Malifaux (Third Edition)

Wyrd Games · Board game · 2019
— Ludopedia 8.6 BGG 2 · best 2 90–120 min Weight 4.2/5
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— rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're into a solid skirmish wargame with a heavy dose of narrative and a unique twist on action resolution, Malifaux 3E is a treat! It throws you into a gothic-steampunk-horror world with awesome miniatures and challenges you to outsmart your opponent, not just out-luck them. The experience is immersive, strategic, and full of twists, perfect for those seeking a deep tactical challenge.

Highlights
  • Fantastic, detailed miniatures
  • Innovative card system
  • High strategic depth
  • Engaging narrative
  • Streamlined rules
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires dedication
  • Two-player only
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Welcome to Malifaux, a twisted reality mirroring an alternate Earth from the 1900s. Imagine a setting of gothic horror, Victorian structures, steampunk contraptions, and Wild West gunslingers, all mixed in a pressure cooker. This world is infested with horrendous creatures, vengeful apparitions, and all sorts of monsters that lurk in the night. But despite the danger, the promise of Soulstones, found deep within the catacombs, is an irresistible lure, worth every drop of sweat and blood spilled. Malifaux Third Edition is a story-driven skirmish game where the lore's events directly intertwine with character abilities. With a streamlined crew hiring system, updated and straightforward rules that don't get in the way of the fun, and strategic depth that will keep your mental gears turning for years, this is the perfect time to dive into this universe. Seek your fortune, test your luck, and stake your claim in this brutal, action-packed miniature skirmish game. Forget the fickle fate of dice rolls! In Malifaux, you use a Fate Deck to guide your crew to victory. And if strategy and resource management aren't enough, you can always 'Cheat Fate' to turn the tide.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Traditional Playing Cards Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Wyrd Games
Designer Aaron Darland, Kyle Rowan, Mason Crawford, Matt Carter
Artist Nguyen Mai Diem, Thomas Verguet

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

392owners
111wishlist
10want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is Malifaux a game for those who like to roll a lot of dice?
No! Malifaux stands out by replacing dice with a Fate Deck. This means luck is managed differently, and you can even 'Cheat Fate' to influence outcomes, giving players more strategic control.
What is the ideal number of players for Malifaux (Third Edition)?
Malifaux is exclusively a two-player game. It's designed for intense tactical duels where every decision counts against your opponent.
How complex is Malifaux 3E for a beginner?
With a BGG weight of 4.23/5, Malifaux is a highly complex game. Although the Third Edition has more streamlined rules, it still requires dedication to master its mechanics and strategies. It's not a game for those looking for something light and quick.
How long does a game of Malifaux last?
A game of Malifaux typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. It's a considerable amount of time, so be prepared for an immersive and strategic gaming session.
Do I need to paint the miniatures to play Malifaux?
It's not mandatory to paint the miniatures to play, but most wargame and miniatures players enjoy customizing their pieces. The miniatures come unpainted, so assembly and painting are part of the hobby for many.
Does Malifaux 3E have a strong story component?
Yes, narrative is a central pillar of Malifaux. The lore is rich, and story events are directly reflected in character mechanics and abilities, creating an immersive and thematic experience.

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