Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Harder to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Scales well
Deep strategy
How it plays
How does it play?
Dark Venture - Battle Of The Ancients is a SOLO, COOPERATIVE and COMPETITIVE tactical strategy game set in an apocalyptic, sci-fi universe where players control weird, asymmetric factions engaging in brutal conflict against one another.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Grid Movement
Move pieces between adjacent spaces on a regular grid.
Scenario Campaign
Play linked or standalone scenarios with their own setup, objectives, and consequences.
Dice Rolling
Roll dice to introduce uncertainty into actions, production, movement, or resolution.
Variable Player Powers
Each player has different abilities, restrictions, or strategic advantages.
Read the full game description
Dark Venture - Battle Of The Ancients is a SOLO, COOPERATIVE and COMPETITIVE tactical strategy game set in an apocalyptic, sci-fi universe where players control weird, asymmetric factions engaging in brutal conflict against one another. In a dark, destroyed world ruled by chaos, hordes of otherworldly creatures battle against one another for dominance and survival. Amidst the shrill call of battle horns, the ground rumbles as squadrons of mutated abominations rush into combat! On their turns, players roll 6 ACTION DICE then spend them to (a) MOVE the units of their faction or (b) activate FACTION ABILITIES: The BOHMERK split their units to create new ones, the VARPEN grow their units in size and strength, the DHARGON collect resources and use them to replicate their units, the ORPAL open portals to transport new units into battle, and the ALDERKANG fabricate new units using the DNA of captured enemies. Complete the objectives to summon a powerful ANCIENT to the battlefield, an otherworldly leader who grants your faction a unique special ability! Core game modes SCENARIO: choose a 1-4 player quick adventure scenario card, get into battle! VICTORY: collect a set number of victory points to win in a 1-4 player game. —description from the publisher