Cthulhu: Rise of the Cults

About this board game

Cthulhu: Rise of the Cults is a 1–4 player area-control and deck-building game with an approximately 120-minute play time, released in 2017. Each player takes the role of a cult leader devoted to the Great Old Ones and competing to spread influence while concealing their activities.

The main arena is a board of cities where cults establish places of worship, celebrate dark rituals, and challenge rival groups. These confrontations can disrupt opposing cult structures, while investigators and other organizations make discretion an important part of the struggle.

At the beginning of each recruitment phase, players roll custom-made followers’ dice. The results provide a temporary group of believers who can support the commands planned for the turn, adding uncertainty and fragility to every cult’s preparations.

Each leader also has a personal pile of Cult cards that represents the abilities and potential of their faction. During the game, players seek useful cards in particular cities, expanding their capabilities and improving their ability to perform rituals, spread terror among residents, and stand against rival leaders.

• Area control: Compete for dominance across cities on the board.
• Deck-building elements: Obtain cards that strengthen your cult’s capabilities.
• Planned commands: Prepare each turn’s actions to pursue your goals and undermine enemies.
• Unpredictable recruitment: Roll followers’ dice to gain temporary support.

In Cthulhu: Rise of the Cults, every cult pursues forbidden knowledge while attempting to sow insanity, uncertainty, and terror. Build influence, maintain secrecy, and lead your followers toward the collapse of the present system and the advent of what is unnamed.