How do you play Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)?
The heroes' objective is to successfully complete the specific goals outlined in the chosen quest. This typically involves tasks such as defeating certain monsters, retrieving artifacts, reaching specific locations, or protecting key characters. The Overlord's objective is to prevent the heroes from achieving their goals, either by defeating all heroes (causing them to lose consciousness) or by fulfilling their own unique quest conditions, which are also detailed in the quest guide.
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official art · Fantasy Flight Games
the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01
Setup
Place hero figures at the starting tile, set up the map with tokens and monster figures, and prepare hero and overlord decks.
The rules, step by step
Setup
To set up, first place the hero figures on the designated starting tile. Assemble the game map according to the quest guide, placing all specified tokens, doors, and monster figures in their indicated positions. Each hero player prepares their hero sheet, starting equipment, and skill cards. The Overlord player shuffles their Overlord deck, monster decks, and prepares their class cards and other game components. Ensure all dice and tokens are within reach.
Objective
The heroes' objective is to successfully complete the specific goals outlined in the chosen quest. This typically involves tasks such as defeating certain monsters, retrieving artifacts, reaching specific locations, or protecting key characters. The Overlord's objective is to prevent the heroes from achieving their goals, either by defeating all heroes (causing them to lose consciousness) or by fulfilling their own unique quest conditions, which are also detailed in the quest guide.
On your turn
The game proceeds in rounds, with each round consisting of a hero turn and an Overlord turn. During the hero turn, each hero activates in an order chosen by the hero players. Each hero can perform two actions, such as moving, attacking, interacting with tokens or objects, or using special abilities. After all heroes have activated, the Overlord takes their turn, activating each monster group on the map and playing Overlord cards to hinder the heroes or strengthen their minions.
Scoring
Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) does not use a scoring system. Victory is determined solely by whether the heroes or the Overlord successfully achieve their respective quest objectives. The first side to meet their win conditions immediately wins the game, regardless of any other factors like defeated monsters or collected items.
Game end
The game concludes immediately when either the heroes collectively fulfill their quest objectives or the Overlord achieves their quest objectives. If all heroes are defeated (knocked out) and cannot be revived, the Overlord wins. Conversely, if the heroes complete their final objective, they win. The quest guide specifies the exact win conditions for both sides.
Tips
Effective teamwork and communication are crucial for the heroes. Plan your actions to maximize damage output, control monster movement, and protect vulnerable heroes. The Overlord should focus on exploiting hero weaknesses, strategically positioning monsters, and using Overlord cards to disrupt hero plans and apply pressure. Understanding monster abilities and hero skills is key to both sides' success.
🔬 game anatomy
Complexity3.2 / 5
BGG rating7.6 / 10
Vibe
Strategy
Language dependence
Extensive text — heavy translation needed
Play time
120 min
Players
1–5
Recommended age
14+ yrs
BGG rank
#231
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The heroes' objective is to successfully complete the specific goals outlined in the chosen quest. This typically involves tasks such as defeating certain monsters, retrieving artifacts, reaching specific locations, or protecting key characters. The Overlord's objective is to prevent the heroes from achieving their goals, either by defeating all heroes (causing them to lose consciousness) or by fulfilling their own unique quest conditions, which are also detailed in the quest guide.
Q2How do you set up the game?
To set up, first place the hero figures on the designated starting tile. Assemble the game map according to the quest guide, placing all specified tokens, doors, and monster figures in their indicated positions. Each hero player prepares their hero sheet, starting equipment, and skill cards. The Overlord player shuffles their Overlord deck, monster decks, and prepares their class cards and other game components. Ensure all dice and tokens are within reach.
Q3How does a turn work?
The game proceeds in rounds, with each round consisting of a hero turn and an Overlord turn. During the hero turn, each hero activates in an order chosen by the hero players. Each hero can perform two actions, such as moving, attacking, interacting with tokens or objects, or using special abilities. After all heroes have activated, the Overlord takes their turn, activating each monster group on the map and playing Overlord cards to hinder the heroes or strengthen their minions.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) does not use a scoring system. Victory is determined solely by whether the heroes or the Overlord successfully achieve their respective quest objectives. The first side to meet their win conditions immediately wins the game, regardless of any other factors like defeated monsters or collected items.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes immediately when either the heroes collectively fulfill their quest objectives or the Overlord achieves their quest objectives. If all heroes are defeated (knocked out) and cannot be revived, the Overlord wins. Conversely, if the heroes complete their final objective, they win. The quest guide specifies the exact win conditions for both sides.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Effective teamwork and communication are crucial for the heroes. Plan your actions to maximize damage output, control monster movement, and protect vulnerable heroes. The Overlord should focus on exploiting hero weaknesses, strategically positioning monsters, and using Overlord cards to disrupt hero plans and apply pressure. Understanding monster abilities and hero skills is key to both sides' success.
Q7How much does Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) cost?
No store is currently tracking Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition). Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)?
Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) is a adventure game, for 1–5 players, taking ~120 minutes, featuring action points. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) support?
Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) is played by 1–5 players.