The Rules of the Eldritch Horror Game

Greetings! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure into the unknown? Join me as we dive into the world of the Eldritch Horror game and explore its rules and mechanics.

Firstly, let’s talk about the setup. You begin by choosing a unique investigator character who possesses their own special abilities and weaknesses. As you venture forth, your main goal is to save the world from the impending doom brought on by ancient cosmic entities.

Your journey will take you to various locations around the globe, each represented by their own deck of cards. These cards hold encounters, mysteries, and artifacts waiting to be discovered. It’s important to carefully plan your moves and make strategic decisions as you progress through the game.

As you might expect, facing these cosmic horrors is no easy task. In order to prevail, you must gather clues, acquire assets, and enhance your character’s skills. Be prepared to face challenges and confront powerful monsters in your quest to save humanity.

One of the key aspects of the Eldritch Horror game is its cooperative nature. You and your fellow players must work together, sharing information, resources, and coordinating your actions. Communication and collaboration are essential if you want to succeed.

Additionally, the game features an ever-present sense of mystery and suspense. Each playthrough generates a unique narrative, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The outcome of your actions and the choices you make will directly impact the unfolding story.

Are you ready to face the unknown? Then gather your friends, set up the game board, and let the adventure begin! The Eldritch Horror game awaits, ready to challenge your wit, courage, and cooperative skills. Enjoy the journey and may you emerge victorious!

• You will need the following components to play the game:
  • 1 Game Board
  • 1 Reference Guide
  • 12 Investigator Sheets
  • 4 Ancient One Sheets
  • 122 Encounter Cards
  • 51 Mythos Cards
  • 16 Mystery Cards
  • 14 Artifact Cards
  • 40 Asset Cards
  • 36 Condition Cards
  • 20 Spell Cards
  • 43 Monster Tokens
  • 1 Mystery Token
  • 36 Clue Tokens
  • 4 Rumor Tokens
  • 1 Omen Token
  • 1 Doom Token
  • 9 Gate Tokens
  • 1 Lead Investigator Token
  • 20 Travel Ticket Tokens
  • 30 Improvement Tokens
  • 20 Eldritch Tokens
  • 78 Health and Sanity Tokens
  • 4 Reference Cards
  • 1 Active Expedition Token
  • 4 Dice

Setting up the Game

Before we start playing any game, we need to follow a few steps. Let’s go through them together. You can find an example of these steps on page 5 of the setup diagram.

Step 1: Set Up the Game Board

Let’s get started by unfolding the game board and putting it in the center of the play area so that everyone can easily reach it.

Now, let’s organize the tokens.

Next, it’s time to choose and place the investigators.

So, here’s the deal: we all need to pick someone to be the Lead Investigator. If we can’t agree, we’ll just assign it randomly, like rolling a die or something. Once we’ve got a Lead Investigator, it’s time for each of us to choose an investigator. Starting with the Lead Investigator and going around in a circle, we’ll each pick one investigator. Take the Investigator sheet that matches your choice, and put the corresponding Investigator token on the space listed on the back of your sheet. Got it? Great.

Get Your Starting Stuff

Now that we’ve got our investigators sorted, it’s time to get our starting possessions, health, and sanity. These are important for our survival, so make sure you pay attention. You don’t want to be caught unprepared when things get tough. Trust me on that one.

Find Out Who the Ancient One Is

We can’t start investigating without knowing who or what we’re up against. That’s where the Ancient One comes in. We need to determine who the big bad is before we can dive into the mystery. So let’s do that next, shall we?

Create the Monster Cup

Monsters are a given in this line of work. We need to be ready to face them head-on. That’s why we’ve got the Monster Cup. It’s where we’ll find all the nasty creatures we’ll encounter during our investigation. So let’s make sure it’s all set up and ready to go.

Organize and Place the Decks

Last but not least, we need to deal with the decks. There are different types of cards that we’ll be using throughout the game, and we need to separate and place them in their proper decks. This way, everything is in order and ready for us to start uncovering the truth.

Alright, let’s get this game started! Here’s what we need to do:

First, we’ll remove all the Research Encounter cards, Special Encounter cards, and Mystery cards that aren’t relevant to the chosen Ancient One. We won’t be using them in this game.

• Next, we’ll combine all the Expedition Encounter cards into one deck, regardless of their backs.
• Then, we’ll shuffle the Spell cards and the Condition cards to create two separate decks. We’ll place these decks faceup so that we can see the name and artwork of the top card.
• We’ll set the Mythos cards aside for now and move on to the next step. We’ll take all the other cards and separate them into decks based on their backs. After that, we’ll shuffle each deck.

