SpongeBob Monopoly Guide: A SpongeBob Fan’s Dream Game?

I grew up loving SpongeBob SquarePants and playing the game Monopoly. Had I known there was a SpongeBob Monopoly guide out there, I probably would have played the game all of the time.

While I don’t play games as often now, I still enjoy them with a friend or two. If you enjoy SpongeBob and board games, give SpongeBob Monopoly a try.

It’s simple enough for beginners, but experienced players can always learn something new.

Bottom Line Up Front

SpongeBob Monopoly is perfect for fans of the show and the game. Be sure you follow the rules to get the most out of playing it.

What Is SpongeBob Monopoly?

SpongeBob Monopoly

SpongeBob Monopoly is a Bikini Bottom-themed version of the classic board game. Instead of standard places, like Park Place, you can land on the Krusty Krab.

The basic design of the game board is pretty similar to standard Monopoly. So if you’ve played any other version, learning this one won’t be too difficult.

Before you jump into a game of SpongeBob Monopoly, you should understand how the game works. Then, you can enjoy playing it, and you can even keep it from lasting for hours.

SpongeBob Monopoly Pieces

When you first look at your SpongeBob Monopoly game, you’ll find all of the pieces you need. Now, this may not be the case if you get a used game set, so keep that in mind before going that route.

But if you purchase a new game, it should come with everything. Either way, it helps to know what your game should include.

Then, you can replace any missing parts or exchange the game for a different one that does have everything. Like any game of Monopoly, you’ll receive houses (pineapples) and hotels (Krusty Krab pieces).

Your game should also come with two dice and plenty of fake cash to use to buy properties. Be sure you have a card for each property and special space (I’ll go over those later).

As far as playing pieces go, you can play as SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, or Gary. There’s also a Plankton token that adds an extra layer to the game, but you don’t play as him.

SpongeBob Monopoly Board

SpongeBob MonopolyThe SpongeBob Monopoly board looks very similar to other versions at a glance. As you look closer, you’ll see plenty of spaces relating to Bikini Bottom and the various characters.

Of course, you have the standard layout of spaces on all four sides. You’ll play clockwise around the board, and the game continues until someone wins (or until you want to stop playing.)

Here’s what you should know about the different spaces on the board.

Standard Corners

All four corners are the same as the standard version of Monopoly. You’ll start on “Go,” where you’ll collect $200 on subsequent turns when you pass the space.

Opposite that space is Free Parking. I know a lot of people will use that space to collect money that goes in the center, but that’s not technically an official game rule.

Then, you have Go to Jail and Jail for the other two corners. I was surprised to learn that it’s a standard jail space and not something like “Man Ray’s Lair” or another SpongeBob-themed prison, but it still works.

Properties

Of course, I have to go over all of the properties in the SpongeBob Monopoly game. Starting from Go (and the smallest property) and getting bigger, you’ll encounter:

  • Plankton’s Lab
  • Chum Bucket
  • Patrick’s Rock
  • Snack Bar
  • Weenie Hut Jr.
  • Flying Dutchman’s Ship
  • Salty Spitoon
  • Barg’n Mart
  • Bikini Bottom Hospital
  • Tough Tavern
  • Tentacle Acres
  • Palace of Pranks
  • Grandma’s House
  • Mrs. Puff’s Boating School
  • Snail Po World Headquarters
  • Mr. Krabs’ Anchor House
  • Oyster Stadium
  • Sandy’s Treedome
  • Mermalair
  • Squidward’s Island Head House
  • SpongeBob’s Pineapple
  • Krusty Krab

Like in the original version, each property is more valuable than the next. That means the rent will also increase when you land on bigger properties.

Other Spaces

Other spaces include room for vehicles and utilities. Instead of things like trains, you can land on a bus, bike tour, truck rental, or training boat.

You may also land on Bikini Bottom Electric or Bikini Bottom Water as far as utilities go. Then there are spaces such as a treasure chest or a life preserver.

Finally, you might have to pay a bubble tax or an employee of the month tax. All of these spaces work similarly to those in the standard game of Monopoly.

