The Things

(Self-Published) · Board game · 2010
5–6 · best 6 60 min Weight 2.5/5
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love cooperative games with a horror twist and deep hand‑management, The Things will blow your mind.

Highlights
  • Exciting coop
  • Engaging hand management
  • Variety of encounters
  • Bluffing challenge
  • Tense atmosphere
Keep in mind
  • Adult content
  • Long playtime
  • Print‑and‑play components
  • Moderate complexity
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
The Things is an expansion that elevates the base game, letting five or six players dive into an Antarctic survival showdown set in 1982. It brings over 200 new cards—including fresh encounter cards, blood‑testing mechanics, and bluffing elements that allow up to two already assimilated players to reveal their alien nature and team up with the original Thing against the remaining humans. Gameplay shifts slightly with more players: the Thing no longer draws five or six cards per turn but only three, gaining three new resources—Bad Blood, Thousand Miles to the Coast, and Somebody blew a fuse in the lab—that give it alternative victory paths. While human players try to unmask the Thing, they must manage their hand, roll dice to trigger encounters, and employ bluffing strategy to deceive others. The expansion keeps the same horror tension, with cards featuring explicit imagery and strong language, making it suitable only for adults. Complexity stays moderate to high, but the added encounters and bluffing layers bring strategic depth and unpredictability that keep the game exciting. If you enjoy cooperative games with sci‑fi and horror themes, The Things delivers an intense experience but demands awareness of adult content and game‑time management.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
5 OK
6 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Creatures: Aliens / Extraterrestrials Movies: The Thing
Publisher (Self-Published)
Designer Mark Chaplin
Artist Viktor Csete
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
The expansion supports 5 to 6 players. The base game runs from 2 to 4.
What is the approximate playtime?
A game lasts about 60 minutes, varying with player count and decision speed.
What is the difficulty level?
Difficulty is moderate to high, requiring focus on bluff cards and hand management.
What components are included?
The expansion adds over 200 encounter cards, blood‑testing cards, six‑sided dice, and blood tokens.
Who is the target audience?
It is recommended for adults who enjoy horror, sci‑fi, and cooperative strategy games.
Does the game contain explicit content?
Yes, the cards feature strong language and graphic imagery, suitable only for players 18+.
How does bluffing work?
Players can conceal their blood‑test cards and try to deceive others, while the Thing attempts to uncover the traitor.