9.7
rating
Ludopedia
10.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you love pair play, runes, and a dash of mythology, ElvenTrolls is your next table.
Highlights
- Rune action
- Strategic pair
- Bauer art
- Fun trick‑taking
Keep in mind
- Short playtime
- Complex rules
- High price
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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ElvenTrolls is a trick-taking card game that transports you straight into the mystical Swedish forests where hungry trolls and wise elves clash in rune battles. You and your partner take on the role of druids hired by local villagers, aiming to restore balance between the two species. Each pair controls a deck – one for trolls and one for elves – and each round you must use the highest card or the trump card (the one with your druid’s special ability) to win the trick. The winning trick determines who leads the journey through winding paths to the clearing where runes clash in epic confrontations. If the trolls win, they devour the elves; if the elves win, they distract the trolls until dawn turns them to stone. The trick-taking mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as you choose which card to play but must also watch the total troll and elf values in the clearing to avoid losing your group. The game ends after 12 rounds, when pairs swap decks and the difference between the piles of devoured elves and petrified trolls determines the victor. With stunning illustrations by John Bauer, ElvenTrolls blends narrative, trick-taking strategy, and team cooperation into a compact 30‑minute package, perfect for fans of mythology and tactical challenges.
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Black Mamba Games
Designer
Gaetano Foschini
Artist
John Bauer
How many players can play?
ElvenTrolls is designed for 4 players, forming two pairs that compete in teams.
What is the average game length?
Each game lasts about 30 minutes, with 12 rounds split into two phases of 6 rounds each.
What is the complexity level?
The game has moderate rules; the trick‑taking mechanic and trump control require focus, but are easy to learn.
What components are included?
The set contains 2 card decks (troll and elf), clearing tokens, devoured tokens, stone tokens, and a rulebook.
Who is the target audience?
Ideal for mythology fans, trick‑taking card game lovers, and those who enjoy cooperative pair play with a strategic twist.
Is the game currently available?
Yes, ElvenTrolls was released in December 2024 and can be purchased at specialty stores and online.