Caverna: The Forgotten Folk

Lookout Games, Galápagos Jogos, Hobby Japan · Board game · 2018
1–7 · best 2 Solo 30–210 min Weight 3.8/5
9.0 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
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9.0 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A must-have for base game owners looking to boost strategic variety. The asymmetry changes everything!

Highlights
  • Huge variety with eight races
  • Asymmetry refreshes every session
  • New resources add depth
  • Seamless integration with base game
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game to play
  • Increases analysis complexity
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever played that game where you manage your own cave, plant crops, and raise animals, but felt like everyone was doing the exact same thing? Well, Caverna: The Forgotten Folk is here to break that monotony. The most curious part is that this expansion started as a fan project on BoardGameGeek that was so well-received that Lookout Games and Uwe Rosenberg himself decided to officialize it and release it for everyone.

The core idea is simple but completely shifts the dynamic: instead of everyone playing as dwarves, you can now choose from eight different species. We've got elves, trolls, dark elves, and several other races, each with its own 'vibe'. This means you'll have exclusive advantages and, in some cases, even disadvantages that force you to rethink your strategy. Some species even introduce brand new resources to the table, adding layers of complexity that weren't present in the base game.

But it's not just about who you are. Each race comes with four unique rooms. These rooms replace some of the original ones, creating an interesting interaction: depending on which race is in the game, other players might end up benefiting from these special room powers. It's the kind of expansion that doesn't rewrite the basic rules but expands the tactical possibilities, making every session unique. If you already enjoy the tight management of Caverna, this addition brings the variety needed for repetitive sessions, turning the competition into something much more strategic and diverse. It's your chance to stop being just another miner and become a master of underground farming with the race that best fits your playstyle.
Expansion for
BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK
7 OK
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Game details

Families

Game: Caverna (Uwe Rosenberg) Series: Harvest (Uwe Rosenberg)
Publisher Lookout Games, Galápagos Jogos, Hobby Japan, Korea Boardgames, Lacerta
Designer Alex Wilber, Uwe Rosenberg
Artist Javier González Cava, Klemens Franz
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, this is an expansion. You need Caverna to use these new folk.
Does the game become much harder?
The basic complexity is the same, but analysis increases because each race plays differently.
How many new races are included?
There are eight different species, including elves and trolls.
Does this significantly change the game time?
Not drastically, but the planning phase might take a bit longer due to the new powers.
Who do you recommend this expansion for?
For those who have mastered Caverna and want more variety and strategic depth.
Are the races balanced?
Yes, each race has its own pros and cons to keep the competition fair.