Lands of Evershade

Awaken Realms · Board game · 2026
1–5 · best 2 Solo 90–270 min Weight 3.3/5
rating Ludopedia
8.7 rating BGG
rating Ludopedia
8.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love RPGs but hate the overhead of having a GM; the character freedom is top-notch.

Highlights
  • Incredibly deep character customization
  • Reactive and dynamic open world
  • High-quality miniatures
  • Fast and smart tactical combat
Keep in mind
  • Heavy language dependence
  • Very long play sessions
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever wanted to play an epic open-world RPG but nobody in your group wants to be the Game Master? Lands of Evershade is the answer. It's a brilliant hybrid that blends the depth of an RPG with the convenience of a board game, allowing you and your friends to explore a vast, secret-filled universe without needing a dedicated narrator. The game is all about freedom: you start by crafting your character using an immersive handbook, choosing races, origins, and classes with specializations that ensure every hero is unique.

The highlight here is the reactivity. Your choices—from your backstory (were you a sophisticated noble or a street thief?) to the decisions made during the quest—shape how the world and NPCs react to you. This unlocks new story paths, interactions, and even exclusive combat encounters. The structure is modular, meaning you can build your own campaign by choosing the order of scenarios and modules, forging your own path through the lands under the shadow of the goddess Luada.

When diplomacy fails, the game shifts into fast-paced tactical combat where enemies aren't just waiting for their turn; they react to your moves, forcing you to think strategically. All of this is brought to life with dozens of high-quality miniatures representing your party and the monsters you'll face. It's more than just a game; it's an entry point into a universe designed to expand with new content for years to come. If you love dark fantasy, deep character customization, and the feeling that your choices actually matter, this is the experience you've been looking for.
Rules videos

In English

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

Families

Admin: Upcoming Releases Components: AI Generated Illustrations Components: Miniatures Components: Standees Creatures: Monsters Crowdfunding: Gamefound Mechanism: Campaign Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Awaken Realms
Designer Ernest Kiedrowicz, Krzysztof Piskorski
Artist Ewa Labak, Jakub Dzikowski, Pamela Łuniewska, Patryk Jędraszek, Piotr Foksowicz
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Game Master to play?
Nope! The game is designed to be played without a GM, using narrative systems and paragraphs to guide the story.
Is it too hard to learn?
Despite its depth, the game is designed to be accessible and easy to learn, featuring a very intuitive player's handbook.
How long does a session last?
Playtime ranges from 90 minutes up to 4.5 hours, depending on the scenario's complexity and your group's pace.
Can I play solo?
Yes, the game supports 1 to 5 players, so a solo adventure is completely viable.
Is the game linear?
Not at all. It's modular, allowing you to choose the order of scenarios to create your own custom campaign.
Do choices actually change the story?
Yes, both your character's origin and the decisions made during the game alter how the world reacts and unlock new events.