Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Want to venture alone into the depths and build your fortress? DELVE is a solo map-drawing game that challenges you to explore and survive.
Highlights
- Engaging solo challenge
- Creative fortress building
- Exploration with risk
- Immersive theme
Keep in mind
- Requires printing and assembly
- Map drawing focus
- Can be challenging
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Check out DELVE, a solo game that puts you in the boots of a dwarf tasked with expanding and protecting their underground stronghold. The core gameplay involves drawing your own map as you explore the depths for resources, but beware: the deeper you dig, the stranger and more dangerous things become! Inspired by classics like Dwarf Fortress and Dungeon Keeper, DELVE captures that feeling of building and defending your fortress against ancient horrors and arcane magic. It features a straightforward combat system and guides you through building your hold, even offering tips to integrate it into your RPG world. This roughly 32-page A5 zine contains everything you need to generate natural formations, forgotten ruins, enemies, and even terrifying monsters. It's perfect for those who enjoy a survival and building challenge with a dash of exploration and peril. If you like the idea of venturing into the unknown and dealing with the consequences, this game is for you!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
(Web published)
Designer
Anna Blackwell
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
234owners
72wishlist
6want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play DELVE?
DELVE is strictly a solo game, designed for one player to explore and build on their own.
How long does a game of DELVE take?
Games can vary significantly, typically lasting between 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how deep you decide to dig and your decisions.
Do I need to print the game to play?
Yes! DELVE is a 'Print & Play' game, so you'll need to print the pages and have paper and pencil handy.
What is the complexity level of DELVE?
The BGG weight is 2.5 out of 5, indicating moderate complexity. The rules are straightforward, but strategic decisions and exploration risks can be challenging.
Is DELVE more focused on combat or building?
The game balances both! You build your fortress, but you also need to deal with the dangers encountered during exploration, so combat is an important part.
Who would you recommend DELVE to?
We recommend it for solo players who enjoy fantasy themes, base building, exploration, and a touch of risk management. If you like games like Dwarf Fortress or Dungeon Keeper, you'll enjoy DELVE.
Can I use DELVE with my tabletop RPG?
Absolutely! The game offers tips for integrating your fortress and discoveries made in DELVE into your RPG world, adding more depth to your campaigns.
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