Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate (2017) Board Game

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a board game released in 2017, based on the popular Betrayal at House on the Hill game. This game takes players to the city of Baldur’s Gate, a bustling metropolis in the Forgotten Realms universe. Players explore the city and its surrounding areas, encountering monsters, traps, and mysteries along the way. The game is known for its unique mechanic where one player may turn traitor mid-game, leading to a thrilling and unpredictable experience.

Game Components of Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

Rulebook

6 player cards

45 event cards

90 item cards

12 haunt cards

6 dice

6 character figures

6 character cards

30 tiles

100 tokens

How To Setup Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

Place the entrance hall tile in the center of the table.

Shuffle the room tiles and place them face down in a stack.

Each player selects a character card and figure, placing them on the entrance hall tile.

Shuffle the item and event decks, placing them within reach.

Determine the haunt revealer and set aside the haunt cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players explore the city, uncovering rooms and encountering events along the way. As the game progresses, the haunt may be triggered, revealing a traitor among the players. The objective varies depending on the haunt, with players either working together to overcome the traitor or competing against each other to achieve their own goals.

Player Experience

Pros:

Immersive theme set in the Forgotten Realms universe

Unique traitor mechanic adds a twist to traditional cooperative gameplay

Replayability with different haunts and scenarios

Cons:

Some haunts may feel unbalanced or unfair

Components can feel flimsy or cheaply made

Learning curve for new players

Personal Thoughts on Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate offers an exciting and thematic experience for fans of the Baldur’s Gate video games or Dungeons & Dragons lore. The traitor mechanic adds a layer of tension and intrigue to the gameplay, keeping players on their toes. However, the game’s components may leave something to be desired in terms of quality. Overall, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is worth checking out for those who enjoy a mix of exploration, storytelling, and betrayal in their board games. It may not be suitable for players looking for a strictly balanced or competitive experience.

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.