# Mansions of Madness: Second Edition – Altered Fates ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2018 - **BGG Rating**: 8.2 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 2) - **Duration**: 90-120 min - **Weight**: 3.00 / 5 - **Publishers**: Fantasy Flight Games - **Categories**: Adventure, Expansion for Base-game, Exploration - **Mechanics**: Area Movement, Cooperative Game, Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Modular Board ## Verdict Perfect for those seeking deeper narrative complexity and the thrill of time manipulation. The highlight is the interaction between the two eras.Innovative and immersive temporal interactionExpertly crafted suspenseful atmosphereChallenges requiring genuine cooperationDynamic and surprising storytellingRequires base game and the appHigh language dependencyHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Get ready for a real mind-bender! In Altered Fates, the story kicks off with a shock: Lady Helena, the woman who hired your team, is abducted through a polychromatic portal right before your eyes. The decision is swift and desperate: who will jump into the portal to save her, and who stays behind? This choice splits the group across two distinct timelines, creating a gameplay dynamic never seen before in the series. The standout feature here is the simultaneous use of two separate maps. On one side, you have the classic 1920s mansion, filled with mysteries and gloomy corridors. On the other, the same house in the future: an abandoned, boarded-up building falling apart. The most fascinating part is that actions taken by those in the past directly impact those in the future. Hid an item under a loose floorboard in 1920? Your partner can find it decades later in that exact spot. Rescued a captive in the past? They might reappear to help in the future. This interdependence transforms cooperation into something far more strategic. You aren't just solving puzzles; you're manipulating the timeline to open paths and survive. The tension is constant, as communication between the teams is vital to ensure no one is consumed by madness or ancient creatures. This expansion expands not just the content, but the very logic of how Mansions of Madness is played, taking narrative immersion to a whole new level. If you love that suspenseful vibe where every detail matters and the atmosphere is heavy, this adventure is a must-have for your collection. ## FAQ ### Do I need the base game to play? Yes! This is an expansion. You need Mansions of Madness (Second Edition) and the app to play. ### How many players can join? 1 to 5 players. The team-splitting dynamic works exceptionally well with a larger group. ### Is it hard to learn? If you're familiar with the 2nd Edition, it's easy. The main novelty is managing two maps, adding a strategic layer. ### How long does a session take? Expect to spend between 90 and 120 minutes to solve the mystery. ### Is the app mandatory? Yes, the app acts as the 'Game Master', controlling the story, monsters, and events. ### Is it worth it for solo players? Yes, but the experience of splitting the team between past and future shines brightest in a group.