Catacombs

Elzra · Board game · 2010
2–5 · best 5 30–60 min Weight 2.0/5
6.7 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
6.7 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love fast-paced action and dexterity battles, Catacombs will hook you.

Highlights
  • Fun flicking
  • RPG-action blend
  • Cooperative strategy
  • Elimination challenge
  • Dungeon theme
Keep in mind
  • Language requirement
  • Limited board space
  • Translated cards needed
  • High tension
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Catacombs is an adventure game that blends action, dexterity and RPG in a dungeon-filled setting. One player takes on the Overseer role, commanding the monsters that patrol the catacombs, while 2 to 5 heroes – each with unique abilities – try to advance, collect items, and ultimately defeat the dreaded Catacomb Lord. The core mechanic is flicking: players launch wooden discs representing monsters and heroes, and contact between them deals damage. But it’s not just contact – spells, long-range weapons, and special abilities generate additional effects, making each move tactical. When a room is cleared of monsters, heroes can move to the next, and the Overseer can play new cards to increase the pressure. Heroes can buy equipment at the Merchant using gold earned by eliminating monsters, boosting their chances of survival. The game is fast, with 30 to 60‑minute sessions, and requires good spatial control as the board fills quickly. The fun comes from the blend of physical dexterity with tactical team decisions and the suspense of whether the Overseer will win by eliminating all heroes or if the heroes will escape the deadly traps. It’s ideal for players 10 or older who enjoy free‑form action, cooperative play, and a touch of RPG, but it requires translated cards or a spreadsheet for non‑English speakers.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Category: Dungeon Crawler Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Catacombs Mechanism: Finger Flicking Games Players: One versus Many
Publisher Elzra
Designer Aron West, Marc Kelsey, Ryan Amos
Artist Christina Sealey, Emma Bramma Smith, Jacqueline Moreno, Kandy Chen
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
Catacombs supports 2 to 5 players.
What is the game duration?
A typical session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
What is the game complexity?
The game has medium complexity, balancing dexterity mechanics with strategy.
What components are included?
Wooden discs for monsters and heroes, board, control cards, gold tokens, and equipment tokens.
Who is this game for?
Ideal for players 10 or older who enjoy action, dexterity and cooperative play.
How does the Overseer control the monsters?
The Overseer moves monster discs and can play cards to trigger special abilities, posing challenges for the heroes.