Darkest Night: Second Edition (2018) Board Game

Darkest Night: Second Edition is a cooperative board game designed by Clark Miller and published in in 2018. It is a fantasy horror game that can be played solo or with up to five players. The game is set in a dark and mysterious world where players must work together to survive and defeat the evil Necromancer.

Game Components of Darkest Night: Second Edition

Board: Larger and clearer compared to the first edition.

Event Cards: Tarot-sized, part of a giant stack, including content from previous expansions.

Hero Cards: 29 different heroes, each with a player board and a deck of 13 cards containing player powers.

Standees: Improved tactile quality.

Decks and Tokens: Includes content from later expansions, such as side quests and clue mystery cards.

Necromancer Deck: Makes the Necromancer more powerful as the game progresses.

How To Setup Darkest Night: Second Edition

Setting up Darkest Night involves preparing the board, shuffling and distributing the event cards, and assigning hero cards to each player. Players start with three basic powers and can expand their decks as the game progresses. The Necromancer’s position is also set up on the board. The setup is reasonably quick, making it accessible for a variety of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to defeat the Necromancer.

Dice Rolling: Used to resolve various actions, such as moving, removing blight tokens, searching for clues, and fighting.

Character Progression: Players can develop and progress their characters by drawing more power cards.

Necromancer Interaction: The Necromancer moves around the board, interacting with players and sapping their secrecy.

Objective: Defeat the Necromancer by rolling a 7 on a 6-sided die, or evade him until the right moment to strike.

Player Experience

In Darkest Night: Second Edition, players take on the roles of resistance fighters in a fantasy land already conquered by a Necromancer. The game requires strategic planning and a bit of luck, as players must manage their grace (health) and secrecy to avoid the Necromancer’s attacks. The game offers a lot of room for character development and progression, making each playthrough unique. The improved components and clearer design make the game more visually appealing and easier to play.

Pros

Improved Components: Larger, clearer board and cards enhance the gameplay experience.

High Replayability: Includes content from previous expansions and many different heroes.

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and strategy to evade and defeat the Necromancer.

Character Development: Players can progress their characters by acquiring new powers.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and collaboration among players.

Cons

Complex Setup for Fewer Players: Mechanical adjustments are needed for games with fewer than four players.

Luck-Dependent: Success often relies on dice rolls, which can be unpredictable.

Lengthy Game Sessions: Games can last between two to three hours, which may not be suitable for all players.

Personal Thoughts on Darkest Night: Second Edition

Darkest Night: Second Edition is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy strategic planning and character progression. It is particularly suited for groups of 1-4 players who are looking for a challenging and immersive fantasy experience. While it may appeal to fans of games like Pandemic or Arkham Horror, the unique mechanics and setting set it apart. The game’s improved components and inclusion of expansion content make it a great choice for both new and experienced players.

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