Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you're into epic adventures with tons of content and an immersive experience, Descent: Legends of the Dark is a perfect fit. It's a cooperative dungeon crawler that shines with its production value and narrative.
Highlights
- Engaging narrative campaign
- Spectacular 3D components
- Smart app integration
- Dynamic combat mechanics
- Deep hero progression
Keep in mind
- Very long playtime
- Total app dependency
- High price point
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready to forge your own legend in Terrinoth! In Descent: Legends of the Dark, you and your friends will embark on an epic cooperative adventure, delving into a vibrant fantasy realm on the brink of chaos. The Uthuk Y'llan barbarians and Waiqar the Undying's undead servants are threatening the borders, and it's up to you, budding heroes, to confront this encroaching darkness. This isn't just a board game; it's an immersive experience, powered by a free companion app that manages enemies, status effects, and your characters' evolution based on your choices. The 'Blood and Flame' campaign unfolds across sixteen quests full of twists and turns, where your objectives constantly change, keeping the narrative fresh. With 46 pieces of 3D terrain and forty detailed hero and monster miniatures, the game truly comes alive on your table. Classic mechanics like combat, fatigue, and item usage have been reinvented, and the multi-level scenario design adds impressive tactical depth. Each turn, you get one maneuver action and two additional actions of your choice, allowing you to attack, explore, or use the 'ready' action to switch between powerful abilities. Between scenarios, the app offers activities like crafting and shopping, further deepening your heroes' journey. It's important to note that, as a new approach, this Descent is not compatible with previous versions of the series.
Expansions
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Sorastro's Vaerix Painting Guide for Descent Legends of the Dark
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How to Play Descent: Legends of the Dark
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How-to-play Descent Legends of the dark
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Dice and Dragons - Descent Legends of the Dark How to Play
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Descent legends of the dark fully painted!
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12 Rules That You Might Get Wrong!
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DESCENT Legends of the Dark: Basics of How to Play, Set-Up & Starting the Adventure
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Descent: Legends of the Dark Gameplay
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Sorastro's Syrus Painting Guide for Descent Legends of the Dark
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Descent: Legends of the Dark | Blood and Flame Campaign | Setup
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How to Paint Chance from Descent
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Descent: Legends of the Dark. Starting the Campaign and learning to play!
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
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4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Fantasy Flight Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Galápagos Jogos, Hobby World, Korea Boardgames, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer
Kara Centell-Dunk, Nathan I. Hajek
Artist
Gary Storkamp, Preston Stone
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
12,877owners
2,843wishlist
201want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Descent: Legends of the Dark?
The game is designed for 1 to 4 players, meaning you can embark on your adventure solo or with up to three friends to explore Terrinoth.
What is the average playtime for a session?
Prepare for a longer experience! Each session can last between 120 and 180 minutes, especially considering it's a campaign game with interconnected quests.
Is it a complex game for beginners?
With a complexity weight of 2.69/5, it falls into the medium-light range. While it has many rules and a robust campaign, the app helps manage much of the complexity, making it more accessible than other dungeon crawlers.
Are the components high quality?
Yes, the production is one of its strongest points! The game comes with 46 pieces of 3D terrain and forty detailed hero and monster miniatures, which significantly enhances visual immersion.
Do I need an app to play?
Absolutely! The free companion app is essential for playing, as it manages the narrative, enemies, status effects, and even the choices that shape the story. Without it, the game cannot be played.
Is Descent: Legends of the Dark compatible with previous Descent editions?
No, it is not compatible. This version is a complete reimagining of the series, with new mechanics and a different approach, so you cannot mix components or expansions from previous editions.
Who is Descent: Legends of the Dark recommended for?
It's perfect for those who love cooperative games with a strong narrative, dungeon crawling, fantastic miniatures, and an immersive campaign experience. If you don't mind the app dependency and enjoy longer playtimes, you'll love it!
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