Objective of the Game
Arkham Horror is a cooperative board game where players take on the roles of investigators working together in the city of Arkham to defeat supernatural beings and cultists and prevent the awakening of the "Great Old Ones" who threaten to destroy the world. The game is inspired by the stories of H.P. Lovecraft.
Setup
- Board Setup: Place the game board in the center of the table, representing the city of Arkham with various neighborhoods and otherworldly dimensions.
- Mythos Deck: Shuffle the Mythos deck and place it facedown.
- Gate and Encounter Decks: Shuffle these decks and set them aside facedown as well.
- Investigator Selection: Each player chooses an investigator with specific skills, starting equipment, and resources.
- Great Old One: Randomly determine or choose a Great Old One, which influences the game.
- Supply Pool: Set up all tokens, figures, and additional game components necessary for play.
Gameplay
The game is structured over a series of rounds, consisting of several phases:
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Upkeep Phase: Players perform preparatory actions such as adjusting their focus (upgrading skills) and managing resources.
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Movement Phase: Investigators move around Arkham, collecting clues, and engaging with monsters.
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Arkham Encounter Phase: Investigators draw cards at specific locations to experience positive or negative adventures or events.
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Other World Encounter Phase: Investigators in otherworldly locations have encounters that may lead to progress or setbacks in returning to the main board.
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Mythos Phase: The active player draws a Mythos card, triggering new events such as gate openings, monster appearances, or sinister happenings.
Winning the Game
The primary objective is to seal or close enough gates to prevent the Great Old One from awakening. The conditions to win may vary depending on the chosen Great Old One.
Important Terms
- Gate: Portals to other dimensions that need to be closed or sealed.
- Clues: Resources used to improve dice rolls.
- Terror and Insanity: States that affect investigators and can result in harm.
Strategic Tips
- Coordination is crucial as players must work together to tackle the game's challenges effectively.
- Resource Management is key; optimize equipment and abilities to succeed in battles and trials.
- Prioritization: Focus on closing gates promptly to thwart the Great Old Ones.
Arkham Horror requires teamwork, strategic planning, and adaptability to unforeseen events. It offers an intense and immersive experience, especially appealing to fans of thematic and challenging games.