Dark Darker Darkest

Queen Games · Board game · 2013

8.7 Ludopedia 6.2 BGG 2–5 · best 5 120 min Weight 3.3/5

Buy

8.7 rating Ludopedia

6.2 rating BGG

Buy

Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

If you're into tense cooperative games with a zombie theme and a good dose of exploration and stealth, Dark Darker Darkest is a fantastic choice! The experience is immersive, with a horror atmosphere that keeps you hooked from start to finish, and the feeling of always being on the edge is what gets the adrenaline pumping. It's that kind of game that makes you plan every step, but also throws you into chaotic situations where improvisation is key to survival.

Highlights

Immersive cooperative horror
Modular board exploration
Tactical combat and stealth
Clever item management
Challenging AI

Keep in mind

Complex original rules
Can be punishing
Reliance on dice luck

Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a breathtaking cooperative horror experience in Dark Darker Darkest! In this intense game, you and your squad of urban survivors must infiltrate the shadowy mansion of Dr. Mortimer. The objective? To find the secret lab and, more importantly, the antidote to a virus that's turning humanity into hordes of the undead. The fate of the world rests in your hands, or rather, in your miniatures!

Dr. Mortimer's house is no place for amateurs. You'll need to be clever to unravel the location's secrets, collecting essential tools to unlock doors and disable security systems. But don't think it'll be easy: destructive fires can erupt, consuming parts of the house, and endless hordes of terrifying creatures lurk, ready to turn your fragile group into zombie dinner. Oh, and don't forget the security cameras, which are also watching your every move!

Dark Darker Darkest shines with its innovative mechanics. Item management is crucial, using a color-coded system to simplify life (or death!). The exploration of the modular board ensures that each game is a unique narrative, full of surprises and variations. Combat is tactical and icon-driven, and stealth is a vital skill for outsmarting creatures and the game's artificial intelligence, which controls all enemies and challenges. And when you finally reach the lab, prepare for the ultimate confrontation against an abominable creature, the Nemesis! Can you and your team fight the darkness and save the world?

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

11 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players

2 REC

3 REC

4 BEST

5 BEST

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Queen Games

Designer David Ausloos

Artist David Ausloos

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,837owners

551wishlist

64want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

What is the main objective in Dark Darker Darkest?

Your goal is to infiltrate Dr. Mortimer's mansion, find the secret lab, and retrieve the antidote for a zombie virus that is devastating the world. It's a race against time and hordes of the undead!

How many players can participate and how long does a game last?

The game is ideal for 2 to 5 players. A full game typically takes between 120 and 180 minutes, so be prepared for an intense and suspenseful gaming session.

Is the game too complex for beginners?

Dark Darker Darkest has a complexity rating of 3.3/5 on BGG, indicating a medium-high complexity. The rules might be a bit dense initially, but the tactical and thematic experience makes the learning curve worthwhile. Keep an eye out for revised rules for smoother gameplay!

What are the main components of the game?

You'll find a modular board that ensures high replayability, many detailed miniatures representing survivors and creatures, item and event cards, and dice for resolving combat and actions. It's a visual feast for miniature enthusiasts!

What makes Dark Darker Darkest different from other zombie games?

It stands out due to its strong horror theme, the AI system that controls enemies unpredictably, the emphasis on stealth and color-coded item management, plus the modular board that creates a unique narrative each session. It's not just about killing zombies; it's about surviving with style!

Is it a game for strategy lovers or more about luck?

It's a mix of both! Strategy is crucial for planning your moves, managing resources, and using character abilities. However, dice rolling and unexpected events introduce an element of luck that keeps the tension and unpredictability high.