Descent: Journeys in the Dark

2005

Delve into the world of Descent: Journeys in the Dark, a strategy game where players embark on heroic quests, conquer dungeons, and battle an Overlord!

240
minutes

2 - 5
player(s)

13+

Medium Heavy

About the game

Descent: Journeys in the Dark is a spellbinding board game that invites players to immerse themselves in a vibrant fantasy world filled with magic, monsters, and thrilling adventures. Set in the mythical realm of Terrinoth, this game offers a richly detailed and captivating setting for epic quests and fierce battles against powerful foes.

At its core, Descent is a game of strategic exploration and tactical combat. Players take on the roles of brave heroes, each with their own unique abilities and characteristics, who embark on dangerous quests through dark dungeons and perilous landscapes. The game master, known as the Overlord, controls the monstrous forces that oppose the heroes, setting traps and commanding enemies in an attempt to thwart their mission.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Descent: Journeys in the Dark is a thrilling board game that involves a lot of strategy and imagination. Follow these step-by-step instructions to properly set-up the game:

Step 1: Assigning Player Roles

Firstly, you have to decide who will be the Overlord player and who will be the hero players. Remember, the Overlord player has a different role and responsibilities compared to the hero players.

Step 2: Choosing a Quest

The Overlord player must choose a quest from the Quest Guide. The choice of quest will determine the map layout, objectives, and special rules for the game.

Step 3: Setting up the Map

The Overlord player should then set up the game board according to the chosen quest. This involves placing the dungeon tiles, doors, and tokens as indicated in the Quest Guide.

Step 4: Choosing Heroes

Each hero player picks a hero sheet and the corresponding hero figure. Players should then place their hero figures on the starting spaces indicated in the Quest Guide.

Step 5: Initial Resources

Hero Players: Each hero player receives a number of starting items based on the chosen quest. These are usually a combination of weapons, armor, and other equipment.
Overlord Player: The Overlord player receives a number of Overlord cards and monster groups as indicated in the Quest Guide.

Step 6: Setting up the Monster Groups

The Overlord places the chosen monster groups on the map as indicated in the Quest Guide.

Step 7: Random Elements

Some quests may include random elements such as shuffled search tokens or randomized monster groups. If the chosen quest includes such elements, they should be set up as indicated in the Quest Guide.

Once all these steps are completed, you are ready to start your journey in the dark!

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

In Descent: Journeys in the Dark, a player’s turn consists of a series of actions which can greatly affect the outcome of the game. These actions can be broken down into the following categories:

Perform Actions

Each player can perform up to two actions per turn. The available actions include:

Move: The player moves their character up to their speed value.
Attack: The player uses their character’s weapon to attack a monster.
Rest: The player recovers their character’s stamina.
Search: The player searches an area for treasure or clues.
Special: The player performs a special action listed on their character card or one of their equipped items.

Strategic Choices

There are several strategic choices that a player can make during their turn, such as:

Order of Actions: The order in which a player performs their actions can greatly affect the outcome of their turn. For example, a player might want to move before attacking to get within range of a monster.
Action Selection: The actions that a player chooses to perform can also have a significant impact on their turn. For example, a player might choose to rest if their character is low on stamina, or they might choose to search if they are in a room with a treasure chest.
Team Coordination: In Descent, players are often part of a team, and coordinating actions with teammates can be a key part of the strategy. For example, one player might choose to move and attack a monster, while their teammate might choose to rest and then heal the first player.

Effect on Gameplay

The choices a player makes during their turn can have a big impact on the gameplay of Descent. For example, a player who chooses to move and attack might be able to defeat a monster and clear a path for their teammates. Similarly, a player who chooses to rest and heal might be able to keep their team in the game longer. The strategic choices a player makes can also affect the pacing of the game, with more aggressive strategies often leading to faster, more intense games.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

Descent: Journeys in the Dark is a thrilling board game that ends when certain conditions are met. These conditions are defined by the specific scenario that the players are playing. The victory conditions are also determined by the scenario and the actions of the players. Here is a detailed description of the general endgame and victory conditions:

The game typically ends in one of two ways:

Hero Victory: All objectives of the current quest have been fulfilled by the heroes.
Overlord Victory: The overlord has prevented the heroes from completing their objectives within the allotted time, or the overlord has completed his or her own objectives, depending on the scenario.

Before the game ends, players must complete certain actions:

Resolve any remaining effects: If there are any remaining effects that would happen at the end of a turn or round, these must be resolved.
Check victory conditions: After resolving all effects, check to see if the victory conditions for either the heroes or the overlord have been met.
Calculate final score: If the game ends because the time limit has been reached, the final score is calculated based on the progress of the heroes and the overlord. This includes the number of objectives completed, the number of monsters defeated, and any other factors outlined in the specific scenario.

