DungeonQuest (1985) Board Game

DungeonQuest is a classic board game released in 1985 by Alga. Designed by Jakob Bonds and Dan Glimne, the game has players explore a dungeon filled with traps, monsters, and treasures. With a mix of adventure, exploration, and fantasy elements, DungeonQuest has remained a popular choice for tabletop gamers over the years.

Game Components of DungeonQuest

20-page rulebook

6-piece gameboard

115 room tiles, counters, and tokens

174 playing cards

Dice

4 plastic miniatures produced by Citadel Miniatures.

How To Setup DungeonQuest

Setting up DungeonQuest involves creating a modular board. The gameboard starts blank except for the dragon’s hoard at the center. Room tiles are placed facedown near the board, and the time track counter is set to “Dawn”. Players select their characters and place them at the entrance of the castle. The room tiles will be randomly drawn and placed on the grid as players explore the castle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Competitive dungeon-crawling game

Number of Players: 1-4

Setup Time: 10 minutes

Playing Time: 1 hour

Key Mechanics: Modular board, random room tile placement, card draws for challenges

Objective: Enter the ruins of Dragonfire Castle at dawn, navigate to the dragon’s hoard, and escape before sunset. The player who escapes with the most treasure wins. If a player is still in the castle at sunset, they are killed by the dragon.

Player Experience

DungeonQuest is known for its high level of randomness and challenging gameplay. Players must navigate a labyrinthine castle, overcoming various challenges such as monsters, traps, and secret doors. The game is brutally difficult, with a high chance of failure, which can make it both exhilarating and frustrating. The quality of the components is praised, but the game’s appeal can wane once the novelty wears off due to the significant role of random chance over player skill.

Pros

High Replayability: Each game is unique due to the random placement of room tiles and card draws.

Challenging: Provides a tough and thrilling experience for players.

Quality Components: Well-produced game pieces and illustrations.

Modular Board: Dynamic and different each time the game is played.

Cons

High Randomness: Random chance plays a significant role, often overshadowing player skill.

Repetitive: Can become less engaging once the initial excitement fades.

Difficulty Level: Extremely challenging, with a high likelihood of losing.

Personal Thoughts on DungeonQuest

DungeonQuest is ideal for fans of competitive dungeon-crawling games who enjoy a high level of challenge and randomness. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the nostalgia of 80s board games or are looking for a game that offers a unique and dynamic experience each time it is played. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking games with more strategic depth or consistent outcomes based on player skill.

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.