Eldritch Horror (2013) Board Game

Eldritch Horror is a cooperative board game released in 2013 by Fantasy Flight Games. It is based on the Cthulhu Mythos created by H.P. Lovecraft, where players take on the roles of investigators traveling around the world to solve mysteries and prevent ancient cosmic horrors from awakening.

Game Components of Eldritch Horror

Game Board: A world map displaying various global locations.

Investigator Cards: Each player takes on the role of a unique investigator with special skills and abilities.

Ancient One Cards: Representing the elder beings, each with its own decks of Mystery and Research cards.

Mystery Cards: Used to solve three unique mysteries to win the game.

Research Cards: Provide clues and aid in solving mysteries.

Mythos Cards: Introduce new threats, gates, and monsters, increasing the game’s difficulty.

Monster Tokens: Various creatures from the Cthulhu Mythos.

Tokens and Chits: Representing items, health, sanity, and other game mechanics.

Dice: Used for resolving encounters and combat.

How To Setup Eldritch Horror

To set up Eldritch Horror, players begin by selecting an Ancient One and its corresponding Mystery cards. Each player chooses an investigator and places their token on the board at the starting location. The game components, including the board, tokens, and card decks, are organized and prepared according to the specific Ancient One and the number of players involved. This setup can take between 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the number of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Phase: Each player takes individual actions such as moving, resting, or resolving encounters.

Encounter Phase: Players draw encounter cards, experiencing the world around them.

Mythos Phase: The Ancient One and its minions act, introducing new threats and advancing the doom track.

Objective: Solve three unique mysteries represented by the tasks on Ancient One-specific Mystery cards to prevent the Ancient One’s awakening and save humanity.

Player Experience

In Eldritch Horror, players embark on a global adventure, traveling to various locations to gather clues, solve mysteries, and battle monsters. The game is known for its immersive narrative and thematic elements, with each component designed to enhance the story. Players must work cooperatively, managing their investigators’ health and sanity while facing unpredictable challenges and combat outcomes. The game’s difficulty is adjusted through the Mythos cards, which can be set to different levels to accommodate new or experienced players.

Pros

Immersive Theme: Deeply integrated into the Cthulhu Mythos, providing a rich narrative experience.

High Replayability: With multiple Ancient Ones, investigators, and encounter cards, each game offers a unique experience.

Global Scale: Players travel around the world, adding a sense of adventure and exploration.

Cooperative Mechanics: Encourages teamwork and strategy among players.

Adjustable Difficulty: Allows players to customize the challenge level through Mythos cards.

Cons

Random and Unpredictable Outcomes: Can reduce player agency and make the game feel sisyphian.

Long Setup Time: Can take up to 35 minutes to set up the game.

Complexity and Number of Components: Involves many card stacks and tokens, which can be overwhelming.

High Risk of Failure: A single Mythos card can significantly hinder progress or end the game abruptly.

Personal Thoughts on Eldritch Horror

Eldritch Horror is ideal for fans of cooperative games, Lovecraftian horror, and those who enjoy immersive, thematic experiences. It is best suited for players who appreciate complex gameplay and are willing to invest time in understanding the mechanics. However, due to its high complexity and unpredictable nature, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking a game with a stronger sense of player agency. Despite its challenges, Eldritch Horror offers a unique and engaging experience that is perfect for dedicated board game enthusiasts.

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.