Claustrophobia

asmodee, Marabunta, Rebel Sp. z o.o. · Board game · 2009
2 · best 2 45 min Weight 2.5/5
8.1 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Buy
8.1 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love tactical duels and horror atmospheres without wanting to read a 50-page manual.

Highlights
  • High-quality pre-painted miniatures
  • Fast and intense gameplay
  • High replayability via scenarios
  • Well-balanced asymmetric duel
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependence
  • Dice luck can be brutal
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
If you enjoy the feeling of desperation in dark corridors, Claustrophobia is right up your alley. Set in the Hell Dorado universe, the game pits two players in a tense, asymmetric duel: on one side, a small group of resilient humans fighting for survival; on the other, an almost infinite army of bloodthirsty demons. The dynamic is simple yet cruel. While the humans are individually more powerful and tough, they are numerically overwhelmed by the infernal hordes.

The game uses a modular board, meaning the dungeon layout changes every session, keeping the exploration fresh. Gameplay revolves around dice allocation: you roll and then decide how to distribute those results to perform actions, trigger special abilities, or attack. It's a game of resource management under pressure, where every decision can mean life or death for your group. Combat is resolved with dice, but real victory comes to whoever can read the table and anticipate their opponent's moves best.

The focus here isn't on mile-long rulebooks, but on the atmosphere. Games are fast, usually lasting less than an hour, and build toward agonizing, climactic finales. The game is structured around specific scenarios—such as closing a portal or escaping the catacombs—where victory conditions vary, forcing players to adapt their strategies. To top it off, the box comes with pre-painted miniatures, so you can jump straight into the carnage. Just a heads-up: since there is moderate language dependence, you might need some translated cards or references to fully enjoy the experience.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Families

Category: Dungeon Crawler Components: Miniatures Creatures: Demons Digital Implementations: VASSAL Players: Games with expansions that change player count Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher asmodee, Marabunta, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer Croc
Artist Aleksi Briclot, Bertrand Benoit, Stéphane Gantiez
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are straightforward and simple, focusing more on strategy and theme than on complex bureaucracy.
How long does a game last?
Usually less than an hour, making it great for those who want a fast and tense experience.
Do I need to paint the miniatures?
No, the miniatures come pre-painted from the factory, ready for action.
Can I play with more than 2 people?
No, the game is specifically designed as a duel for 2 players.
Is the game too luck-dependent?
Dice are central, but the real skill lies in how you allocate the results to mitigate luck and outsmart your opponent.