Darkrock Ventures (2016) Board Game

Darkrock Ventures is a board game that was released in in 2016. It is a science fiction game that combines elements of dice rolling, worker placement, and space exploration. Designed by Darrell Louder and Naomi Robinson, the game is set in a distant future where players take on the role of asteroid miners competing to extract resources and build their mining empire.

Game Components of Darkrock Ventures

Power Dice: Community dice used for mining the asteroid.

Rig Dice: Player-specific dice representing the power element of their mining equipment.

Worker Tokens: Used for placement on various space stations and the asteroid.

Resource Tokens: Representing minerals mined from the asteroid.

Neutronium Bombs: Used to protect against alien attacks.

Credits: The primary victory points.

Space Station and Asteroid Boards: Game boards where workers are placed.

Alien Ship Tokens: Indicate hostile alien presence and attacks.

How To Setup Darkrock Ventures

To set up the game, players first prepare the game boards by placing the asteroid and space station boards in the center of the playing area. Each player selects a set of Rig Dice and starting worker tokens. The community Power Dice are also prepared. Resource tokens and Neutronium bombs are placed within reach of all players. The alien ship tokens are set aside to be introduced later in the game. Players then roll their Rig Dice to determine the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players place workers on space stations and the asteroid.

Dice Manipulation: Using Power Dice and Rig Dice to mine resources.

Resource Farming: Collecting minerals from the asteroid.

Exporting: Sending mined minerals to gain credits.

Alien Attacks: Managing hostile alien ships that increase difficulty.

Game Objective

The objective is to acquire the most credits by exporting minerals mined from the asteroid.

The game ends when three of the six resource nodes on the asteroid are void of minerals.

Player Experience

Playing Darkrock Ventures is an immersive experience, combining strategic worker placement with the unpredictability of dice rolls. Players must balance resource collection, equipment management, and defense against alien attacks. As the game progresses, the increasing presence of hostile alien ships adds tension and complexity, requiring players to adapt their strategies.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s science fiction setting and hostile environment add a rich thematic layer.

Dynamic Gameplay: The combination of worker placement, dice manipulation, and resource management keeps the game exciting and challenging.

Variety of Strategies: Players can choose different approaches to resource collection and defense.

Solo and Cooperative Modes: Includes variants for solo and cooperative play, offering versatility.

Cons

Luck Factor: The dice rolls can introduce a significant element of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Alien Attack Mechanic: Some players might find the increasing difficulty from alien attacks repetitive or frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Darkrock Ventures

Darkrock Ventures is ideal for fans of worker placement and euro games who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate a thematic and challenging experience. The game’s relatively short playtime and inclusion of solo and cooperative modes make it accessible to a wide range of players. However, those who prefer games with minimal luck or no direct conflict may find this game less appealing. Overall, Darkrock Ventures offers a compelling blend of resource management, strategic planning, and thrilling gameplay.

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.