Magic: The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers: Shadows over Innistrad

Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast · Board game · 2016
2–4 · best 4 60 min Weight 2.8/5
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy tactical combat with miniatures and the dark Magic universe, this standalone expansion is an invitation to epic duels in Innistrad!

Highlights
  • Awesome, detailed miniatures
  • Fun tactical combat
  • Modular board for replayability
  • Dark Innistrad theme
  • Easy to learn, hard to master
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependency
  • Dice luck can influence
  • Better with 3-4 players
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Hey there, Planeswalker! Ready to dive headfirst into Innistrad? Magic: The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers: Shadows over Innistrad is a standalone expansion that throws you right into one of the darkest and most terrifying planes in the Magic Multiverse. Forget peace; here, humanity is under constant threat from vampires, werewolves, spirits, and ghouls, all while twisted, mysterious stones, the cryptoliths, emerge across the land, emanating an enigmatic power.

In this miniatures and strategy game, you and your friends (or foes!) will clash over the control of these cryptoliths and the fate of Innistrad. Gameplay is based on grid movement, where your units tactically move across the modular board, and dice rolling determines the success of your attacks and defenses. Hand management is crucial, as the spell cards you hold can turn the tide of battle at any moment. The objective is simple yet challenging: be the first player or team to achieve your victory condition, using the power of the cryptoliths to tip the scales of battle in your favor. It's a feast for anyone who enjoys a good wargame with a touch of dark fantasy and awesome miniatures!
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST
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Game details

Families

Components: Miniatures Game: Magic The Gathering Game: Magic The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers
Publisher Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast
Designer Austin Rucker, Craig Van Ness, Ethan Fleischer, James D'Aloisio
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magic: The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers: Shadows over Innistrad a complete game, or do I need another one to play?
It's a standalone expansion, meaning you can play with just this box! You don't need the original Arena of the Planeswalkers, but if you have it, you can combine components for even more variety.
How many players can participate, and what's the average game duration?
The game is for 2 to 4 players, and a match typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Perfect for a just-right gaming session!
What's the game's complexity level? Is it easy for beginners?
It has a medium complexity (BGG weight 2.75). The basic rules are quite accessible, but the strategic depth of the cards and tactical positioning offers a nice challenge for those with some board game experience.
What are the main components included in the box?
Expect to find a bunch of detailed miniatures of Planeswalkers and creatures, modular board pieces to assemble different battlefields, spell and army cards, custom dice, and various tokens. It's a visual feast!
Do I need to know how to play Magic: The Gathering (the card game) to understand this game?
It's not a requirement! While it shares the universe and some thematic concepts, the gameplay is quite different from the card game. It's a tactical board game with miniatures, so the rules are independent and easy to learn even for those new to Magic.
Who is this game most recommended for?
It's ideal for Magic: The Gathering fans who want a more tactical and visual experience, lovers of light wargames with miniatures, and groups of friends looking for a strategic combat game with a dark fantasy theme.