Talisman

About this board game

Talisman is a fantasy adventure board game for 2–6 players, with an approximate play time of 240 minutes. First released in 1983, it invites players to travel across a fantasy land in search of the strength needed to reach its center.

Each player chooses a character from a selection of semi-standard fantasy types, including the Barbarian, Wizard, and Monk. During the journey, players encounter event cards and gather strength as they move through the land.

The ultimate objective is to become powerful enough to enter the center of the board and endure the trials found there. The player who successfully takes the Crown of Command claims victory.

• Fantasy setting with a journey across a detailed game board
• Multiple character choices based on familiar fantasy archetypes
• Event cards that shape players’ encounters
• A final challenge at the center of the board

Several expansions add new character choices and new places to travel, extending the fantasy journey beyond the original game. The expansion titles include Talisman: Expansion Set, Talisman: The Adventure, The Talisman: Dungeon, Talisman: Timescape, Talisman: City, and Talisman Dragons.

The first edition differs from the second edition in its box cover art and in using black-and-white cards with the same artwork as the second edition. The first edition had no expansions. Talisman was later re-implemented as Talisman (Third Edition) and Talisman: Revised 4th Edition.