The Last of Us: Escape the Dark

Themeborne Ltd. · Board game · 2024
9.5 Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 1–5 · best 2 Solo 60–120 min Weight 2.4/5
Buy · from US$ 54.99
9.5 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're a fan of The Last of Us and love a good cooperative survival story, this game is for you! It captures the essence of the franchise – tough choices, scarce resources, and constant threat – and translates it to the tabletop in an immersive way. The experience is tense, narrative-driven, and each game weaves a unique journey, perfect for those seeking that 'just one more chapter' feeling in the shoes of Joel and Ellie (or their own survivors).

Highlights
  • Deep thematic immersion
  • Engaging narrative
  • Challenging cooperative play
  • High replayability
  • Faithful to the franchise
Keep in mind
  • Can be punishing
  • Relies on dice luck
  • Initial learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us with this new board game adventure! The Last of Us: Escape the Dark puts you in the shoes of a group of survivors, desperately seeking a safe haven in legendary Jackson. This cooperative game, playable solo or with up to five friends, is the latest evolution of the acclaimed Escape the Dark system, adapted for the tense and brutal atmosphere of the Naughty Dog franchise.

Your journey begins in an abandoned quarantine zone, and every step on the open-world map is crucial. You'll need to plot your routes wisely, resolving immersive Chapter Cards that emerge at each new location. These cards are your vital source of information, weapons, and equipment, essential for survival. But don't think it will be easy: every decision matters, and the tactical use of your items and custom character dice will be key to overcoming threats like the relentless Hunters, FEDRA agents, and, of course, the dreaded Infected. The goal is clear: keep everyone in your group alive and reach Jackson. With each turn, you will weave a unique story of companionship and resilience. Endure and survive!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–5 players
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Series: Escape the Dark
Publisher Themeborne Ltd.
Designer Alex Crispin, James Shelton, Thomas Pike
Artist Alex Crispin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,595owners
555wishlist
52want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate?
The Last of Us: Escape the Dark can be played solo or with up to 5 players, making it quite versatile for different groups.
What is the average game duration?
A game typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and the complexity of the chosen route.
Is it a very complex game?
With a BGG weight of 2.35/5, it's considered a medium-light complexity game. The rules are accessible, but tactical decisions and resource management offer a good challenge.
Do I need to know the The Last of Us franchise to play?
It's not strictly necessary, but knowing the story and characters certainly deepens the immersion and appreciation of the theme. The game stands on its own as a cooperative adventure.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find Chapter cards, item cards, custom character dice, an open-world map, and tokens to represent survivors and threats.
Does the game have much replayability?
Yes! The variable setup, different routes on the map, narrative choices on the Chapter cards, and the variety of threats ensure that each game is a unique experience.

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