Now, let’s build the Mythos Deck

Hey there, follow these steps to get started on building the Mythos deck:

Starting Effects Resolution

• A. Find the Reference card that matches the number of players you have and put it close to the Mythos deck. This Reference card will be used when resolving Mythos effects. Put any other Reference cards back in the game box.
• B. Put the Doom token on the space indicated in the upper-left corner of the Ancient One sheet. Each Ancient One has a specific space listed for this. For example, the Azathoth sheet tells you to put the Doom token on the 15 space of the Doom track.
• C. Put the Omen token on the green comet space of the Omen track.

Goal of the Game

Hey there! Let me tell you about Eldritch Horror, an awesome cooperative game where we all play together to win or lose. Our main mission is to kick the Ancient One out of this world by solving Mysteries. How cool is that?

But wait, there’s more! We also have to deal with tons of threats and crises that pop up. These come in the form of Gates, which bring out Monsters and might wake up the Ancient One, and Rumor Mythos cards that can really mess things up and end the game early. Talk about suspense!

Time to Play

Alright, here’s how it goes: Eldritch Horror is divided into game rounds. Each round has three phases, and they go like this:

1. Action Phase: This is where we get to do stuff. We can move around the game board and get ready for what’s coming next.
2. Encounter Phase: Time to face our fears! We’ll fight Monsters or deal with encounter cards right where we are.

During the Mythos Phase, I, as the Lead Investigator, take care of resolving one Mythos card. These cards present various challenges, like advancing the Doom token, spawning Gates, or introducing other obstacles for us investigators to overcome.

After each Mythos Phase, I have the option to pass the Lead Investigator token to any player of my choice. Then, we begin a new game round, starting with the Action Phase. In this phase, each investigator can take up to two actions.

Taking actions is how we investigators move around the game board and gather helpful cards and tokens, such as Asset cards and travel tickets.

We keep playing rounds until we either win or lose the game. If you need a reference, you can find a quick summary of these phases on the back of the reference guide.

Now let’s talk about what happens during the Action Phase. It all starts with the Lead Investigator, who gets to take two actions of their choice. Then, the investigator to their left takes two actions, and this pattern continues until every investigator has taken their actions.

But wait, there’s an important rule! Each investigator can only perform each action once during a round. So, you can’t do the same action twice. For example, you can’t rest twice in a row.

During the Action Phase, you have a few options for your actions:

Travel Action

With the Travel Action, you can move your Investigator token to any space that’s right next to you. If you want to move even more, you can spend some travel tickets. Each ticket you spend allows you to move one extra space. Keep in mind that you can only use Train Tickets on Train paths and Ship Tickets on Ship paths.

Rest Action

When I do this action, I get back 1 Health and 1 Sanity. But there’s a catch – I can only do it if there isn’t a Monster on my space. It’s like a little pick-me-up that helps me feel better and keeps my mind steady.

Let’s Talk about Spaces and Paths

Have you ever wondered what those different spaces and paths on the game board represent? Well, let me break it down for you.

Spaces are the spots where you’ll often find tokens on the game board. Some spaces have names, like Arkham, while others are numbered locations.

Now, here’s the cool part. Each space is connected to another space by lines called paths. These paths come in different colors, and each color represents a specific type of travel ticket.

Time to Make a Trade

Now, imagine you’re an investigator and you want to trade some of your belongings (like Assets, Artifacts, Clues, Spells, or travel tickets) with another investigator who happens to be on the same space as you. Well, my friend, you can absolutely do that! It’s called a Trade Action.

Getting Ready to Travel

If you’re on a City space, you have a special action called Prepare for Travel. When you choose this action, you gain one travel ticket of your choice. Pretty neat, right? But here’s the catch: you can’t get a Train Ticket unless your space is connected to at least one Train path.

Let me explain something to you. You see, there’s this thing called a Ship Ticket, and it’s pretty important. But here’s the deal, you can’t get a Ship Ticket unless there’s a Ship path connected to where you are. It’s like a rule or something. You know what’s interesting? If you end up having more than two travel tickets, you have to make a choice. You can only keep two of them, and you have to get rid of the rest. It’s like decluttering, but with tickets. So remember, stick to the rules and make sure you have the right tickets.

Purchasing Valuables Procedure

Have you ever thought about buying something valuable? Well, I have, and I’m here to guide you through the process.

When you have your eye on a specific item, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors before making a purchase. First and foremost, you should determine the condition of the valuable. Is it new or used? This is important because it will affect the price and lifespan of the item.

