Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Descent fans looking for more content and new strategies will love this expansion! It deepens the experience with more challenges and options.
Highlights
- Engaging new campaign
- More monsters and challenges
- Innovative hybrid classes
Keep in mind
- High language dependency
- Requires base game
- Short campaign
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About the game
What you do in a play session
The heroes' journey in Descent continues into the mists of the Mistlands with 'The Chains That Rust,' an expansion that plunges players into a realm of uncertainty and peril. Waiqar the Undying and his undead hordes lurk in the fog, and even long-time allies seem distant and unknown. The very atmosphere seems to conspire against the adventurers, tainting them and binding them to this shadowy land. The only certainty is the desperate need to escape.
This expansion introduces a new one-act campaign that can be played independently or as a direct sequel to 'Mists of Bilehall.' The Overlord gains new tools to make the heroes' lives difficult, with new 'Tainted' cards and an unprecedented Overlord class. To increase the challenge, eight new monster miniatures invade the battlefield, expanding the villain's arsenal. An exciting novelty for the hero players is the introduction of hybrid classes, allowing them to combine abilities from different archetypes for the first time, opening up new strategies and customizations. Prepare to face even deadlier dangers and uncover the dark secrets of the Mistlands in this electrifying addition to the Descent universe.
This expansion introduces a new one-act campaign that can be played independently or as a direct sequel to 'Mists of Bilehall.' The Overlord gains new tools to make the heroes' lives difficult, with new 'Tainted' cards and an unprecedented Overlord class. To increase the challenge, eight new monster miniatures invade the battlefield, expanding the villain's arsenal. An exciting novelty for the hero players is the introduction of hybrid classes, allowing them to combine abilities from different archetypes for the first time, opening up new strategies and customizations. Prepare to face even deadlier dangers and uncover the dark secrets of the Mistlands in this electrifying addition to the Descent universe.
Expansion for
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
5
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Fantasy Flight Games, Edge Entertainment, Galakta, Giochi Uniti, Heidelberger Spieleverlag
Designer
Kara Centell-Dunk
Artist
Andrew Bosley, David Griffith, Dmitry Burmak, Émile Denis, Enrique Rivera, Jordan Kerbow, Nicholas Gregory, Stephen Somers, Yoann Boissonnet
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
3,506owners
368wishlist
106want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need the base game 'Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)' to play this expansion?
Yes, 'The Chains That Rust' is an expansion and requires the base game to be played.
What is the average playtime for this expansion's campaign?
The campaign is described as 'one-act,' suggesting a shorter duration than the base game's full campaigns. However, the total time can vary depending on player pace and mission complexity. Expect something between 2 to 4 hours.
How many players can participate in this expansion?
Like the base game, this expansion is for 2 to 5 players.
How complex is 'The Chains That Rust' compared to the base game?
The overall complexity remains similar to the base game, but the introduction of hybrid classes and new Overlord mechanics might add an extra layer of strategy and challenge.
What new components come in this expansion?
The expansion includes new cards (Tainted and Overlord class), 8 monster miniatures, and components for the new campaign.
Is it necessary to have the base game translated to play this expansion?
Yes, Ludopedia indicates 'Extensive Language Dependency' and 'Needs an almost complete translation to be played.' If your base game is not translated, you will face difficulties.