Momotaro Dentetsu World: Chikyuu wa Kibou de Mawatteru! (桃太郎電鉄ワールド ～地球は希望でまわってる！～), developed by Konami, takes the legendary Momotaro Dentetsu board game series global for the first time. Unlike previous Japan-focused versions, this one lets players travel the entire world map, from Tokyo to New York, Paris, and even Antarctica!
If you’ve never played before, think of it as a mix of Monopoly, strategy travel, and RPG-style competition — all wrapped in bright, cartoonish fun. This detailed guide covers how to play, winning strategies, money management, and property investment tips — everything you need to dominate every continent.
1. Understanding the Game Basics
What Is Momotaro Dentetsu World?
Momotaro Dentetsu World: Chikyuu wa Kibou de Mawatteru! is a turn-based board game where players travel the globe via train routes. Your goal is simple — earn the most money and properties by the end of the game.
You roll dice to move along tracks, buy properties in cities, and sometimes get hit by "Binkan" (Misfortune) cards or "Good Luck" bonuses. Every turn and route matters.
Platforms and Setup
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Modes: Single-player, local multiplayer, and online multiplayer
- Game Length: Adjustable (1–100 years, each “year” being a game round)
- Playable Characters: Momotaro, Taro, Princess, and other classic avatars
2. How to Play – Step-by-Step Beginner Guide
Step 1: Start a New Game
- Choose between Single Player, Local Multiplayer, or Online Match.
- Select the game duration (years). Beginners should start with 3 or 5 years.
- Choose your character and set the CPU difficulty (Easy, Normal, Hard).
Step 2: Understanding the Map
- The world is divided into continents and regions — each with unique cities and properties.
- Cities like Tokyo, London, and New York offer high-value properties.
- Smaller cities may offer cheaper investments with quicker returns.
Step 3: Rolling the Dice
- Each turn, roll a dice to move forward.
- Some tiles trigger bonus events, while others can summon monsters or debt penalties.
- Plan your movement based on destination goals and property opportunities.
Step 4: Destination Bonus System
- A random city becomes the Destination City.
- The first player to reach it earns a huge cash bonus, often millions of yen.
- Once reached, a new destination is assigned.
Step 5: Buying Properties
- When landing on a city, you can purchase local properties like restaurants, factories, or landmarks.
- Properties generate income every fiscal year.
- Diversify your investments — focus on high-yield regions and stable markets.
Step 6: End of Year Settlement
- Every game “year,” your income from properties is calculated.
- Pay any debts, collect profits, and prepare for new routes and opportunities.
3. Top Strategies for Winning Big
Strategy 1: Prioritize Key City Investments
Certain cities yield much higher profits than others. Focus early on major hubs:
- Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
- These locations provide high revenue properties and often appear as destination goals.
Strategy 2: Always Aim for the Destination City
Even if the path seems long, the Destination Bonus can turn the tide instantly.
- Use Teleport Cards, Jet Cards, or Lucky Cards to close long distances.
- Plan your route efficiently by checking the Map Overview (X button).
Strategy 3: Manage Cards Wisely
Cards are crucial in Momotaro Dentetsu World. They can turn bad luck into victory.
- Teleport Card: Instantly moves you to another player.
- Bomb Card: Gives debt or damages opponents.
- Dice x3 Card: Rolls triple dice for longer movement.
- Steal Card: Takes property or money from another player.
💡 Tip: Save your best cards for the final years — when every move counts!
Strategy 4: Avoid Bad Fortune Zones
Certain tiles trigger “Poor God” (Binboda-sama) — a bad-luck spirit that drains money or steals property.
- Avoid these tiles at all costs.
- If cursed, try to pass the Poor God to another player by landing on their position.
Strategy 5: Invest in Emerging Markets
Some regions (like Southeast Asia or South America) start cheap but grow fast.
- These cities become goldmines as the game progresses.
