Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
A tactical upgrade you need if you want more flexibility in Eldervale.
Highlights
- Super versatile Mimic ability
- High-quality miniature
- Adds strategic depth
Keep in mind
- Requires the base game
- High opportunity cost
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you're already a resident of Eldervale, you know that mercenaries can turn the tide of a battle. But now, the game has leveled up with the arrival of the Shapeshifter! This expansion introduces an extremely versatile ally that will keep your opponents on their toes. The standout feature here is the 'Mimic' ability, which allows you to 'borrow' the ability of any of your other units (except for building). It's like having a tactical joker in your hand right when you need it most!
The Shapeshifter is introduced as an optional unit, just like the other mercenaries in the base game. You can hire them using either Gold or Orbs. If you choose Gold, the mercenary stays with you until your next Regroup action; if you use an Orb, they are yours for the rest of the game. It's a heavy strategic choice: do you spend a precious resource for incredible flexibility, or do you save up and stick to your original plan?
It's worth noting that in older editions and the Kickstarter campaign, the Shapeshifter was a hidden secret tucked away in the box, but now it comes ready in its own expansion pack with a high-quality 50mm miniature. This isn't a standalone game; it's a complement that adds that extra layer of unpredictability that every great strategy game craves. If you're looking for more tactical options and want to break the rigidity of your standard units, the Shapeshifter is your new best friend on the battlefield.
The Shapeshifter is introduced as an optional unit, just like the other mercenaries in the base game. You can hire them using either Gold or Orbs. If you choose Gold, the mercenary stays with you until your next Regroup action; if you use an Orb, they are yours for the rest of the game. It's a heavy strategic choice: do you spend a precious resource for incredible flexibility, or do you save up and stick to your original plan?
It's worth noting that in older editions and the Kickstarter campaign, the Shapeshifter was a hidden secret tucked away in the box, but now it comes ready in its own expansion pack with a high-quality 50mm miniature. This isn't a standalone game; it's a complement that adds that extra layer of unpredictability that every great strategy game craves. If you're looking for more tactical options and want to break the rigidity of your standard units, the Shapeshifter is your new best friend on the battlefield.
Expansion for
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Breaking Games, Schwerkraft-Verlag
Designer
Luke Laurie
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,359owners
38wishlist
11want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, absolutely! Shapeshifter is an expansion and only works within the rules and universe of Dwellings of Eldervale.
What makes the Shapeshifter so special?
The magic is in the 'Mimic' ability. It can copy your other units' abilities, providing massive tactical flexibility.
How many players can use it?
It works perfectly in any 1-5 player setup, provided you have the base game.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! If you already know the base game, learning how to hire and use the Shapeshifter takes just a few minutes.
What's included in the box?
You get a 50mm miniature, a standee, and the corresponding Shapeshifter card.