A Study in Emerald (Second Edition)

Treefrog Games, Arclight Games, Asterion Press · Board game · 2015
2–5 · best 5 60 min Weight 2.9/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 69.20
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

A respectful crossover for mystery and cosmic horror lovers with intense tension!

Highlights
  • Constant sense of paranoia
  • Top-tier artwork
  • Brilliant thematic fusion
  • Solid influence mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Requires careful attention
  • Moderate language dependency
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Imagine if Sherlock Holmes had to deal with cosmic gods and Lovecraftian monsters in the heart of Victorian London. Welcome to 1882, where the 'Old Ones' have ruled Earth for centuries and humanity lives in their shadow. But not everyone accepts this rule quietly. On one side, we have the Restorationists, revolutionaries fighting for freedom; on the other, the forces loyal to the monstrous beings. With the invention of dynamite, the balance of power has shifted, and a lone assassin might just hold the key to toppling a god.

In A Study in Emerald, you dive into a underworld of paranoia where no one is truly who they seem. Agents, anarchists, and informants move through the shadows in a war of influence and secrets. The game is a brilliant fusion of Neil Gaiman's short story with elements of real 19th-century history. This second edition is much more polished, featuring stunning artwork by Ian O'Toole and streamlined rules compared to the first version. The core experience is about maintaining that constant tension of 'who is the traitor?' while managing your hand, fighting for area control, and navigating conspiracies. It is a team-based game, but with hidden roles that can flip the table in an instant. If you enjoy mystery, investigation, and a touch of cosmic horror, get ready to distrust even your own shadow!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Books: Sherlock Holmes Theme: Cthulhu Mythos
Publisher Treefrog Games, Arclight Games, Asterion Press, Ediciones MasQueOca, Grey Fox Games, PHALANX, Schwerkraft-Verlag
Designer Martin Wallace
Artist Ian O'Toole

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is the game hard to learn?
The second edition fixed many issues from the first, making rules much more accessible, though the mystery requires focus.
How long does a game last?
Expect around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the intensity of negotiations and player count.
How many players can play?
It supports 2 to 5 players, but the paranoia and hidden role experience truly shines with 4 or 5.
Do I need to read the original stories to understand?
It's not mandatory, but if you know Neil Gaiman or Lovecraft, the immersion will be much deeper!
Are the components high quality?
Yes, the artwork is a major highlight, with beautiful illustrations that enhance the Victorian horror atmosphere.

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