# Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2013
- **BGG Rating**: 6.7
- **BGG Rank**: #2218
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2+)
- **Duration**: 30-45 min
- **Weight**: 2.17 / 5
- **Designers**: Paul Peterson
- **Publishers**: Alderac Entertainment Group, Edge Entertainment, Hobby World, IELLO, Pegasus Spiele, uplay.it edizioni
- **Categories**: Card Game, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mythology
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Hand Management, Take That, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you love fast duels with a darkly funny twist, this expansion hits the spot.Insane faction combosFun Madness cardsQuick, tense gameplayEnglish‑only cardsRequires base Smash UpTwo‑player onlyHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set drags Lovecraftian chaos into the already mad world of faction mash‑ups. The expansion adds four new tribes – deranged cultists, fishy Innsmouth locals, terrifying Elder Things, and Miskatonic University scholars (the "Fightin' Cephalopods") – all ready to be paired with any base‑game faction like pirates or bear cavalry. The big new element is the Madness cards, which grant extra power at the cost of victory points, reinforcing the idea that forbidden knowledge always has a price. The goal remains the same: build a 20‑card deck (10 from each faction), deploy your creatures onto the board’s areas, and try to hold majority influence in at least two zones to score. Madness cards can swing the tempo, delivering surprise effects or sabotaging your opponent. Area Majority/Influence drives the territorial tug‑of‑war, while Hand Management and Take‑That demand quick, opportunistic decisions. Designed strictly for two players, a game runs 30‑45 minutes and is packed with twists, perfect for fans of strategic duels with a darkly comic edge. If you love cosmic horror vibes and don’t mind losing a few victory points to madness, this set is a tasty addition to the base deck. Note that the cards are in English; Portuguese speakers will need a translation sheet or pre‑translated cards.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
The expansion is designed for two players only.

### How long does a game take?
Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on how well players know the factions.

### What is the complexity level?
Light to moderate (BGG weight 2.2), perfect for those familiar with the base game.

### Do I need the base Smash Up?
Yes, the set only adds new factions and cards; the core game is required.

### Are the cards in Portuguese?
No, all cards are printed in English; you’ll need a translation sheet or pre‑translated cards.

### What are Madness cards?
Special cards that grant powerful effects but cost you victory points when played.

### Is it suitable for beginners?
Players who already know how to build decks in Smash Up will pick it up quickly; newcomers might find handling two factions a bit challenging.

## Price Comparison
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