# Dark Venture: Battle of the Ancients

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2022
- **BGG Rating**: 7.9
- **BGG Rank**: #8811
- **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 20-90 min
- **Weight**: 2.86 / 5
- **Designers**: Rob Lemon
- **Artists**: Rob Lemon
- **Publishers**: Gilded Skull Games
- **Categories**: Fighting, Science Fiction
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game, Solo / Solitaire Game, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you enjoy a tactical combat game with a dark sci-fi theme and bizarre factions, Dark Venture might be your new addiction!Engaging tactical combatUnique asymmetric factionsVaried game modesHigh replayabilityHigh language dependencyDice luck can frustrateRECOMMENDED

## Description
Prepare for a dive into a post-apocalyptic sci-fi universe where survival is a constant battle! In Dark Venture: Battle of the Ancients, you command bizarre and asymmetric factions in epic conflicts, whether solo, cooperatively, or competitively against other players. Chaos reigns, and hordes of mutated creatures invade the battlefield to the sound of infernal horns. Each turn, you roll six action dice to move your troops or activate your faction's unique abilities. Want to create more units? The Bohmerk teach you. Need larger armies? The Varpen expand their warriors. Dhargon collect resources, Orpal open portals, and Alderkang use enemy DNA to craft new soldiers. The ultimate goal? Complete objectives to summon an Ancient, a powerful entity that grants a devastating special ability to your faction. The game offers different modes: a Victory mode for those seeking points, an Adventure mode with exploration and a branching story through event tokens, and the Scenario mode, which throws you straight into the action with specific challenges. If you play the scenarios in order, you'll uncover a campaign with a larger narrative. It's a tactical game that demands strategy and adaptation, with a good dose of randomness thanks to the dice, but with enough depth to please those who enjoy a challenge. Replayability is high, especially with the different factions and game modes available.

## FAQ
### Is the game very difficult to learn?
The complexity is moderate, with rules that require some attention, but the core dice-rolling mechanic for actions is quite straightforward. The BGG weight of 2.85 suggests it's accessible to more experienced players.

### How long does a game session last?
Game time varies considerably, from 20 to 90 minutes, depending on the chosen game mode and the number of players. Solo or quick scenario games can be shorter.

### Is it good for playing alone?
Yes! The game was designed with a strong solo component (Solo / Solitaire Game mechanic), offering a complete experience for a single player.

### Do I need to know English to play?
Unfortunately, yes. The game has a high language dependency, with many cards and components that need to be read in English to be played.

### What kind of players will enjoy it the most?
Players who enjoy tactical combat, dark science fiction, units with different powers, and a touch of randomness with dice.

### What are the Ancients?
Ancients are powerful creatures that players can summon by completing objectives. They grant unique special abilities that can turn the tide of battle in favor of your faction.