of the original concept. There is a lot to explore here and we're thinking about other game plates to add as well. 

Feedback Welcome

We'd love to see your custom game plate designs and hear about new variations you create! Share your builds, modifications, and gameplay experiences with the community. Your feedback helps us improve and inspire new designs.

Remember to post your build photos, give us a download, and if you want to see more cool projects, share a boost! 🚀