Escape the Dark Sector

Themeborne Ltd., Exod games, Ghenos Games · Board game · 2020
1–4 · best 1 Solo 20–60 min Weight 2.1/5
8.2 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 37.85
8.2 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

An epic escape that blends narrative and icon dice – great for fans of sci‑fi horror and cooperation.

Highlights
  • Immersive atmosphere
  • Icon dice mechanic
  • Collaborative story
  • Fast setup
Keep in mind
  • Immediate loss if a player dies
  • Repetitive chapters can be tiring
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Escape the Dark Sector is the second entry in the Escape the Dark series, delivering a sci‑fi adventure that emphasizes atmosphere, narrative, and cooperation. Setup is lightning‑fast – just two minutes – and playtime ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on how the story unfolds. Players take on the role of a ship crew trapped in a massive space complex, and the goal is to escape before any crew member is eliminated. Each turn reveals a large, visually striking chapter card, presenting a challenge: cyborg guards, malfunctioning replicators, or deadly alien creatures. These cards form the backbone of a shared narrative, where every group decision shapes the story’s direction. To overcome obstacles, players combine icon dice – each face represents an action – with item cards that can be used strategically. The “push your luck” mechanic forces you to decide whether to keep trying for more resources or pull back to avoid a teammate’s death. If any player dies, the game ends immediately, ramping up the tension with every roll. The game blends RPG, storytelling, and paper‑and‑pencil elements, letting the team develop characters and plan strategies in real time. The icon‑dice combo creates a unique visual dynamic that keeps the game engaging and unpredictable. Escape the Dark Sector is perfect for those seeking a cooperative experience with deep story but not a steep learning curve – ideal for beginners and for anyone who loves exploring dark, mysterious worlds.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Dice with Icons Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Series: Escape the Dark Theme: Boss Battle
Publisher Themeborne Ltd., Exod games, Ghenos Games
Designer Alex Crispin, James Shelton, Thomas Pike
Artist Alex Crispin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,387owners
1,186wishlist
114want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play?
1 to 4 players. Each player controls a crew member.
What is the typical game length?
45 to 60 minutes, depending on how quickly the story unfolds.
Is the game complex?
No, the rules are simple, but the narrative and cooperation require focus.
What are the main components?
Chapter cards, icon dice, item cards, and a note pad for tracking.
Who is the target audience?
Fans of sci‑fi horror, cooperation, and interactive stories, especially beginners.
Does it have expansions?
There are no official expansions, but the series includes other titles with similar themes.

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