Descent: Journeys in the Dark

Fantasy Flight Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Edge Entertainment · Board game · 2005
8.0 Ludopedia 7.3 BGG 2–5 · best 5 120–240 min Weight 3.4/5
Buy · from US$ 79.99
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're into epic fantasy adventures with tons of tactical combat and one player trying to stab you in the back, Descent is your ticket to fun!

Highlights
  • Epic and immersive adventure
  • Addictive tactical combat
  • Modular board, high replayability
  • 'One versus many' dynamic
  • Awesome miniatures
Keep in mind
  • Quite a long playtime
  • Dense rules, learning curve
  • High language dependency
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Descent: Journeys in the Dark plunges you headfirst into an epic fantasy adventure, where dungeon exploration and tactical combat are the daily bread. This classic 'one versus many' game places up to four players in the role of fearless heroes, each with a unique arsenal of skills and innate talents. Their mission? To brave treacherous dungeons, collect valuable treasures, and fulfill challenging objectives set by the scenario. If the hero team manages to cooperate and achieve their goals, victory is for all!

However, the journey won't be easy, as a fifth player assumes the mantle of the fearsome Overlord. This dungeon master controls an army of ferocious monsters, deadly traps, and cunning puzzles, all with a single purpose: to annihilate the heroes. Each hero possesses a certain 'Conquest Point' value, and if the team loses too many of these points due to the death of its members, the Overlord triumphs.

Descent is an immersive experience that combines dice rolling for combat, strategic grid movement on a modular board that guarantees a different dungeon every game, and RPG elements that allow character progression. It's a game that demands teamwork from the heroes and a Machiavellian mind from the Overlord, promising hours of fun and challenges. Prepare to uncover the secrets of the depths and face unimaginable dangers!

Expansions

Published additional content

8 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Descent: Journeys in the Dark English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Category: Dungeon Crawler Game: Descent – Journeys in the Dark Players: One versus Many Series: Fantasy Flight Big Box Setting: The Realms of Terrinoth
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Edge Entertainment, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Kaissa Chess & Games, Nexus Editrice
Designer Kevin Wilson
Artist Frank Walls, Jesper Ejsing, John Goodenough

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

14,715owners
1,694wishlist
267want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play Descent: Journeys in the Dark?
The game accommodates 2 to 5 players. One player takes on the role of the Overlord, while the other 1 to 4 players control the heroes.
What is the average playtime for a game?
Prepare for a longer session! A game of Descent can last from 120 to 240 minutes, depending on the scenario and player experience. It's a game to dedicate a good amount of time to.
What is the complexity level of the rules?
Descent is considered a medium-heavy game (3.346/5 on BGG). The rules are quite detailed, and there's a lot of interaction between mechanics, so expect an initial learning curve. But the reward is worth it!
Does the game have high language dependency?
Yes, the language dependency is high. There's a good amount of text on cards, abilities, and in the scenario books, making a good understanding of English or a translation almost essential to play comfortably.
Who is Descent: Journeys in the Dark recommended for?
It's perfect for fans of fantasy games, tabletop RPGs, and dungeon crawlers looking for an immersive and tactical experience. If you enjoy miniatures, epic combat, and a strategic challenge, you'll love it!
Is Descent: Journeys in the Dark (First Edition) still worth playing today?
Even with the release of the Second Edition, the first edition is still highly regarded for its depth and a more 'role-playing' style in some aspects. If you find it at a good price and don't mind the complexity and playtime, it's a classic dungeon crawling experience that's still a lot of fun!

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