Dungeon of Darkness (2017) Board Game

Dungeon of Darkness is a fantasy-themed board game that was released in in 2017. Designed by Pedro Wu, this game is meant for 1 player and has a runtime of 20-30 minutes. The game falls under the category of Print & Play and features a dice rolling mechanism.

Game Components of Dungeon of Darkness

Characters: Players can choose from three different characters.

Dungeon Cards: These include a variety of cards representing monsters, tests, traps, items, and other dungeon elements.

Red Dragon Boss Card: A special card that is set aside and introduced at specific points in the game.

Ladder Card: Used for transitioning between dungeon levels.

Brightness Cards: These cards introduce adverse conditions or challenges that players must overcome, such as reduced checks or enhanced monster defenses.

Gold and Items: Players can collect gold and items, which can be upgraded.

Dice: Eight d6s are used to track various game elements and resolve challenges.

How To Setup Dungeon of Darkness

To set up the game, players separate the cards into different categories: characters, brightness cards, the red dragon boss card, the ladder card, and the dungeon cards. The dungeon cards are shuffled and used to create the modular board for each level. The brightness cards are set aside for later levels. Players choose their characters and prepare for the first level, ensuring all necessary cards are separated and ready for play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Movement: Players move their characters through the dungeon.

Modular Board: The board is created by shuffling and laying out the dungeon cards.

Card-Based Challenges: Players encounter various challenges such as monsters, traps, and tests, which are resolved using the cards and dice.

Upgrading Items: Players can spend gold to upgrade their items.

Brightness Conditions: From the second level onwards, brightness cards introduce additional challenges or penalties.

Objective: The primary objective is to navigate through the dungeon levels, overcoming challenges and finding the ladder to proceed to the next level.

Player Experience

Players experience a dynamic and challenging adventure as they navigate through the dungeon. The game requires strategic thinking and luck, as the modular board and random card draws can significantly impact each playthrough. The inclusion of brightness cards adds an extra layer of complexity and tension, making each level progressively more difficult.

Pros

High Replayability: The modular board and random card draws ensure each game is unique.

Dynamic Challenges: The game offers a variety of challenges that keep players engaged.

Strategic Depth: Players must manage resources, upgrade items, and make tactical decisions to progress.

Cons

Complex Setup: The setup process can be time-consuming and complex.

Luck-Dependent: The game’s outcome can be heavily influenced by luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and mechanics overwhelming at first.

Personal Thoughts on Dungeon of Darkness

“Dungeon of Darkness” is ideal for players who enjoy dungeon crawlers and are looking for a game with high replayability and strategic depth. It is suited for those who appreciate the unpredictability and challenge that comes with modular board games and card-based mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a simple or quick gameplay 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.