How to Play Eldritch Horror

Introduction

Embark on a Spine-Chilling Adventure into the Unknown

Eldritch Horror, a cooperative board game of cosmic horror for 1-8 players, invites you to venture into a world where ancient ones stir and threaten to unleash unspeakable horrors upon humanity. As brave investigators, you’ll explore hidden corners of the Earth, uncover ancient secrets, and face nightmarish creatures in a global struggle against the forces of darkness.

How to Play Eldritch Horror Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare for the Expedition

1. Setting Up the Game:

• Arrange the game board in the center of the play area and place the victory and doom trackers nearby.
• Randomly draw an Ancient One card and read its unique abilities.
• Each player chooses an investigator and takes the corresponding player board, character card, pawn, and starting items.
• Select a Herald token and initiative token for each player, as well as the relevant dice.

2. Understanding the Phases:

• The game is played in a series of phases:
  • Action Phase: Perform various actions such as moving between locations, gathering clues, acquiring items, and more.
  • Encounter Phase: Resolve any encounters at the current location.
  • Mythos Phase: Draw mythos cards that can trigger various events, advance the doom track, or activate the Ancient One.

Step 2: Cooperatively Investigate the Mystery

1. Exploring Locations:

• Locations offer different benefits and challenges. Some provide clues or items, while others may lead to difficult encounters.
• Use your character’s unique abilities and items to overcome obstacles and gather information.

2. Solving Mysteries:

• As you explore, you’ll uncover clues and story elements that contribute to the overall narrative.
• Collect sets of clues to solve mysteries, which can lead to powerful rewards or help you in the final confrontation against the Ancient One.

Step 3: Encountering Horrors and Progressing the Story

1. Resolving Encounters:

• When you enter a location with an encounter symbol, draw an encounter card and resolve its effects.
• Encounters can involve combat, skill tests, or other challenges that test your investigator’s abilities.

2. Advancing the Story:

• Throughout the game, players will uncover story elements that progress the narrative.
• Some events may trigger special rules or changes to the game’s conditions.

Step 4: Preparing for the Final Confrontation

1. Gathering Resources:

• As you travel the world, acquire items, skills, and allies that will help you in the final showdown with the Ancient One.
• These resources can enhance your abilities, provide bonuses, or even protect you from the Ancient One’s devastating powers.

2. Seeking Allies:

• Throughout your journey, you’ll meet various characters who can become your allies.
• Allies offer unique abilities and support that can greatly aid you in your quest to save the world.

Step 5: Facing the Ancient One in an Epic Showdown

1. Triggering the Final Battle:

• At a certain point in the game, you’ll have the opportunity to trigger the final battle against the Ancient One.
• Prepare carefully, as this encounter will determine the fate of the world.

2. The Final Conflict:

• The final battle is a high-stakes confrontation where you must use all your resources and wits to defeat the Ancient One.
• Work together as a team, strategically combining your abilities and items to overcome the Ancient One’s powerful attacks and abilities.

Additional Tips for a Thrilling Eldritch Horror Experience

• Communicate and Coordinate: As a cooperative game, communication is key. Discuss strategies, share information, and coordinate your actions to maximize your chances of success.
• Manage Your Resources Wisely: Resources are limited in Eldritch Horror. Use them judiciously and prioritize the items and abilities that best complement your character’s strengths.
• Adapt and Be Flexible: Eldritch Horror is unpredictable, and you’ll often face unexpected challenges. Be prepared to adapt your strategies and tactics as the situation evolves.
• Embrace the Cooperative Spirit: Eldritch Horror is all about working together. Support each other, share resources, and celebrate each other’s successes.

Remember, there is no single path to victory in Eldritch Horror. Each game offers different challenges and opportunities. Embrace the chaos and the unpredictability, and enjoy the thrilling journey as you unravel the mysteries and face the cosmic horrors that threaten to consume the world.