- Buy low, hold long-term, and enjoy the annual income boom.
4. Detailed Regional Guide
Asia – The Heart of the Game
Asia has many accessible routes and moderate property prices.
- Tokyo: High entry cost, top-tier profit.
- Seoul & Taipei: Excellent mid-game investments.
- Bangkok & Manila: Cheap and great for beginners.
🇪🇺 Europe – Rich in Property Diversity
Europe offers dense routes and strong late-game potential.
- London: Expensive but pays off fast.
- Paris & Rome: Great for luxury property chains.
- Berlin: Balanced and strategic, ideal for multi-turn goals.
🇺🇸 North America – High Risk, High Reward
Large distances, but massive profits.
- New York: Best overall city for ROI.
- Los Angeles & San Francisco: Tech-focused properties yield high bonuses.
- Chicago: Mid-tier prices, reliable income.
🇧🇷 South America – Low Entry, Fast Growth
- Rio de Janeiro & Buenos Aires: Affordable and rewarding.
- Lima: Great for quick returns with little competition.
Africa – Strategic Mid-Game Region
- Cairo & Cape Town: Stable profit hubs.
- Nairobi: Great for players aiming to diversify investments.
🇦🇺 Oceania – Remote but Rewarding
- Sydney: Expensive but high tourist income.
- Auckland: Balanced for mid-level investors.
5. Special Events and Power Cards
During play, seasonal or global events can affect all players:
- Inflation Events: Property prices increase worldwide.
- Natural Disasters: Certain regions lose temporary income.
- Festival Bonuses: Temporary profit boosts for specific cities.
Collecting Power Cards through random draws or store purchases can make or break your game:
- Angel Card: Removes debt and boosts luck.
- King Bonus Card: Massive random cash reward.
- Gold Train Card: Doubles income for one year.
6. Advanced Tactics for Pro Players
Optimize Route Efficiency
Study the map early and memorize shortcuts between continents.
For instance:
- Moscow → Tokyo via the Trans-Siberian Route saves turns.
- Cairo → Paris → London gives multiple investment stops.
Manipulate Opponent Movement
- Use Trick Cards or Detour Routes to block key destinations.
- Force rivals into Poor God tiles strategically.
Taxation and Timing
Sell properties just before disasters or after inflation boosts to maximize gain.
Stockpile Cash Before Fiscal Year-End
Keep at least 10% of your total property value in liquid assets — this helps you buy quickly when new cities unlock.
7. Recommended Settings for Beginners
- Game Length: 5 years
- CPU Level: Normal
- Map Mode: Normal (not Random)
- Event Frequency: Standard
- Card Shop Availability: On
These settings provide balanced pacing, perfect for learning the core strategies while keeping the game competitive.
8. Winning Formula Summary
| Phase | Objective | Key Focus |
|---|
| Early Game | Build capital | Target cheap properties and reach destinations fast |
| Mid Game | Expand territory | Diversify investments and collect strong cards |
| Late Game | Maximize profit | Prioritize global hubs and manage Poor Gods strategically |
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring destination goals – they provide huge momentum.
- Overbuying expensive properties early – balance cash flow.
- Forgetting card usage – many beginners hoard cards until it’s too late.
- Ignoring map shortcuts – wasted turns can lose you the game.
- Not tracking opponent positions – easy to fall into traps.
10. Final Thoughts – Become the World’s Wealthiest Traveler
Momotaro Dentetsu World: Chikyuu wa Kibou de Mawatteru! is more than just a luck-based board game — it’s a global business simulation with strategic depth.
Every decision, from property investment to route planning, shapes your empire’s success.
Whether you’re conquering cities in Europe, building wealth in Asia, or dodging misfortune in America, the key to victory lies in timing, smart investment, and adaptability.
With these detailed strategies and step-by-step tips, you’ll soon become the ultimate Momotaro tycoon, traveling the world and spinning it with hope — just as the title says.