Next, you need to evaluate the authenticity of the valuable. Is it genuine or a knockoff? Authentic items hold their value and are more likely to appreciate over time. Keep this in mind when making your decision.

Additionally, it’s essential to assess the reputation of the seller. Are they known for selling quality items? It’s crucial to only buy from trusted sources to avoid scams or receiving a counterfeit product. You should research the seller’s history and read reviews from previous customers.

Another essential factor to consider is the price of the valuable. Is it within your budget? You need to set a price range and stick to it to ensure you’re making a wise investment. Remember that price doesn’t always determine the quality of an item, so be sure to compare prices and make an informed decision.

Furthermore, it’s vital to think about the purpose of the valuable. Will you use it or display it? Some items are meant to be enjoyed, while others are purely for show. Consider how the valuable aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

Lastly, keep in mind that the value of the item may change over time. While it’s impossible to predict the future, research past trends to gain insight into whether the value is likely to appreciate or depreciate. This information can help you make a more informed decision.

In conclusion, when purchasing a valuable, you should consider its condition, authenticity, the reputation of the seller, the price, the purpose, and its potential value over time. By taking these factors into account, you can make a smart and satisfying purchase. Happy shopping!

If I’m on a City space, I can try to get Asset cards from the reserve. I’ll test my Influence () by rolling dice, and then I can choose Assets from the reserve with a total value that’s the same or lower than the number I rolled.

If I don’t get any cards, I can choose to discard one from the reserve.

After I acquire assets, any cards I discard or gain from the reserve will be replaced by drawing new ones from the Asset deck.

I can only perform this action if there is no Monster on my space.

Component Actions

I can perform an action that is listed on one of my components, like a card or my Investigator sheet. These actions will be bolded and preceded by the word “Action”.

When I’m investigating, there’s a rule I always keep in mind: I can’t do the same thing over and over. But that doesn’t mean I’m limited to just one action each round. Nope! I can mix it up and use different abilities from different components.

Take Lily Chen, for example. She’s got an awesome ability on her Investigator sheet. So for my first action, I’ll use that. But for my second action, I can choose something totally different. Maybe an action from an Asset card I have. The possibilities are endless!

And here’s another cool thing: I don’t have to rely solely on my own components. If there are other investigators hanging out with me, I can use their components too. It’s like a teamwork bonus! These types of actions are called Local Actions, and they’re shown in bold so you don’t miss ’em.

Phase 2: Encounter Phase

In this phase, I get to have one encounter. It could be an exciting or challenging experience. Let me tell you how it works!

We start with the Lead Investigator. They have the first encounter. Then, it’s my turn, and I resolve my encounter. After that, it’s the next investigator’s turn. We continue like this until every investigator has had their encounter.

During the Encounter Phase, if I find myself on a space with Monsters, things get intense. I have to face each Monster one by one in a Combat Encounter. I can choose the order in which I face them. But don’t worry, if there are no Monsters around, I can choose a different type of encounter instead. Let me explain those to you.

Combat Encounters

If I find myself on a space where there are Monsters, I have to face them head-on. Each Monster gets its turn, and I have to take them on one by one, in any order I choose.

Once I’ve dealt with all the Monsters, if there are still none left on my space, I have the option to tackle another encounter.

Encounters in Specific Locations

If I’m in a specific location, I draw a card that matches the artwork on my space or from the General Encounter deck. I then deal with the effect that relates to my current location and discard the card afterwards.

When I’m investigating, I sometimes have different types of encounter cards to draw from. I get to choose which deck I want to draw from. For example, let’s say I’m in Arkham. I can either draw a card from the General Encounter deck or the America Encounter deck. If I choose to draw a General Encounter card, I’ll have to deal with the City part of the card.

On the game board, each named space has a description that tells me what kind of effect I can expect from the encounter cards associated with that space. This makes it easier to know what to expect when I draw a card.

There are also some tokens placed on certain spaces of the game board. These tokens give me even more options for encounters. For example, if there’s a clue token, I can draw and resolve Research Encounter cards. Clue tokens are always useful for investigators like me!

So, when I’m investigating, I have the power to choose which encounter cards I want to draw from. The game board provides helpful information about the effects of each space, and extra tokens like clue tokens offer additional options for encounters. It’s all about making the right choices and being prepared for whatever comes my way!

Gate tokens are a handy tool for me during my investigations. They give me the ability to draw and deal with Other World Encounter cards. These cards can be quite intriguing and provide unique challenges as I explore different realms.

