Put all the balloons in the bag and mix them well.

Each player chooses a player color and takes the corresponding player board, cards, and scoring token. Return any unused player boards, cards and scoring tokens to the box.

Each player takes all of their cards into their hand and places their scoring token on space 0 of the score track. Next to the score track, leave room for a balloon discard pile.

Choose a starting player and give them the starting player token.