Dark Future

Games Workshop Ltd. · Board game · 1988
— Ludopedia 6.1 BGG 2 60 min Weight 2.4/5
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— rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love miniatures and high‑octane races, Dark Future gives you fast fun with a great look.

Highlights
  • Detailed miniatures
  • Simple rules
  • Quick playtime
Keep in mind
  • Limited strategy depth
  • Shallow tactical options
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Dark Future drops you into a post‑apocalyptic world where roads become battlefields. Each player builds a combat car using a point‑based system: pick weapons, armor, engine and even crazy gadgets, all within the budget the game sets. Once your war‑machine is ready, the game runs on winding tracks that change each session, ensuring no two strategies are alike. You can choose to race for the win, trying to reach the finish line before rivals, or turn the race into a shoot‑out, using the mounted weapons to take out the competition. The rules are lean, reminiscent of classic Auto‑Duel and Car‑Wars, but with the visual flair of Games Workshop, so expect detailed miniatures that give a futuristic combat vibe. Games run about an hour and have low complexity, ideal for players who want vehicle combat without a massive rulebook. Despite the simplicity, component choices and curve layouts create meaningful tactical decisions: where to armor, when to accelerate or brake, and how to use terrain to your advantage. Dark Future is perfect for groups who love fast‑paced action, miniatures and a dash of sci‑fi apocalypse, without the time‑sink of heavy‑weight games.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Theme: Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher Games Workshop Ltd.
Designer Marc Gascoigne, Richard Halliwell
Artist Andrew Wildman, Bil Segwick, Carl Critchlow, Colin Dixon, Dave Andrews, David Gallagher, John Blanche, Mark Craven, Mike McVey, Nick Williams, Pete Knifton, Tim Pollard, Tony Ackland

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

642owners
104wishlist
56want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play?
From 2 up to an indefinite number, limited only by table space and available miniatures.
How long does a game last?
Around 60 minutes on average, though it can vary with player count and track length.
What is the complexity level?
Low – the rules are streamlined and easy to pick up, perfect for newcomers.
What components are included?
Vehicle miniatures, component cards, modular track board, damage markers, and a rulebook.
Is it more about racing or combat?
Either – you can aim to finish first or use weapons to knock out opponents.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of miniatures, fast‑paced races, and post‑apocalyptic themes.

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