Dark Rituals: Malleus Maleficarum

DG Games Entertainment (Dark Gate Games) · Board game · 2020
8.8 Ludopedia 7.8 BGG 2–5 · best 3 60–90 min Weight 2.9/5
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8.8 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Dark Rituals is a total blast for fans of asymmetric games and intense combat. The 'one vs many' experience truly shines here, providing constant tension that keeps everyone glued to the table. The use of miniatures and the modular board makes for a stunning look, turning every scenario into a fresh, epic adventure.

Highlights
  • Highly dynamic stamina system
  • Richly detailed miniatures
  • Engaging campaign narrative
  • High replayability in scenarios
Keep in mind
  • Requires time to learn rules
  • One player must be master
  • Can be long for beginners
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a collision of worlds! In Dark Rituals: Malleus Maleficarum, the reality of Earth clashes with the dark dimension of Neemoss, bringing forth powerful witches and unspeakable horrors. This is an asymmetric 'one vs many' game where one player takes on the role of the Witch Master, orchestrating evil rituals and summoning creatures to wreak havoc, while the other players control a band of brave heroes—alchemists, fakirs, and healers—who must desperately defend humanity and stop the evil from prevailing.

The gameplay is intense and action-focused. Forget about excessive downtime; here, the stamina-based action point system keeps everyone engaged at all times. You will need to manage your resources wisely to perform actions, move across the modular board, and strike at enemy forces. Since the game is organized into scenarios, you can choose between playing a quick, standalone session or embarking on an epic campaign where the story unfolds with each completed mission. With detailed miniatures that bring the monsters and heroes to life, immersion is guaranteed.

The true strength of Dark Rituals is the constant tension. The Witch Master is not just an obstacle, but a strategic force that evolves, while the heroes must coordinate their newfound magical powers to survive. If you enjoy tactical combat games with a touch of gothic horror and a narrative that hooks you, this title is a perfect fit. Whether you are the savior of Earth or the architect of destruction, the magic of Neemoss will test your strategic limits. Do you have what it takes to interrupt the rituals, or is the world doomed?

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 OK
5 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Miniatures Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Mechanism: Campaign Games Players: One versus Many Theme: Witches
Publisher DG Games Entertainment (Dark Gate Games)
Designer Filippo Chirico
Artist Alexei Popovici, Filippo Chirico

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,095owners
223wishlist
21want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players do I need?
The game plays with 2 to 5 players, with one of them acting as the Witch Master.
How long does a game take?
Expect between 60 to 90 minutes per scenario, depending on the group's experience.
Is it a cooperative game?
It's an asymmetric 'one vs many' game. Heroes cooperate, but they face one player controlling the opposing side.
Do I have to play the entire campaign?
Not at all! You can play standalone scenarios for a quick game, or link them into a full campaign.
Are the rules very difficult?
The weight is moderate (around 2.9/5). It's accessible for those familiar with miniature games.
What comes in the box?
The highlights are the detailed miniatures, the modular board, and high-quality components for heroes and villains.

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