Descent: Legends of the Dark – The Betrayer's War

Fantasy Flight Games, Hobby World, Rebel Sp. z o.o. · Board game · 2023
1–4 · best 2 Solo 120–180 min Weight 3.3/5
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.5 rating BGG
Buy
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Perfect for those who love tactical RPGs and want the immersion of a GM without the hassle of reading endless manuals.

Highlights
  • Phenomenal app integration
  • Immersive 3D terrain
  • Rewarding character progression
  • Dynamic tactical combat
Keep in mind
  • Total dependence on the app
  • High price point
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to return to the Realms of Terrinoth, but this time, the stakes are much higher. In Descent: Legends of the Dark – The Betrayer's War, you and your friends face a scenario where the only way out is the unthinkable: forming an alliance with your worst enemy, Waiqar the Betrayer. The goal? Survive the onslaught of the Uthuk Y'llan and stop the terrifying Dragonlord Levirax. It's the kind of story packed with twists that keeps everyone glued to the table.

The big game-changer here is the full integration with an app, which takes over the role of the Game Master. This means no one has to be stuck reading massive rulebooks to control the monsters; the app handles enemy AI, event triggers, and hero progression. The gameplay is fluid: each turn, you have one maneuver action to position yourself and two additional actions to attack, explore, or use the 'ready' mechanic. The latter is fantastic, allowing you to flip your hero sheet or ability cards to unlock new powers mid-fight, shifting your strategy on the fly.

Visually, the game is a spectacle. With 3D terrain and detailed miniatures, the immersion is complete. Beyond the intense missions, there's a system of between-scenario activities where you can shop in town, upgrade gear, and craft items, providing a genuine RPG progression feel. If you love the idea of assembling a party, evolving characters, and fighting hordes of monsters in modular settings that change with every mission, this game is for you. Just keep in mind that due to deep changes in rules and components, it is not compatible with older versions of Descent.

Expansion for

Published additional content

4 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 BEST
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Category: Dungeon Crawler Components: Digital Hybrid – App/Website Required Components: Miniatures Creatures: Monsters Mechanism: Campaign Games Setting: The Realms of Terrinoth Theme: Art style – Art Deco
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Hobby World, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer Aaron Haltom, Kara Centell-Dunk, Nathan I. Hajek, Philip D. Henry
Artist Gary Storkamp, Preston Stone

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need a Game Master?
No! The free app handles everything, controlling the enemies and the narrative flow.
Can I play it solo?
Yes, the game supports 1 to 4 players and works great in solo mode.
Is it compatible with the old Descent?
No. The rules and components have completely changed, so it's not compatible with previous versions.
How long does each session take?
Missions typically last between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the scenario size and the group.
Is the game too complex?
It has a medium weight (3.25/5). Rules are intuitive, and the app guides most of the process, though combat tactics require focus.
What's inside the box?
Plenty of miniatures, 3D terrain pieces, hero sheets, and ability cards for the campaign.