Cthulhu Dice (2010) – Board Game Guys

Cthulhu Dice

Cthulhu Dice is a quick, fun dice game of battles, rescues, and the “liberation” of whatever pays most. It was created by Steve Jackson Games and was first published in 2010. The game is based on the Cthulhu Mythos, a shared fictional universe created by American horror writer H. P. Lovecraft. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players and can be played in about 10 to 20 minutes.

Why is Cthulhu Dice Popular?

Cthulhu Dice is popular because it is a quick and easy game to learn and play. It is also portable, making it a great game to take on the go. The game’s theme, based on the Cthulhu Mythos, is also a significant factor in its popularity. The Cthulhu Mythos has a large following among fans of horror and science fiction, and the game’s use of the theme has helped to attract fans of the genre.

Game Components of Cthulhu Dice

Special 12-sided die: Features a skewed distribution of 5 action symbols.

Sanity tokens: 18 green glass marbles.

Game bag: A ziplock bag, though a cloth bag would have been preferable.

Player marbles: Each player starts with 3 sanity markers.

How To Setup Cthulhu Dice

To set up the game, each player takes 3 sanity markers (green glass marbles) and places the remaining marbles aside. The game does not require any complex setup, making it quick to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player turns: Play proceeds clockwise around the table.

Attacking: The active player designates a sane opponent and rolls the die.

Yellow sign: The target loses one marble to the center of the table (to Cthulhu).

Tentacle: The active player steals a marble from the target player.

Elder sign: The player gets a marble back from the center of the table.

Cthulhu: All players lose 1 marble to the center of the table.

Retaliation: The target player rolls the die in retaliation against the attacker, following the same rules.

Winning condition: The game ends when only one player has sanity remaining, or if no players have sanity left, resulting in no winner.

Two-player variant: Each player controls two cultists, each with their own set of marbles.

Player Experience

**Cthulhu Dice** is designed for quick, light-hearted fun. It is particularly enjoyable for younger players due to its simple and thematic nature. However, for adult gamers, the game may lack depth and meaningful decisions.

Pros

Quick gameplay: Perfect for a short, fun session.

Thematic appeal: The Cthulhu theme adds a fun and quirky element.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to carry.

Cons

Cheap components: The use of glass marbles and a ziplock bag is subpar.

Limited decisions: The game is very simple and lacks strategic depth.

Retaliation mechanics: The immediate retaliation by the target player makes the game feel less dynamic.

Personal Thoughts on Cthulhu Dice

**Cthulhu Dice** is ideal for families, younger children, or as a filler game to pass the time before the main gaming session begins. It captures the essence of simple, silly fun but falls short in providing a more engaging experience for serious gamers. At its affordable price point, it’s a reasonable pick for those looking for a quick, thematic game.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.