Cthulhu: Death May Die

In Cthulhu: Death May Die, inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, you and your friends take on the role of investigators in the dark 1920s. Unlike most horror stories, your mission is not to prevent the arrival of the Elders, but to summon them so that they can be defeated once and for all. The game begins with you in a state of insanity, and your ultimate goal is to confront Cthulhu directly. However, in the midst of the struggle to control your sanity, you may end up making terrible or even beneficial decisions, but the outcome is uncertain. The game is divided into episodes, each composed of two acts: the first consists of the preparation for the summoning, and the second focuses on the consequences of that act. Be aware that if any investigator dies before the summoning, everyone loses. Once the Elder enters the scene, the survival of at least one character is crucial if you are to still have a chance of victory by sticking to your objectives. Each episode is independent, allowing you to play in any order you wish and with different groups of players. Get ready for a tense and unpredictable experience, where the line between sanity and madness is blurred. Complexity: 2.43 / 5 (BGG 25/05/2023)

Age 14 + 100 min 1 to 5 players

Artists: Karl Kopinski; Adrian Smith

Designers: Rob Daviau; Eric M. Lang

Date: 2019

Note: 8.5

Mechanics: Cooperative, Players with Different Skills, Storytelling, Data Scrolling

Topics: Horror/Terror, Literature

Table of Contents
- How to Play
- Tips for playing
- Game mechanics
- Game components
- Additional Information

How to play Cthulhu: Death May Die

Choose an episode and a Great Old One to match. Each episode has its own board and rules. Prepare the board according to the episode you've chosen, placing the pieces in the right places.

Distribute insanity cards and starting items to each player. Each player chooses an investigator, represented by miniatures and cards detailing unique abilities.

At the start of the game, players take turns moving around the board, exploring locations and facing cultist enemies and horrors, seeking to interrupt the ritual in order to weaken the Great Old One.

Investigations take place when players enter new places. They can yield clues, items or adverse effects. Use natural investigator skills to deal with these challenges.

As soon as the ritual is interrupted, the Great Old One appears on the board. The ultimate goal is to defeat him before he destroys all the investigators or completes his objectives.

Use your insanity cards with care, as they can offer additional powers, but they also have dangerous side effects. Balance risk and reward.

Work as a team. Cooperation is essential, as one player's actions can directly affect the entire group's chances of success.

Remember to advance the phase marker each round, following the flow of the game until the Great Old One is completed or the investigators are defeated. Adapt strategies as the game progresses.

Main objective

The main objective of the game "Cthulhu: Death May Die" is to defeat the cultists who seek to summon the Ancients and eventually confront and defeat the summoned cosmic entity, thus interrupting the ritual and preventing global destruction. Players act as investigators who work together to survive hordes of enemies, overcome insane challenges, and deal with the progressive insanity of their characters, all set in the horrific universe created by H.P. Lovecraft.

Tips for playing Cthulhu: Death May Die

Here are some tips for doing better in the game Cthulhu: Death May Die:

  • Study the investigators' skills before the game to form a balanced team.
  • Prioritize collecting items that improve combat and investigation skills.
  • Use the environment to your advantage by creating position and movement strategies.
  • Concentrate on stopping the ritual as quickly as possible to guarantee yourself a chance of winning.
  • Use special skills strategically, especially at critical moments.
  • Manage the level of insanity; temporary benefits can be useful, but letting an investigator succumb can be disastrous.
  • Adapt to changes in the game by planning together with the other players.
  • Don't put off confronting the Great Elder, but go in prepared for the final showdown.

Video about the game

Mechanics of Cthulhu: Death May Die

  • Cooperative - Cthulhu: Death May Die is a fully cooperative game in which all participants must work together to defeat the Great Old Ones. Players share information, plan strategies together and execute actions in a coordinated manner to face the cosmic threats that unfold on the board.
  • Players with Different Skills - Each player takes on the role of an investigator with unique skills. These diverse skills allow players to fulfill different roles within the group, such as combat, healing or support. The strategic choice of investigators and the effective use of their skills are key to success in the game.
  • Storytelling - The game is heavily narration-based, with a gripping plot inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The scenarios are structured into episodes, each with its own story, specific objectives and obstacles to overcome. The decisions made by the players affect the development of the narrative, creating a dynamic and immersive gaming experience.
  • Data Scrolling - Dice rolls are crucial for resolving actions in the game, such as combat and sanity tests. Customized dice carry symbols that determine successes, failures or special effects. The randomness of the dice adds an element of risk and uncertainty, making each game unique and challenging.

Game components Cthulhu: Death May Die

See all the items in the game below Cthulhu: Death May Die:

  • 1 instruction manual
  • 5 Additional data
  • 10 Researcher Figures
  • 30 Lovecraftian bookmarks
  • 17 Double Plates
  • 12 Letters of Madness
  • 1 Narrative Board
  • 49 Tokens
  • 10 Character Trays
  • 10 Cultist figures
  • 3 Common Data
  • 18 Creature Figures

Additional Information

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