Getting Started¶
This guide walks you through your first hour in Lawmaker: making an account, choosing a country, and launching a party.
1. Create your account¶
Sign up at lawmakergame.com with your email, verify it (check spam), and log in.
2. Read the rules¶
Read and follow the rules.
3. Choose a country¶
Each country runs its own self-contained simulation — laws, elections, and the economy play out separately in each. Players can still connect across borders (through international blocs and cross-country messaging), but you play one party per country, so pick the community you want to join.
Current countries include Avalon (a large constitutional monarchy), Marianne, Columbia, and Rheinland. Before committing, look at a country's activity level and which parties already exist — an active country with a gap in the political spectrum is the best place to start. See Countries for the full picture.
4. Create your party¶
Give your party a name, abbreviation, colour, slogan, and description. Then do the part that matters most: define your ideology.
Party name rules
Parties must not be based on real parties - Lawmaker is a fictional simulation. Party names must be understandable in English to allow effective moderation.
You choose 4 policy pillars — four political issues, each with a position on its spectrum. These become the platform voters and other players judge you by. A few examples of the issues you can build on:
| Issue | Spectrum |
|---|---|
| Economy | Wealth redistribution ↔ Free market |
| Environment | Economic growth ↔ Environmental protection |
| Immigration | Border security ↔ Open borders |
| Individual Liberty | Strong leadership ↔ Maximum freedom |
There are 16 issues in all — see Laws & Policies for the complete list. Pick four that give you a clear, coherent identity.
Pick a lane
A sharp, consistent platform beats a vague one. Voters reward parties that stand for something recognisable, so choose pillars you're willing to vote for consistently.
5. Take your first actions¶
Once your party is live, your dashboard shows your seats, Political Power (PP), open proposals, and upcoming elections. Good first moves:
- Read the open proposals other parties have put forward, and cast your votes (Yes / No / Abstain). Voting is free and every vote joins your permanent record.
- Check your country's current laws to understand the status quo before you try to change it.
- Introduce yourself to other parties — coalition-building is how laws get passed, and messaging costs nothing.
You start with 100 PP and earn more over time. PP is the currency for major actions like proposing a law (30 PP) or recruiting an activist (10 PP); see the Quick Reference for the full list of costs. Don't spend it all at once — keep a reserve for opportunities.
What's next¶
- Game Concept — understand how the whole game fits together.
- Legislation & Voting — propose your first law.
- Elections & Voters — learn how electors decide.
- Strategy Guide — tips for building a winning party.
As you play, you'll also unlock achievements that track milestones — founding your party, passing legislation, winning seats, joining a cabinet, and more.