How to Play SpongeBob Monopoly

SpongeBob Monopoly

Some of the rules are pretty similar across Monopoly varieties. But there are some unique differences with the SpongeBob Monopoly game that you should know.

Even if you’ve played other versions for years, it helps to review the rules. That way, you can make sure to have a fun time playing, and you won’t stress out because the game will never end.

Here are some of the rules to learn.

The Money

As with any game of Monopoly, every player starts with some money from the bank. One person will have to play the role of the banker in addition to playing on the board.

If you’re the banker, you’ll hand out the following bills to each player at the start:

  • 2 $500
  • 2 $100
  • 2 $50
  • 6 $20
  • 5 $10
  • 5 $5
  • 5 $1

Of course, players may need to pay the bank for things like utilities and properties. After people land on properties you own, they’ll pay you instead.

Some people will place the money in the center for someone to collect on Free Parking. But I recently learned that’s not part of the rules, so you don’t have to play that way.

Special Rules

SpongeBob Monopoly has some unique rules that I don’t think other versions have, at least not in my experience. The biggest special rule has to do with the Plankton piece.

You’ll place him on the Plankton’s Lab space at the start. Whenever a player rolls a 1, you’ll move the token one space. If someone gets 1s as doubles, Plankton will move two spaces.

The game ends when Plankton makes it all the way to the Krusty Krab (the space before Go). However, he also affects property prices and rent.

If you land on an open property when Plankton is there, you can claim it without paying. Now, if you land on a property someone else owns when Plankton is on the space, you’ll owe twice as much in rent.

Regular Rules

Aside from the Plankton token, you can follow the same rules as for other games of Monopoly. Each player will take a turn and roll the dice to determine where they land.

If you land on a property that’s available, you can buy it or pass. However, if someone else owns it, you’ll have to pay them rent based on how many houses or hotels it has.

When you land on other spaces, you may have to pay a fee. The treasure chest and life preserver spaces are similar to the regular version’s Community Chest and Chance spaces.

Sure, you might also add your own rules for how to play the game; I’ve done so hundreds of times. But you can also stick to the instructions that come with the set.

Why Play SpongeBob Monopoly

SpongeBob Monopoly

The next time you’re looking to play board games, you may wonder if SpongeBob Monopoly is the right choice. I’ve played dozens of board games, but the game does have some unique features.

Whether you have friends who love games or have to beg someone to play, consider why you’d want to play this game. Then, you can make sure you and others will have a fun time.

Here are some reasons I’d recommend playing SpongeBob Monopoly, specifically.

Understand the Properties

I don’t know about you, but State Avenue and Park Place mean nothing to me. However, the Chum Bucket and SpongeBob’s Pineapple do mean something.

If you feel the same way, you can better understand the different properties on the board. Like, obviously the Chum Bucket is going to be a cheap property, and the pineapple will be expensive.

Now, there are some more obscure properties, but they had to fill the board with something. If you want to understand more about the specific spaces, this version is great for current SpongeBob SquarePants fans.

Have a SpongeBob Game Night

You can also add this game to a SpongeBob-themed game night. I have a SpongeBob Game of Life, so I might set up a night to play both games back to back.

Or if you have a large group, some could play one game, while the rest play the other. Then, you could make a whole night of it and prepare themed snacks, like Krabby Patties.

Everyone might dress up as their favorite character from the show. If you want even more stuff to do, you could create your own SpongeBob activities.

Build Your Collection

One of my best friends probably had half a dozen different types of Monopoly while we were growing up. I don’t know if she still has all of those games today, but it was fun to play the various options.

If you’re a fan of board games, it makes sense to add this one to your collection. Maybe you’re not a SpongeBob superfan but love Monopoly, so you buy it for that reason.

On the other hand, you could build your collection of SpongeBob-themed games and toys, like with Game of Life. Then, you can always have something based on Bikini Bottom to play, regardless of the mood you’re in.

Learn About the Show

Perhaps you’re new to the SpongeBob SquarePants universe. Buy and play SpongeBob Monopoly to learn a bit about the show while having game night.

It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the characters and some notable locations in Bikini Bottom. Plus, you can learn or teach your friend about Plankton’s mission to steal the Krabby Patty formula.