Victory conditions vary depending on the quest. Some may require the heroes to retrieve a specific item, rescue a character, or defeat a certain number of monsters. Alternatively, the overlord may win by defeating all the heroes, preventing them from reaching their goal within a certain number of rounds, or completing their own set of objectives.

It’s important to note that the progress of the game and the path to victory can change multiple times during play. The strategy needed can also vary greatly from one scenario to the next, making Descent: Journeys in the Dark a dynamic and exciting game with many possible outcomes.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In ‘Descent: Journeys in the Dark’, there are several ways to earn points, which contribute to your overall score. The scoring system is designed to reward strategic gameplay and careful decision-making.

Fame Points

One of the primary ways to earn points is through Fame Points. These are awarded for completing various actions and achieving goals throughout the game.

Quest Completion: Players earn Fame Points for successfully completing quests. The number of points awarded varies depending on the difficulty of the quest.
Monster Defeat: Players earn Fame Points for defeating monsters. The number of points earned is typically proportional to the strength of the monster.
Treasure: Players can earn Fame Points by discovering treasure. The value of the treasure determines the number of points awarded.

End of Game Bonus

At the end of the game, players can earn additional points based on their remaining resources and accomplishments.

Remaining Health: Players earn points equal to their remaining health at the end of the game.
Unused Items: Players earn points for each unused item in their inventory at the end of the game.

Tie-Breaking Rules

In the event of a tie, the game has a set of tie-breaking rules to determine the winner.

The player with the most remaining health is the winner.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most unused items wins.
If there is still a tie, the player who completed the most quests wins.
If there is still a tie, the game results in a draw.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Descent: Journeys in the Dark is a complex board game with multiple layers of rules and strategies. In addition to the basic rules, there are some special rules and exceptions that players should be aware of.

Large Monsters Movement: Large monsters occupy more than one space. They move as if they were a single figure. They can move through friendly figures but not through enemy figures, and they can’t end their movement in a space occupied by another figure.

Limitations on Actions: During each player’s turn, they can perform two actions. However, the same action cannot be performed twice, with the exception of the Move action.

Overlord’s Cards: The Overlord player draws Overlord cards at the start of each turn. But, they can only play one card per turn, and only during their own turn.

Line of Sight: Some abilities require a clear line of sight. The line of sight is blocked by walls and closed doors, but not by figures.

Healing: Healing potions can only be used once per turn, and they cannot be used to revive unconscious heroes.

Special Abilities: Some heroes and monsters have special abilities. These abilities can break the normal rules. However, in any situation where a special ability contradicts a basic game rule, the special ability takes precedence.

Defeat and Death: When a hero’s health drops to zero, they are not immediately removed from the game. Instead, they are knocked out and can be revived by another hero. However, if the entire party is knocked out, the game ends in defeat for the heroes.

Resolving Ties: In the event of a tie, the Overlord player decides the outcome.

Traveling: During the travel phase, the heroes may experience encounters. The Overlord player draws a card from the travel deck to determine the encounter.

Rule Clarifications: If there is any confusion about the rules, it is recommended to check the official FAQ and errata provided by the game’s publisher.

Remember, the goal of Descent: Journeys in the Dark is not only to win, but also to enjoy the game and its storytelling. Being flexible with the rules and focusing on the fun aspect can enhance the overall experience.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Advanced Strategies:

Understanding and utilizing abilities and skills of your hero to the fullest can give you an edge over your opponents. Each hero has unique abilities, and knowing when and how to use them can make a big difference.
Invest wisely in equipment and items. It is tempting to buy the most powerful weapon, but sometimes investing in armor or utility items can be more beneficial. Consider your hero’s abilities and your team’s needs before making purchases.
Coordinate with your team. Descent is a cooperative game, so make sure you’re working together with your fellow players. Plan your moves together, help each other out, and strategize as a team.

Beginner Tips:

Try to understand the game mechanics before playing. Descent has a lot of rules and intricacies, so it’s a good idea to read the rulebook or watch a tutorial video before you start.
Don’t rush into battle without a plan. It’s important to strategize and think about your moves before you make them.
Start with a simpler hero. Some heroes are more complex than others. If you’re new to the game, it might be a good idea to start with a hero that’s easier to play.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Not utilizing your hero’s abilities effectively. Each hero has unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Forgetting to use them or using them at the wrong time can cost you the game.
Ignoring objectives in favor of combat. While combat is a big part of Descent, it’s not the only part. Make sure to pay attention to the objectives and focus on completing them.
Not working as a team. Descent is a cooperative game, so make sure to communicate with your teammates and work together.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Plan your moves in advance. Instead of just thinking about your current move, try to plan several moves ahead. This can help you anticipate what your opponents might do and prepare accordingly.
Keep track of your opponents’ abilities and items. Knowing what your opponents can do can help you plan your own moves and counter theirs.
Take advantage of the terrain. Use obstacles and terrain features to your advantage. They can provide cover, hinder your opponents’ movement, or even be used as weapons.