Dungeon Universalis

Ludic Dragon Games · Board game · 2019
1–6 · best 4 Solo 60–180 min Weight 4.4/5
rating Ludopedia
8.7 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
8.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're into a solid dungeon crawler with TONS of flexibility and game modes galore, Dungeon Universalis is for you! You can play solo, co-op, one-vs-many, or even as the RPG master. It's a melting pot of options!

Highlights
  • Customizable experience
  • Numerous game modes
  • RPG depth
  • Versatile system
Keep in mind
  • High complexity
  • Can be time-consuming
  • Requires dedication
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready to dive into Dungeon Universalis (DUN), a classic dungeon crawler that's not messing around! With room for 1 to 6 adventurers (ages 12+), this game throws you into a cauldron of intuitive mechanics, engaging cards, and the near-infinite freedom of an RPG. Want an epic campaign with a breathtaking story? DUN has it. Prefer independent quests for shorter sessions? It's got those too. And if you're the creative type, you can even design your own adventures or use DUN's system to replay scenarios from other games. The beauty is that it adapts to any medieval fantasy world you can imagine, but it also has its own universe, inspired by the novel Raazbal. What makes DUN special are its multiple game modes. Play in Standard mode, where one player takes on the role of the 'Dark Player' competing against the heroes, with quests that can last until the objective is met or have a fixed number of turns. Earn experience to power up your characters, whether cooperatively or individually. If you prefer pure camaraderie, the Cooperative mode guarantees 100% collaboration against a game-controlled 'Dark Player'. Want to feel like a true master? The RPG mode puts one player in the role of the omniscient narrator. And for those who love to explore without constraints, the open-map mode allows for adventures without the rigidity of a grid. DUN is a robust system offering a customizable and deep dungeon crawling experience.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK
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Game details

Families

Category: Dungeon Crawler Components: Miniature agnostic Components: Miniatures Creatures: Monsters Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: VASSAL Game: Dungeon Universalis Players: One versus Many Players: Wargames with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Ludic Dragon Games
Designer Oscar Bribian
Artist Anton Vermeulen, Arber Dyrmishi, Black Scroll, Brett Neufeld, Brian Brinlee, Claudio Casini, Daniel Comerci, Dean Spencer, Eric Lofgren, Gary Dupuis, Jacob Blackmon, James Shields, Jayaraj Paul, Jose David Lanza Cebrian, Juanjo Gracia Rocher, Louis Porter, Jr. Design Studio, Lunstream, Maciej Zagorski, Márton Gyula Kiss, Matt Morrow, Rick Hershey, Valerio Korax Carbone, Víctor Manuel Leza Moreno, William McAusland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Dungeon Universalis?
Playtime varies significantly depending on the chosen mode and the number of players, but expect anywhere from 60 to 180 minutes. More complex modes or games with many players might extend this duration.
How many players can participate?
The game supports 1 to 6 players. There are specific modes for solo play, cooperative play, and even a mode where one player controls the monsters (One versus Many).
Is the game very difficult to learn?
Dungeon Universalis has a BGG weight of 4.35/5, indicating considerable complexity. The basic rules are accessible, but mastering the nuances and strategies takes time and dedication.
Do I need a Game Master to play?
Not necessarily! The game offers an RPG mode where one player acts as the GM, but it also features fully cooperative modes and a mode where the 'Dark Player' is controlled by the game itself, allowing you to play without a dedicated GM.
Does the game come with miniatures?
Yes, Dungeon Universalis is a miniatures game, and it fits the 'Miniature agnostic' category, meaning you can use the miniatures that come with the game or replace them with others of your preference.
Is it a pure cooperative game?
It offers a 100% cooperative mode, but it also has competitive (One versus Many) modes and a Standard mode where one player acts as the antagonist. The choice is yours!