Dragonriders of Pern

Dragonriders of Pern casts players as Weyrleaders defending their lands from the deadly Thread. The game combines strategic diplomacy with action-focused Thread-fighting sequences and supports one to four players.

Diplomacy and Strategy

The strategic phase is the central part of the game. Players negotiate with Lord Holders and Craftsmasters, build alliances, and organize events such as Hatchings and weddings to gain diplomatic points. Failed negotiations can lead to duels, though violence may damage relations with peaceful leaders. Conclaves can also be called after certain events and may cancel ongoing activities.

Thread Fighting

At the end of each year, players mount their dragons and pursue falling Thread, using the dragons’ fiery breath to destroy it before it reaches the ground. Thread-fighting difficulty can be selected at the start of the game, or the action can be disabled.

The game ends after a selected number of turns, when a player earns the required Victory Points through alliances, or when too many Holds become infested by Thread.

Release Information

• Released: December 31, 1982
• Developer: Jim Connelley
• Publisher: Epyx
• Platforms: Atari 8-bit, Atari 800, Commodore C64/128/MAX