Shadows of Brimstone: Gates of Valhalla (2023) Board Game

Shadows of Brimstone: Gates of Valhalla is an expansion to the popular Shadows of Brimstone board game series, which is known for its deep narrative storytelling and immersive gameplay. Designed by Brian Snoddy and published by Flying Frog Productions, this expansion introduces new adventures and challenges for players to overcome in the dark and twisted world of Brimstone.

Game Components of Shadows of Brimstone: Gates of Valhalla

1 Rulebook

1 Adventure Book

16 Small Dice

1 Eight-sided Die

1 Peril Die

1 Entrance Map Tile

7 Room Map Tiles

3 Passage Map Tiles

12 End Cap Tiles

4 Gate End Cap Tiles

1 Depth Track

4 Hero Character Sheets

7 Enemy Record Sheets

2 Alley Reference Sheets

5 Troll Enemy Trait Cards

8 XL Cards

32 Plastic Figures (including 4 Heroes, 3 Viking Warrior Allies, 6 Targa Centurions, 12 Gremians, 3 Trolls, 3 Targa Librarians, and 1 Frost Giant)

10 Norse Lands Map Cards

20 Gear Cards

15 Norse Land Artifact Cards

20 Norse Lands Encounter Cards

22 Threat Cards

8 Growing Dread Cards

10 Darkness Cards

10 Norse Land Personal Items Card

8 Loot Cards

8 Scavenge Cards

15 Targa Plateau Encounter Cards

12 Targa Plateau Artifact Cards

10 Targa Plateau Map Cards

8 OtherWorld Threat Cards

13 Starting Gear Cards

8 Hero Starting Upgrade Cards

3 Librarian Codex Cards

10 Viking Team Abilities Cards

2 World Cards

6 Reference Cards.

How To Setup Shadows of Brimstone: Gates of Valhalla

To set up the game, players first create their characters by selecting a Viking Hero archetype such as a Jarl, Huscarl, Berserker, or Raider. Each player receives a Hero Character Sheet and starting gear. The game board is built dynamically using map tiles, which are drawn and placed as players explore the Norse Lands. The Adventure Book guides the setup process, including the initial mission and the distribution of necessary components like dice, enemy records, and encounter cards. Players also need to prepare their Expedition Camp, where they can rest, heal, and upgrade their characters between missions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:

Cooperative Play: Players work together as a party of Viking heroes.

Dungeon Crawl: Exploring a dynamically built board using map tiles.

Character Progression: Characters earn experience, level up, and gain new abilities.

Random Encounters: Encounters are determined by drawing encounter cards.

Dice Rolling: Various dice rolls are used for movement, combat, and resolving events.

Game Objective:

Explore the Norse Lands, overcoming dangerous encounters and fighting savage creatures.

Collect useful gear and ancient artifacts.

Build and customize the Expedition Camp between adventures.

Complete missions and scenarios, with the ultimate goal of surviving the supernatural storms and horrors in the Norse Lands.

Player Experience

Shadows of Brimstone: Gates of Valhalla offers a rich and immersive experience, blending Viking mythology with horror elements. Players enjoy the meta-progression of their characters, leveling up, finding loot, and buying new gear. The game’s appeal lies in its repetitive yet engaging gameplay, where each scenario, although somewhat similar, offers unique challenges and opportunities for character growth. However, some players may find the gameplay repetitive, with a lot of roll-and-move and combat mechanics. The game’s versatility allows players to combine different sets and expansions, providing a vast array of gameplay possibilities.

Pros

High Replayability: Dynamic board and random encounters ensure each game is different.

Character Progression: Characters can be kept from game to game, allowing for long-term development.

Immersive Theme: Blends Viking mythology and horror elements for a unique setting.

Versatility: Compatible with other Shadows of Brimstone sets, allowing for mixed-play experiences.

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and collaboration among players.

Cons

Repetitive Gameplay: Some players may find the roll-and-move and combat mechanics repetitive.

Luck-Based: The game is highly dependent on dice rolls, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Expensive Expansions: The game has a wide range of expansions, which can be costly to purchase.

Personal Thoughts on Shadows of Brimstone: Gates of Valhalla

Shadows of Brimstone: Gates of Valhalla is ideal for fans of cooperative dungeon-crawl games and those who enjoy a mix of historical and horror themes. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate character progression and the ability to customize their characters over multiple games. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a highly narrative-driven campaign or those who prefer games with less randomness. If you are prone to “fear of missing out” (FOMO) purchases, be cautious, as the game has a vast array of expansions and content that can be tempting to buy.

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.