Of course, the best way to learn about the show is to watch it. But once you learn the basics of the game pieces and spaces, you can know enough to really get into the show.

Have Fun

If you don’t specifically want a SpongeBob game, you should still consider playing SpongeBob Monopoly. I love how it has a couple of different facets to it, such as the Plankton piece.

That can make it more challenging, even for experienced Monopoly fans. You can use the game to have a good time on your day off.

When you’re looking for a new game or toy to add to your collection, let it be this one. It’s fun for the whole family, and you don’t technically need to know much about SpongeBob for the game to work.

Where to Find SpongeBob Monopoly

SpongeBob Monopoly

So you’re ready to plan your next game night and play SpongeBob Monopoly. But you don’t have the game, and none of your friends or relatives do either.

Before you freak out and cancel your event, consider where you can buy the game. Then, you can keep it in your game closet and won’t have to worry about borrowing it when you want to play it.

Here are a few places I’d recommend shopping for SpongeBob Monopoly.

Game Stores

Of course, the best place to start is a store that sells board games. There’s a store like this in my local mall, so I’d probably start there in my search.

If you don’t have a game-specific store, you could also look at stores that sell games. I’ve found plenty of options at places like Barnes & Noble and other bookstores.

You may want to call ahead to whatever store you want to visit. Then, you can see if they have the game in stock before you spend the time driving there.

Resale Stores

Another option, if you don’t mind a used game, is to go to a resale store. I’ve shopped at places like Half Price Books and seen a small selection of games available.

Once again, you’ll probably want to call the store ahead of time to learn if they have what you want. You could also contact local thrift shops as well.

Online

Shopping online might be the best option for a lot of people looking for SpongeBob Monopoly. You can look on websites such as Amazon, eBay, and even Facebook Marketplace.

The nice thing about going online is that you have access to new and used games. So if you can’t find a new game set, you might broaden your search to include used sets.

Then there’s the fact that you don’t have to leave your house. If you don’t live near a game store or resale store, you can still place your order and wait for the game to arrive.

Friends and Family

Maybe you’re like me and have a friend or relative who loves board games. In that case, you might want to ask them if they have a copy of SpongeBob Monopoly.

Then, you can either borrow or buy it from your friend. Of course, you should probably also invite them to play the game, especially if you’re hosting a themed game night.

But even if you just want the game for an informal event, it doesn’t hurt to ask them to join. They might even be able to help you explain the rules to anyone who’s new to Monopoly.

FAQs

Question: Is SpongeBob Monopoly hard?

Answer: SpongeBob Monopoly can be hard if it’s the first version of the game you’ve ever played. However, many people have experience with some other type of the game, so it’s not too hard.
You’ll have to learn the different spaces, but that shouldn’t take too much time. It can also get easier once you start playing the game.

Question: Why does Monopoly take forever to play?

Answer: Monopoly often takes forever because people don’t follow the official rules. Things like collecting money on Free Parking can extend the time the game takes.
However, I think the Plankton piece could help reduce the time since it can end the game. If you don’t want to play for long, focus on getting him to the Krusty Krab.

Question: How do you win SpongeBob Monopoly?

Answer: You win SpongeBob Monopoly if you hold all of the clams at the end of the game. You’ll also win if you can bankrupt all of your opponents.
But if Plankton manages to land on the Krusty Krab, the game stops. In that case, no one wins the game except for the tiny villain.

Question: Is SpongeBob Monopoly good for beginners?

Answer: SpongeBob Monopoly can be good for beginners, especially if they already watch the show. The familiar pieces can help you understand the rules of the game.
Even if someone hasn’t watched the show, it’s not any better or worse for beginners than other Monopoly varieties. So give it a try at your next get-together with family or friends.

Final Note on the SpongeBob Monopoly Guide

Whether you’re a board game fan or a SpongeBob fan, you should consider the SpongeBob Monopoly guide. Then, you can learn how the specific version of the game works.

Because while there are some similarities, it’s not identical to the original. I think that’s a good thing since it gives you an excuse to add the game to your collection.

Be sure to make time to play it the next time you have a day off and are with other board game fans.

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