Cover of the game Dorn

Dorn

Altar Games, Loris Games · Board game · 2006
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
6.9 BoardGameGeek
Players
2–6 · best 2
Play Time
90 min
Weight
Weight 2.9/5
Year
Year 2006
Minimum age
Minimum age 10+
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Dorn is a gem for fans of asymmetric fantasy games who want to avoid dice-rolling dependency. The 'one-vs-many' experience is well-balanced, requiring genuine cooperation from the heroes and cunning planning from the Keeper. It's a game that evolves as the session progresses, keeping engagement high until the very end.

Highlights
  • Dice-free tactical combat
  • Satisfying level progression
  • High replayability value
  • Immersive fantasy theme
Keep in mind
  • Requires commitment from the Keeper
  • Moderate learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Dorn is the kind of game that brings a classic RPG vibe to the table, but wrapped in a tight, strategic board game structure. The premise is a classic 'one-vs-many' setup: one player takes on the role of the Dorn Keeper, the master of the board who spawns monsters and tries to thwart the heroes, while the rest of the group controls five heroes who must work together to collect sacred artifacts and eventually defeat the villain.

What truly shines here is the total absence of dice in combat. Forget the frustration of rolling a low number at the wrong time; combat is purely tactical. A hero can take out a weak monster or wound a tougher one, and the game forces you to plan your moves carefully, as monsters must swarm together to successfully wound a hero. This area movement mechanic makes positioning just as important as brute force.

Replayability is a major highlight. With nine heroes available, each with their own unique traits, and a Keeper who can cast different spells in every game, it’s rare to find two identical sessions. Furthermore, the progression system is incredibly satisfying: both the heroes and the Keeper level up and gain new abilities as the match progresses, creating a power curve that keeps the tension high until the final turn. The board is also dynamic, with passages that can be randomly blocked, forcing players to adapt their routes and strategies constantly. If you enjoy a well-crafted fantasy theme where teamwork is the key to victory and strategy outweighs dice luck, Dorn is an experience that deserves a spot on your table.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 REC
6 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Publisher Altar Games, Loris Games
Designer Filip Kozák, Jan Daněk, Jan Dřevíkovský, Jan Kozák, Jiří Daněk, Kryštof Kozák
Artist Jan Dřevíkovský, Jana Šouflová, Tomáš Zahradníček

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

422owners
254wishlist
66want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is it hard to learn?
It has a moderate weight. If you've played RPGs or strategy games before, you'll pick it up quickly, though the Keeper needs to understand their spells well.
Can I play it with just two players?
The game supports 2-6 players, but it really shines when the hero group is full to coordinate actions effectively.
How long does a session last?
Expect about 90 minutes. It's a fair amount of time for the level of strategy the game provides.
Do I need dice for combat?
No! Combat is resolved through positioning and skills, which is great for those who prefer pure strategy over luck.
How does character progression work?
Heroes gain experience by defeating monsters, while the Keeper evolves by dealing damage to the heroes. Both unlock new abilities throughout the game.

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