—
rating
Ludopedia
6.8
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love dungeon crawlers but lack table space or time. The portability is simply unbeatable!
Highlights
- Ultra-portable and easy to carry
- High replayability due to random maps
- Distinct and interesting character powers
- Simple and quick to learn
Keep in mind
- Heavy reliance on dice luck
- Shorter experience than traditional crawlers
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever wanted an epic adventure that literally fits in your pocket? That's exactly what Dark Tomb: Bloodthorn Island delivers. You and your friends step into the shoes of uniquely skilled heroes on a perilous mission to navigate Bloodthorn Island and take down the sinister land serpent, Lorgon. If you've already played Crypts of Aurelian, you're in luck: the characters are fully interchangeable, allowing you to build a 'dream team' by mixing heroes from both games.
The gameplay unfolds across three intense stages. To progress, your party must explore map tiles, battle menacing monsters, and scavenge for useful items. Each turn is a tactical choice: do you go for a heavy attack, move to a better position, or trigger a special ability? Everything is driven by dice rolling, where icon resolution determines the outcome of your actions.
What makes this experience stand out is its unpredictability. Since the map tiles, monsters, and items are randomized, no two runs are ever the same. And if the land serpent Lorgon proves too powerful and your party falls? Don't sweat it! You can regroup, refine your strategy, and try the quest again. It's an ultra-portable dungeon crawler that captures the tension of exploring the unknown without requiring a massive table or hours of setup. It's the perfect blend of fantasy and cooperation for those who want a quick session that still offers meaningful tactical depth.
The gameplay unfolds across three intense stages. To progress, your party must explore map tiles, battle menacing monsters, and scavenge for useful items. Each turn is a tactical choice: do you go for a heavy attack, move to a better position, or trigger a special ability? Everything is driven by dice rolling, where icon resolution determines the outcome of your actions.
What makes this experience stand out is its unpredictability. Since the map tiles, monsters, and items are randomized, no two runs are ever the same. And if the land serpent Lorgon proves too powerful and your party falls? Don't sweat it! You can regroup, refine your strategy, and try the quest again. It's an ultra-portable dungeon crawler that captures the tension of exploring the unknown without requiring a massive table or hours of setup. It's the perfect blend of fantasy and cooperation for those who want a quick session that still offers meaningful tactical depth.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Kozz Games
Designer
Andy Bergmann
Artist
Andy Bergmann, Daniel Rubio
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,612owners
122wishlist
19want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need Crypts of Aurelian to play?
Nope! It's a standalone game, but if you own the other one, you can mix and match characters for new combos.
How long does a game take?
It's quite snappy, taking between 20 to 50 minutes, depending on how fast you explore the island.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game includes solo rules, making it a great choice for those who enjoy solitaire challenges.
Is it too complex for beginners?
Not at all. With a weight of 2/5, it's very accessible, though the character abilities add a nice layer of strategy.
Does it come in a big box?
No, it comes in a super compact metal tin, perfect for travel or a quick lunch-break session.
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