Once Upon a Time: Dark Tales

Atlas Games, Play Factory · Board game · 2004
2–6 · best 4, 6 30 min Weight 1.5/5
8.6 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy
8.6 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Want to add a darker, more unpredictable flavor to your storytelling sessions? Dark Tales is the expansion Once Upon a Time was missing!

Highlights
  • New story elements
  • Darker endings
  • Increases replayability
  • Maintains simplicity
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • More mature themes
  • May scare younger players
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Get ready to add a dark twist to your fairy tales with the Dark Tales expansion for the Once Upon a Time game! If you thought the original stories had their tense moments, just wait until you see what this crew brings. It's 56 new cards that blend seamlessly with the base deck, adding elements and twists that will leave everyone speechless.

Forget happy endings and charming princes for a moment. Here, trolls lurk under bridges, inconsolable ghosts wander in search of lost loves, demons try to tempt the pure of heart, and yes, evil stepmothers who don't mess around and serve children in stews (yuck!). This expansion injects a dose of danger and mystery into your storytelling sessions, turning each game into a bolder and more unpredictable adventure.

It's the perfect choice for those who already enjoy the base game and want more variety, especially if the group likes to explore the darker and more intriguing sides of classic narratives. The complexity remains the same, maintaining the accessibility that makes Once Upon a Time so beloved, but with an extra flavor that appeals to those seeking a slightly more biting creative challenge. Perfect for livening up any game night with stories that break the mold and guarantee good laughs (or shivers!).
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
6 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Mechanics

Families

Game: Once Upon a Time
Publisher Atlas Games, Play Factory
Designer Andrew Rilstone, James Wallis, Richard Lambert
Artist Florence Magnin, J. Scott Reeves, Sophie Mounier
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game 'Once Upon a Time' to play with Dark Tales?
Absolutely! Dark Tales is an expansion, and all its cards are designed to be mixed with the original 'Once Upon a Time' base game.
How many new cards does this expansion add?
Dark Tales brings 56 brand new cards to spice up your stories.
Does the game become more difficult with this expansion?
The rule complexity doesn't change, but the themes and endings become darker and more unexpected, which can be an extra creative challenge.
Is it suitable for young children?
This expansion focuses on darker and scarier themes, like trolls and demons. It might be better for slightly older players or those already accustomed to more intense fairy tales.
How long does a game with this expansion last?
The playtime remains the same as the original, around 30 minutes, depending on how creative (and quick) the players are.
Does this expansion significantly change the base game experience?
Yes, it adds a layer of danger and twists that can make the stories much more exciting and less predictable, giving the game new life.