The Thing

(Self-Published), (Web published) · Board game · 2010
2–4 · best 4 45 min Weight 2.5/5
8.1 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy
8.1 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love paranoia, bluffing, and a touch of horror, The Thing will hook you – the team must survive while an infiltrator tries to sabotage everything.

Highlights
  • Intense cooperative gameplay
  • Strategic hand management
  • Dramatic narrative flow
  • Bluffing and deduction challenge
Keep in mind
  • Requires game time
  • Moderate complexity
  • Not for beginners
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About the game

What you do in a play session

The Thing is a cooperative game that places you and your friends in an Antarctic research station, where a parasitic alien can transform into any of you. One player starts as the creature, while the others take on the roles of scientists and technicians, each with a set of cards representing actions, tests, and encounters based on John Carpenter’s film. The heart of the game is hand management: you must decide when to use each card, incorporate it at the right moment, and keep the team alive while the creature sabotages everything. The secret placement mechanic allows the "Thing" to place infection cards under the human cards, creating tension and paranoia – humans don’t know who’s infected until it’s too late. The narrative unfolds in three acts that mix action encounters, blood tests, and base investigations, and each game has a different order, ensuring replayability. The experience requires a balance of cooperation and bluffing: humans need to share honest information to win, but can also deceive the Thing for advantage. If you enjoy games that demand strategic thinking, clear communication, and a touch of horror, The Thing will keep you hooked for hours.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Continents: Antarctica Creatures: Aliens / Extraterrestrials Movies: Horror Movies Movies: The Thing
Publisher (Self-Published), (Web published)
Designer Mark Chaplin
Artist Viktor Csete

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game last?
About 45 minutes, depending on player experience.
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.
Is the game suitable for kids?
No, the adult theme and horror content are not recommended for minors.
What are the main components?
Character cards, event cards, dice, damage tokens, a base board, and infection tokens.
Does the game require prior experience?
No, there is a quick tutorial, but hand‑management concepts help.
Is the game good for horror film fans?
Yes, the setting and encounters are faithfully inspired by the film.

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