Dwellings of Eldervale

Breaking Games, Board Game Rookie, CMON Global Limited · Board game · 2020
1–5 · best 3 Solo 60–150 min Weight 3.2/5
8.4 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
8.4 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love heavy 'euro' games with an epic fantasy theme and deep strategy. The highlight is the faction progression.

Highlights
  • Very satisfying power progression
  • Impressive components and miniatures
  • High replayability via modular board
  • Deep card combo system
Keep in mind
  • Quite a steep learning curve
  • High dependence on text translation
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Get ready to dive into Eldervale, a magical world once lost to time, now the stage for an epic struggle. In Dwellings of Eldervale, you take command of a unique faction striving to dominate eight elemental realms. The game is a robust blend of worker placement, area control, and engine building, where every decision shapes the very face of the world around you.

The core gameplay revolves around sending your workers to strategic locations—such as summoning portals, deep dungeons, or the mysterious mage tower—to gather resources and power. But it's not just about placing and retrieving: you must manage your adventure card tableau, activating combos and prophecies to strengthen your position. The modular board ensures that no two games are ever the same, and the presence of giant elemental monsters adds a layer of constant danger and tension.

You'll need to balance map exploration with unit management, as different worker types perform different tasks. While battling dragons and rival mages, your focus must remain on achieving elemental dominance. Who will shape Eldervale to their vision and reign supreme? If you enjoy games with strategic depth, imposing components, and that feeling of progression where your faction starts small and grows into a powerhouse, this is the game for you. It's a dense but rewarding title that rewards long-term planning and adaptability in the face of opponent moves.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Dwellings of Eldervale English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 REC
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Game details

Families

Components: Game Trayz Inside Components: Hexagonal Tiles Components: Miniatures Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Dwellings of Eldervale Mechanism: Tableau Building Misc: LongPack Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Breaking Games, Board Game Rookie, CMON Global Limited, Fox in the Box, Gen-X Games (GenX), Lucky Duck Games, MYBG Co., Ltd., Reflexshop, Schwerkraft-Verlag
Designer Luke Laurie
Artist Anton Fadeev, Brian Valeza, Frank Wade, Irina Kuzmina, Leesha Hannigan, Merilliza Chan, Nathanael Mortensen, Sam Turner, Sasha Radivojevic, Sergio Chaves
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex for beginners?
Yes, it's considered an 'Expert' game. If you're not used to heavy games, it might take a few sessions to get the hang of it.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game features dedicated solo rules, allowing you to explore Eldervale even without a group.
How long does a game take?
It varies, but expect anywhere from 60 to 150 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
Is there a high language dependence?
Yes, there's significant language dependence due to adventure and prophecy cards, so translations are essential.
What about the components?
The game is very generous, featuring miniatures, hexagonal tiles, and internal trays to help with organization.
How many players can play?
From 1 to 5 players, making it versatile for different group sizes.