| | | | | | | | | |

Iron Helm (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Iron Helm is a solo adventure card game designed by Jason Glover and Daniel F. Walthall and released in 2019 by Grey Gnome Games. The game takes players on a fantasy adventure where they must navigate through dungeons, defeat monsters, and collect loot all while managing their resources and health.

Game Components of Iron Helm

  • Boss Deck: 3 cards
  • Character Deck: 4 cards
  • Dungeon Deck: 16 cards
  • Enemy Deck: 18 cards
  • Loot Deck: 18 cards
  • Plot Deck: 9 cards
  • Potion Deck: 10 cards
  • Skills Deck: 12 cards
  • Trappings Deck: 14 cards
  • 15 Deck Dividers**
  • 1 Map Level Card**
  • 1 Morality Tracker**
  • 12 Gold Coins**
  • 18 Health Tokens**
  • 10 Poison Tokens**
  • 14 Energy Tokens**
  • 10 Ration Tokens**
  • 12 Blessing Tokens**
  • 2 12-sided Dice**
  • 3 6-sided Dice**
  • 2 Red Halma Pawns**
  • Includes two promo cards**.

    How To Setup Iron Helm

    To set up Iron Helm, start by organizing the various decks according to their types. Each deck has a specific role: the Boss Deck for the final boss, the Character Deck for player characters, the Dungeon Deck for dungeon encounters, and so on. Use the 15 deck dividers to keep the cards organized. Players begin with some gold coins to equip themselves before venturing into the dungeon. Ensure all necessary tokens and dice are within reach.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Dice Rolling: Using 12-sided and 6-sided dice for various checks.
  • Push Your Luck: Deciding whether to resolve a revealed card or take a chance with an unknown one.
  • Solo / Solitaire Game: Designed for single-player experience.

    Objective:

  • Draw Two, Pick One: Draw two cards from the dungeon deck, reveal one, and decide to resolve it or take a chance with the unknown.
  • Equip and Upgrade: Use gold to equip and upgrade your character with new items and skills.
  • Manage Health and Energy: Avoid hazards like poisoning or getting lost while managing health and energy levels.
  • Unlock Dungeon Boss: Resolve a certain number of plot cards to unlock the dungeon boss.
  • Vanquish the Boss: Defeat the boss to win the game.
  • Score Points: Score points based on accomplishments to determine the quality of your retirement.

    Player Experience

    Playing Iron Helm is a engaging and challenging solo experience. Each adventure feels unique with multiple characters, items, foes, and loot to encounter. The game requires tough decisions with each new dungeon card drawn, adding a layer of strategic depth. Players must balance resource management with the need to progress through the dungeon, making it a thrilling puzzle to solve.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Multiple characters, items, and foes ensure each playthrough is unique.
  • Engaging Mechanics: The draw two, pick one mechanic adds a layer of excitement and risk.
  • Thematic Depth: The game’s theme of a hero’s last adventure is well-integrated into the gameplay.
  • Expansion Potential: Several adventure packs available to add new content and challenges.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup: Organizing the various decks and components can be time-consuming.
  • Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, which may not appeal to all players.
  • User Rating: Despite high rankings, some users have reported a lower satisfaction rate.

    Personal Thoughts on Iron Helm

    Iron Helm is ideal for fans of solo dungeon crawlers and those who enjoy strategic decision-making in their games. It’s perfect for players looking for a game that offers high replayability and a unique experience each time. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with less luck involved or simpler setup procedures. If you’re ready for a challenging and engaging solo adventure, Iron Helm is definitely worth considering.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *