Review of Elden Ring: The Board Game

Over the last ten years, not many games have captivated the collective imagination quite like FromSoftware’s Elden Ring. With the trend of crafting board games from popular video titles hitting its stride, it was inevitable that Elden Ring’s rich universe would transition to tabletops. The team at Steamforged Games, renowned for translating video game worlds like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter World, and Dark Souls into board games, took on this thrilling challenge. Following a wildly successful crowdfunding campaign in 2022, Elden Ring: The Board Game, or simply Elden Ring, is almost in the hands of eager backers, with preorders open for others who are ready to embark on this epic journey. So, gear up, Tarnished. The battlefield awaits.

Now, Elden Ring isn’t just a typical board game; it’s a sprawling campaign experience. It invites you and your friends to dive deep into various storylines, improving your characters as you conquer each scenario. Steamforged has crafted three unique campaigns, letting players step into the realms of the Grafted King, Weeping Peninsula, and Stormveil Castle. The Grafted King serves as the base game, while the other two act as stand-alone expansions or as continuations for the dedicated adventurer seeking to carry forward their characters’ growth. With each set, you’ll find different classes to play – from the Vagabond and Samurai in the main game to the Confessor and Prisoner in the expansions. Each offers its own flavor and play style.

Upon first glance, the game commands attention with its hefty boxes packed with detailed monster miniatures, a wealth of cards, tokens, and various guides. It’s easily one of the most imposing titles on my gaming shelf, and that’s saying something since I currently own just one of the campaigns. Steamforged has truly excelled in production; the miniatures offer exquisite detail, and the components are built to last.

The game cleverly mixes up its scenarios, so you’re continually surprised. However, some scenarios resonate better than others. Narrative tasks invite reading through story segments and making choices, possibly involving skill checks. While the writing is strong, this type didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I’d rather dive into a novel or a good session of Dungeons & Dragons if I want lengthy storytelling.

On the flip side, Exploration scenarios are a gem. They encapsulate the essence of what makes Elden Ring captivating: the thrill of discovery. In these parts, players wander the map, revealing random tiles that could hide enemies, treasures, or Sites of Grace. This “grow as you go” method boosts both the unpredictability and replay value, reminiscent of games like Betrayal at House on the Hill. It’s an excellent blend of action, narrative, and exploration.

Combat-fans, rejoice! Three types of scenarios focus squarely on fighting: Gauntlet, Dungeon, and the revered Boss battles. Gauntlets put you head-to-head against enemy hordes with extra rules. Dungeons follow a similar vein but climax with a boss fight. Boss battles pit you against formidable foes and are the ultimate test of your strategy and teamwork. Despite heavy combat, the game shines due to its engaging mechanics.

Combat unfolds on grids from ring-bound notebooks, forming dynamic battlefields. Player positions are crucial, influencing damage, turn order, or defense tactics. My gaming group spent ages strategizing perfect placements, only to be overwhelmed by punishing enemies. Every foe is fierce, but it’s the bosses that truly terrify. Their cards dictate a range of aggressive maneuvers, challenging players in unparalleled ways. With adaptable health pools for varying player counts, these nail-biting battles feel fair yet fierce.

Unusually, Elden Ring ditches dice entirely, favoring a card-driven deck-building system. Each attack’s outcome is determined by cards tied to players’ current gear, skills, and attribute influences — a refreshing twist that injects depth into gameplay.

Character growth is integral, allowing players to evolve their roles through levels and gear upgrades. You manage these enhancements via a Rune system, though keeping track can be cumbersome. Hopefully, a streamlined way to track Runes surfaces soon.

While Elden Ring stands strong, my debut session was daunting. I started with Stormveil Castle, mistakenly thinking it was standalone-friendly. Instead, it presumes experienced characters, making it a challenge for newcomers. My advice? Begin with the Realm of the Grafted King for a smoother entry into this grand adventure.