Covil: The Dark Overlords

Vesuvius Media, Arrakis Games, Mandala Jogos · Board game · 2017
1–4 · best 2 Solo 40–90 min Weight 2.9/5
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Buy
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love fast-paced strategy with a dash of sarcasm, Covil: The Dark Overlords will catch you off guard.

Highlights
  • Territory dominance at a rapid pace
  • Action points simplify decisions
  • Sharp humor appeals to sarcasm fans
  • Minions add humor and strategy
Keep in mind
  • Intense competition can frustrate
  • Rules are a bit complex at first
  • Limited components may need expansions
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Covil: The Dark Overlords is a competitive board game that puts you in the shoes of a shadowy overlord vying for control over the lands surrounding a secluded village. Each player takes on the role of a unique overlord, each with special powers and a legion of minions that can be summoned, positioned, and used to attack or defend. The ultimate goal is to rack up the highest number of victory points by the end of four days of conflict, with each day split into three phases: morning (summoning troops), afternoon (action), and night (domination and cleanup). The Action Points mechanic gives players a limited pool of resources to spend each phase, enabling quick tactical decisions. Area Majority/Influence determines who controls each region, while the Take That mechanic lets you block or hinder opponents, adding tension. Variable Player Powers give each overlord distinct abilities that change how you play, boosting replayability. The theme is dark, but the sharp humor and absurd situations make the game stand out. You can choose to protect the village, spread fear, or simply enjoy the minions that crack jokes while attacking. The components are simple—a modular board, minion tokens, action cards, and resource tokens—but the mix of mechanics creates games full of strategy and fun. If you enjoy fast-paced strategy, intense competition, and a dash of sarcasm, Covil is a great pick. The learning curve can be a bit steep at first, but the fun kicks in quickly once you grasp the interactions between action points, territorial influence, and special abilities.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 OK
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Digital Implementations: Tabletopia
Publisher Vesuvius Media, Arrakis Games, Mandala Jogos, Mirakulus
Designer Luís Brueh
Artist Luís Brueh

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play?
1 to 4 players.
What is the average playtime?
Between 40 and 90 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
How complex is the game?
Medium to high; requires focus on action points and territorial influence mechanics.
What components are included?
Modular board, minion tokens, action cards, resource tokens, victory point markers, and rulebook.
Who is this game for?
Fans of fantasy, sharp humor, and strategic competition; may not suit those who prefer cooperative or low-tension games.
How does a turn work?
Each day is split into three phases: morning (summon minions), afternoon (action using points), and night (dominate areas and clean up).

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