Arena: The Contest – Hydra, Ascaran the Archangel & Vanarus the Demon is the latest expansion in the Arena series, released in 2019. It introduces three Kickstarter‑exclusive characters: the formidable Hydra, a 90 × 120 × 85 mm miniature with a 3‑inch base, and the heroes Ascaran, the Archangel, and Vanarus, the Demon, who occupy the Bruiser combat role—a role not present in the base game or the original expansion. The expansion not only adds these new participants but also introduces a cooperative “Boss Fight” mission that is played after the events that conclude the epic campaign. In this mission, players team up to take on the Hydra, using the exclusive miniature and special abilities unique to these heroes.

The core game mechanics remain true to Arena’s foundation: an action queue where each player plans their moves in order, dice rolls that determine attack success, grid and point‑to‑point movement, and tile placement that shapes the modular board. Player elimination raises the stakes, while each character’s variable powers ensure every game feels fresh. The game supports 1 to 8 players, with a playtime of 45 to 90 minutes depending on player experience. Its BoardGameGeek weight is listed as “n/a/5,” reflecting a moderate complexity level.

For those who love epic battles, detailed miniatures, and cooperative challenges, Arena: The Contest – Hydra, Ascaran the Archangel & Vanarus the Demon delivers an engaging, strategic experience with unexpected twists in every game. If you already own the base box or the original expansion, this new addition expands your universe of possibilities, bringing new characters, a new mission, and an extra dose of adrenaline.