If you’re an investigator, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on the Active Expedition token. This little gem lets me draw and take care of those Expedition Encounter cards. And boy, let me tell you – those cards can be something. They’re like these little challenges that pop up along your journey. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re bad. It’s like a surprise every time!

When you come across a rumor token during your investigation, it means that you have the opportunity to face the challenge or situation mentioned on the Rumor Mythos card that corresponds to your current location. It’s like a little hint or clue that something interesting or important might be happening nearby.

Are you wondering what to do with Defeated Investigator tokens? Well, let me tell you! These tokens have a special purpose that you should be aware of. When an investigator is defeated, they leave behind a token that can be used to resolve a specific encounter.

Phase 3: Mythos Phase

In this phase, I draw a card from the Mythos deck. The card I draw has different effects, and I have to resolve them one by one in a specific order. Let me explain each effect to you:

Let’s talk about the “Advance Omen” mechanics in the game. You need to take the Omen token and move it one space clockwise around the track. But here’s the tricky part – each time you move the token, you also have to advance the Doom by one for every Gate that matches the Omen token’s current space. Gates are those portals you find on the game board.

After dealing with the Omen token, it’s time to resolve the Reckoning Effects. Look for the effects that have an “@” symbol on the components in play. These components will have a red reckoning icon in the lower-right corner, making them easy to spot. Resolve these effects in the following order: first, deal with the Monsters, then check the Ancient One sheet, and after that, deal with any ongoing Mythos cards. Lastly, take care of the investigator possessions and Conditions.

If there are no Gates that match the Omen token’s current space, don’t worry! Just spawn one Gate on the game board instead.

When I investigate the effects displayed on the current Mythos card, I only address what’s shown. For instance, if the Mythos card doesn’t have the symbol for spawning clues, I don’t have to deal with that step.

Now, let me explain what the Doom and Omen Tracks are all about. The Doom track keeps track of how much time we have until the Ancient One wakes up. As Doom advances, the Doom token moves closer to the 0 space on the track. But when Doom retreats, the token moves away from the 0 space.

On the other hand, the Omen track serves to push Doom forward. Whenever the Omen token moves forward, we have to advance Doom by 1 for each Gate on the game board that matches the current Omen symbol.

Lastly, let’s talk about Spawning Gates. When an effect causes a Gate to spawn, I simply take the top Gate token from the Gate stack and place it face-up on the designated space.

When a Gate is spawned, a Monster is also spawned on the same space. This means that every time a Gate appears, a new Monster will be there too.

What Are Gates?

Gates are like holes in reality that can take you to other worlds, different dimensions, or even points in time. They’re dangerous because they let in powerful and deadly creatures like Monsters, and eventually, even the Ancient Ones.

Gates are what make Doom advance in the game. (You can learn more about this in the Advance Omen step of the Mythos Phase.) To stop Doom from moving forward, and to keep the Ancient One from waking up, you have to deal with encounters in Other Worlds and close the Gates.

Monsters Appear

When something happens that causes a Monster to appear, you randomly pick a Monster token from the Monster cup and put it where the event tells you to.

If the Monster has the spawn icon, take a look at the back of the Monster token and immediately follow its effect after bringing it into play (like, after this Monster is spawned, move it to Heart of Africa).

What is the Monster Cup?

When starting the game, you get to pick any container that you cannot see through, such as the lid of the game box, to act as the Monster cup. Whenever a Monster is spawned, a player randomly selects a Monster token from the Monster cup without peeking. When a Monster is defeated or discarded, it goes back into the Monster cup. Then, you shake the cup to mix up the Monster tokens.

Spawning Clues

When an effect creates a Clue, draw one Clue token randomly from the Clue pool and place it facedown on the specified space on the Clue token.

What is a Clue?

Clue tokens are special items that contain hidden information about the Ancient One. You can find Clues by investigating and uncovering ancient knowledge.

When you come across a Clue, it can help you solve various mysteries and rumors, giving you important insights and guidance. You can also use Clues to improve your chances of success when facing challenging tests.

The End of the Game

Your ultimate goal is to solve the Ancient One’s Mysteries. If you manage to solve three of them, you will automatically win the game. However, if the Ancient One awakens, you will also have to unravel the Final Mystery to secure victory.

If any of the following things happen, we lose the game:

• If the Doom token reaches space 0 on the Doom track, the Ancient One will wake up. The back of the Ancient One sheet tells us how we can lose.
• If all of us are taken out of the game.
• If a card effect makes us lose. This usually happens with some Rumor Mythos cards.
• If we have to draw a Mythos card but we can’t because there are no cards left in the Mythos deck.