Markers, usually with a color or pattern, are placed or added on different random or predetermined locations relative to a board or the markers themselves. As the markers move during play the player has to recognize a known pattern created by the markers to gain goods, points or win.

Betrayal at House on the Hill has three tiles (the entryway, the attic and the basement) placed at the beginning of the game, and players add tiles to each of these three original tiles, while Forbidden Desert’s tiles shift and players have to judge how the tiles will shift so they can best gain the items they need to win the game.