Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood

Shadowborne Games, Hobby World, Rawstone · Board game · 2022
9.2 Ludopedia 8.8 BGG 1–4 · best 4 Solo 30–90 min Weight 3.7/5
Buy · from US$ 149.00
9.2 rating Ludopedia
8.8 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Perfect for RPG lovers who want the feeling of campaign progression paired with brutal tactical combat.

Highlights
  • Epic and challenging boss fights
  • Immersive branching narrative
  • Rewarding character progression
  • Thrilling exploding dice system
Keep in mind
  • Steep initial learning curve
  • Sessions can be quite long
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into the Deepwood, a place where nature is as dangerous as the creatures that inhabit it. In Oathsworn, you and your friends form the 'Free Company', a group of sworn warriors who stand as humanity's last line of defense against indescribable horrors. The game blends the immersion of an adventure book with the tactics of a modern board game, creating an experience where every narrative choice can lead to completely different paths.

The game structure is split into two main phases. First, you navigate through a storybook, making decisions that shape the group's destiny and lead to inevitable encounters. When the fighting starts, the action shifts to the combat board. This is where the game shines with epic, multi-phase boss fights, where you face monsters controlled by a clever AI. It's not just about hitting hard, but about outsmarting and outplaying the enemy using the right strategy.

The heart of the combat is an 'exploding dice' push-your-luck system that keeps you on edge: you can aim for massive damage, but you risk missing the attack entirely. To balance this luck, there is the 'Battleflow', a Euro-style cooldown system that requires careful resource management to ensure the group doesn't run out of steam mid-fight. As the campaign progresses, you feel real growth: gaining new levels, powerful loot, and allies who join your journey. It's the kind of game where the story evolves organically, and the feeling of victory after defeating a colossal boss is immensely rewarding. If you love RPGs, deep campaigns, and tactical miniature combat, Oathsworn is your next obsession.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Category: Dungeon Crawler Components: Miniatures Components: Standees Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Mechanism: Campaign Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: Boss Battle
Publisher Shadowborne Games, Hobby World, Rawstone
Designer Jamie Jolly
Artist Dongbiao Lu, Dongjun Lu, Francesca Baerald, Sean Jackson, Vladimir Buchyk

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

13,214owners
6,942wishlist
642want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is the game too complex for non-RPG players?
It's considered an 'Expert' game, but the rules are well-structured. If you enjoy learning new systems, you'll be fine, but be ready to study the manual.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game works great in solo mode, allowing you to experience the story and face the bosses on your own.
How long does each session take?
Sessions typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, but keep in mind that boss fights can run longer depending on the difficulty.
Do I need a lot of miniatures to play?
The game comes with amazing miniatures for heroes and monsters, which are essential for the immersion during combat.
Is it a 'Legacy' style game?
It has campaign elements and progression (levels, loot), but it doesn't involve destroying components like traditional Legacy games.
Is combat based purely on luck?
No. While dice provide the tension, the 'Battleflow' system and card management require significant strategy to win.

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