Who Goes There? 2nd Edition (2021) Board Game

Who Goes There? 2nd Edition is a board game based on the 1938 novella “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell Jr., which has also inspired the famous movie “The Thing.” The game puts players in an Antarctic research station where they must work together to survive the harsh environment and the threat of a shape-shifting alien infiltrator among them.

Game Components of Who Goes There? 2nd Edition

Player cards: Each player has a unique set of cards.

Trait cards: Include human and alien traits.

Action cards: Used for various actions and defenses.

Event cards: Introduce challenges and surprises.

Tokens and markers: For tracking health, actions, and other game states.

Rulebook: Includes updated mechanics for the 2nd edition.

How To Setup Who Goes There? 2nd Edition

Setup involves distributing player cards, trait cards, and action cards to each player. The event deck is shuffled and a set number of event cards are drawn based on the player count. Players start as humans, but some may be revealed as aliens during the game, adding to the paranoia.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative play: Players work together to achieve goals.

Card drafting: Players select cards to use for actions and defenses.

Traitor mechanic: Some players may be aliens, working against the group.

Objective: Survive and complete missions while identifying and managing the potential traitors.

Player Experience

Playing **Who Goes There? 2nd Edition** is an immersive experience filled with tension and paranoia. Players must balance trust and suspicion as they navigate through the game. The dynamic of potential traitors among the group keeps players on edge, making each decision crucial.

Pros

Engaging theme: The paranoia and traitor mechanics create a highly engaging and suspenseful atmosphere.

Updated mechanics: The 2nd edition includes improvements that enhance gameplay.

Replayability: High replay value due to the random distribution of trait cards and events.

Social interaction: Encourages communication and strategic planning among players.

Cons

Limited player count: Designed for 3-4 players, with expansions needed for 5-6 players.

Complexity: May require multiple plays to fully grasp the strategies and mechanics.

Time commitment: Games can be lengthy, especially with more players.

Personal Thoughts on Who Goes There? 2nd Edition

**Who Goes There? 2nd Edition** is perfect for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy social deduction and traitor mechanics. It is suited for players aged 14 and up who are looking for a game that combines strategy, teamwork, and a hint of paranoia. If you enjoy games like “Mafia” or “Werewolf,” this is definitely a game worth considering. However, it may not be ideal for casual gamers due to its complexity and the need for focused attention during gameplay.

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