HEXplore It: The Valley of the Dead King

Mariucci J. Designs, LLC · Board game · 2017
1–6 · best 4 Solo 60–180 min Weight 3.2/5
rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for RPG and exploration lovers, featuring a very flexible character creation system.

Highlights
  • Highly versatile hero creation
  • Modular board ensures high replayability
  • Strong sense of urgency against the villain
  • Cooperative focus on progression
Keep in mind
  • High language dependence
  • Learning curve for newcomers
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Ever thought about building your own hero from scratch and embarking on an epic quest? In HEXplore It: The Valley of the Dead King, that's exactly what happens. The game blends the exploration feel of an RPG with the strategy of a modern board game. The magic starts with character creation: you combine a Race and a Role (profession), and this combination defines your strengths, weaknesses, and unique abilities. Forget tedious character sheets; you'll use dry-erase markers to track your hero's power as you advance.

The map is modular, meaning every session is a brand-new journey. You travel between cities, visit ruins and shrines, fighting dangerous creatures and completing quests to level up. But be careful: you aren't alone. The Dead King is lurking and moving across the map. He doesn't just want to fight you; he destroys your cities, and every city lost makes the villain even more powerful. It's a race against time and your own luck.

The goal is clear: power up your heroes as quickly as possible so that when the final showdown arrives, you have enough strength to defeat the Dead King and bring light back to the Valley. It's a cooperative experience where group coordination is essential to decide who explores, who fights, and who prepares for the final blow. If you love the vibe of a dungeon crawler but want something with more movement and map exploration, this is the right choice. Ready your dice, plan your steps, and try not to let the Dead King dominate everything before it's too late!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 BEST
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC
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Game details

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: HEXplore It Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Mariucci J. Designs, LLC
Designer Jonathan Mariucci, Kat Kimoundri, Nathan Loos
Artist Yanis Cardin
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
It has a medium/high weight (3.2 on BGG), so it's not an entry-level game. It requires rule reading and attention to hero combinations, but RPG fans will feel right at home.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game includes official solitaire rules, allowing you to face the Dead King on your own.
How long does a game take?
It varies quite a bit, usually between 60 and 180 minutes, depending on the player count and the pace of exploration.
Is there a lot of text/language dependence?
Yes, there is high language dependence due to quests and descriptions, so if you aren't fluent in English, you'll need a translation.
How many players can play?
The game supports 1 to 6 players, making it great for groups that enjoy planning strategies together.