Cover of the game Heroscape Expansion Set: Dawn of Darkness

Heroscape Expansion Set: Dawn of Darkness

Hasbro, Milton Bradley · Board game · 2006
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
7.7 BoardGameGeek
Players
2–4 · best 2
Play Time
—
Weight
Weight 2.4/5
Year
Year 2006
Minimum age
Minimum age 8+
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Dawn of Darkness is a treat for anyone looking to add a darker, more tactical edge to their Heroscape sessions. By introducing zombies, archers, and flying units, this expansion refreshes the meta and demands new positioning strategies. It's a solid addition for those who already love the base game and want to expand combat possibilities with detailed miniatures.

Highlights
  • Adds great tactical variety
  • Excellent miniature quality
  • Expands army building options
  • Well-executed dark theme
Keep in mind
  • No new glyphs included
  • Dependent on specific boosters
  • Can be hard to find
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you're a Heroscape fan, you know that the "Wave 6" release, known as Dawn of Darkness, is a pivotal moment that gives the game a much darker, more intense vibe. Forget the standard heroes; this set is all about bringing a spooky army to the table. We're talking about four distinct boosters that introduce very specific units: the dreaded zombies, agile archers, the winged Kyrie, and, of course, the orcs and shades that give the set its name.

The real beauty of Dawn of Darkness is how it expands tactical possibilities within your modular board. Each of the four packs comes with a handful of miniatures — usually between 5 and 7 — accompanied by their respective army cards. Don't expect to find glyphs here; the focus is purely on reinforcing your troops. The quality of the miniatures follows the standard we all love, allowing you to create even more varied and challenging combat scenarios. If you enjoy mixing fantasy themes with that unique sci-fi touch that only Heroscape offers, this set is a must-have.

For frequent players, adding these units shifts the game's meta significantly. The zombies, for example, bring a horde dynamic that can frustrate any opponent if positioned correctly. Meanwhile, the archers and Kyrie demand more strategic positioning on the terrain to take advantage of height and range bonuses. It's the kind of expansion that doesn't just increase the number of pieces in your box, but forces you to rethink your attack and defense strategies. If you felt your games were getting stale, Dawn of Darkness is the shot of adrenaline needed to refresh your tabletop sessions. It's an essential item for collectors and anyone looking to take their Valhalla battles to a much more intense level.

Expansion for

Published additional content

2 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Heroscape
Publisher Hasbro, Milton Bradley
Designer Craig Van Ness, Rob Daviau, Stephen Baker

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,257owners
93wishlist
93want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the base game for this expansion?
Yes, Dawn of Darkness is an expansion, so you need the Heroscape base set to play.
How many miniatures are in each booster?
Each of the 4 boosters contains between 5 and 7 miniatures, depending on the unit.
Are there new terrain pieces or glyphs in this set?
The set focuses on units and army cards; there are no glyphs included in this wave.
Can I buy the boosters separately?
Yes, the boosters were released individually, though they are mostly found on the secondary market nowadays.
What is the complexity of this expansion?
It maintains the 2.4 weight of the base game, making it accessible for anyone who already knows Heroscape rules.
Do these units significantly change the game?
Yes, especially the zombies and flying units, which force interesting changes in how you flank and engage opponents.