My teen son loves playing Cthulhu board games, and recently, due to the Pandemic, we had lots of free time at our hands and nothing much to do. So we decided to buy some new games. We browsed Amazon and came across the best Cthulhu board games at very reasonable prices. We read the descriptions, the customers’ reviews and ordered 2 board games.
We received them in no time, and the quality was outstanding. People looking forward to buying the Cthulhu board game must read this article as we will be reviewing the 6 best Cthulhu board games. My own experience in playing Cthulhu board games is much longer than my son’s; therefore, in this article, we’ll be using hard data for this article and not our opinion because we have played 70% of these games. Read this article and let us know in the comments if you found it helpful. Also, do let us know which Cthulhu board game you are going to buy.
Table of Contents
Top 6 Cthulhu Board Games
- Arkham Horror – The Card Game
- Fantasy Flight Games Eldritch Horror Multi-colored, Standard
- Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu
- Fantasy Flight Games a Call of Cthulhu Board Game
- CMON Death May Die Season 2
- Portal Games Tides of Madness
If you are on rush and want to get the right one, my personal favorite is Arkham Horror Board Game. It costs only $33.59 and is one of the most exciting games. Many newbies find it a bit difficult to play, but if the players play in the form of a group and thoroughly read the instructions, it is not challenging.
Arkham Horror – The Card Game
Hightlighted Features are
- This game can be played by 1 to 4 players.
- Playing time of the game is 1 to 2 hours.
- Players adopt the role of investigators who have different strengths and weaknesses.
- Dimensions of the game board are 10 x 2 x 10 inches.
- Game is light in weight and weighs only 0.034 ounces.
- The game is exciting and puts hurdles in the players’ path.
- Players face many challenges during the game.
- The campaign allows the players to level up their game.
- Arkham Horror board game is a unique combination of role-playing and traditional card gaming.
- As a player, you become an investigator and have particular strengths and weaknesses.
What is a Cthulhu Board Game?
Cthulhu board game is a type of miniature game in which the players play Elder Gods’ roles who try to amass power on Earth. Players also use Cthulhu-themed factions to smash up.
The game’s original purpose was to express and personify the fear of H.P. Lovecraft, the author of the story. The author’s mother and father both were institutionalized, and Lovecraft himself feared going crazy. This is the central theme in his games which keeps getting updated.
My Experience
Our personal experience with Cthulhu board games has been great. We ordered two Cthulhu board games, and the quality was brilliant. Their prices were reasonable, and the theme was exciting. We had bought Arkham Horror Board Game for $33.59, and we loved this board game. It is light in weight, and the board quality is excellent. The game has an exciting theme, and its playing time is 2-3 hours, which keeps the players invested. This is a fantastic game for 4 players where players play investigators’ roles and do exciting tasks. Our second purchase was Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu. This board game’s price is $39.99, and it is an excellent game for 4 players. It is light in weight and easily portable. Players work together and close the four gates leading to different dimensions that also cause a threat to Earth. My wife and I play these games with our sons on weekends.
Comparison Table of the Best Cthulhu Board Games
6 Best Cthulhu Board Games Reviews
01- Arkham Horror – The Card Game
Fantasy Flight Games introduce this game, and it is one of the best Cthulhu board games. It is an exciting game in which the player’s efforts determine the course of the game. The players are also made to face many challenges and hardships throughout the game. Players assume the roles of unique investigators and have different weaknesses and strengths. It has 1-2 hours of playing time, and 1 to 4 players can play this game.
Features
- This game can be played by 1 to 4 players.
- Playing time of the game is 1 to 2 hours.
- Players adopt the role of investigators who have different strengths and weaknesses.
- Dimensions of the game board are 10 x 2 x 10 inches.
- Game is light in weight and weighs only 0.034 ounces.
- The game is exciting and puts hurdles in the players’ path.
- Players face many challenges during the game.
- The campaign allows the players to level up their game.
- Arkham Horror board game is a unique combination of role-playing and traditional card gaming.
- As a player, you become an investigator and have particular strengths and weaknesses.
Theme
This card game has a backdrop of Lovecraftian horror. The players play the role of investigators and unravel the mysteries of the unknown world. Players’ efforts determine the course of the game and carry out the campaigns—the challenging strategies of the game challenge the players to overcome their demons and strive for victory.
Game Conditions
It is an ideal game to play for 1 to 4 players, and the playing time for each game is 1 to 2 hours. This time duration is not very long that the players get tired or too short where they don’t even enjoy the game properly.
Easy to Carry
This board game weighs only 0.034 ounces which makes it very light in weight. It can be taken anywhere and played with friends.
- Interesting game.
- Ensures that players have fun.
- Easily portable.
- Great Dimensions.
- Light in weight.
- Hazard of small parts being swallowed by children under age 3.
Summary
This game ensures that the players have a great game and a fun time. Its theme and plots are exciting, and the game is engaging. It has ample playing time in which the players neither get bored nor do they get frustrated due to short duration.
02- Fantasy Flight Games Eldritch Horror Multi-colored, Standard
This board game with the Mystery genre is inspired by the other board game – The Arkham board game. It is an excellent, engaging game that 8 players can play. It has an exciting theme and a fast pace in one of the best Cthulhu board games. This game gives a great experience to each player. Head on to its features section to learn more about this product:
Features
- The Arkham board game inspires the eldritch board game.
- It has the Mystery genre.
- The game is very engaging and cooperative.
- Eldritch board game is fast-paced and has an exciting theme.
- It is recommended for 2 to 8 players.
- The board dimensions of this game are 11.75 x 11.75 x 3 inches.
- Game playing time varies between 2 to 4 hours.
- Players take the role of globetrotting investigators who work on mysteries and solve them.
- The game includes 300 cards and 250 tokens.
- It is recommended for 14-year-olds and older people only.
Interesting Theme
Eldritch game has an exciting theme, where some of the players take the role of globetrotting investigators. These players explore the land and solve mysteries.
Playing Time
This board game has an ample playing time that varies between 2 to 4 hours. Players can have an engaging and cooperative match and have a great time.
Recommended Age
The recommended age for this game is 14-year-olds and older people. Younger kids are not allowed to play this game because there is a danger of the kids swallowing tiny parts.
- Great playing time.
- Cooperative and fast-paced game.
- Interesting theme.
- 300 cards and 250 tokens.
- Light in weight.
- This game is not recommended for kids younger than 14 years because this involves the danger of small parts being swallowed.
Summary
Eldritch board game has an exciting theme, and this is very engaging and cooperative. It is light in weight so it can be carried anywhere and played with friends and family.
03- Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu
This is an exciting game with a horrific twist. In this game, players are the last hope for humanity against a threat from another dimension. In Pandemic, the old ones stir in their cosmic prisons, and only the players know to stop them. Players take on the role of investigators and close four gates to other dimensions.
Features
- This board game is recommended for 1 to 4 players.
- Dimensions of the board game are 2.2 x 8.8 x 11.8 inches.
- The game playing time is 40 minutes.
- Players play the role of investigators and close the four gates that lead to other dimensions.
- The Pandemic board game is based on a unique stand-alone Pandemic adventure.
- Players are humanity’s last hope against threats from other dimensions.
- The game includes lots of monsters that encounter the players. Players, in turn, use ancient relics to get rid of the demons.
- Going over the edge means weakened ability and fewer actions for the players.
- Players also travel to different towns central to Cthulhu, such as Kingsport, Arkham, and Innsmouth.
- This board game weighs only 2.29 Pounds.
The threat of Different Dimensions:
Players protect humanity against threats from different dimensions. They work as investigators and block 4 gates that lead to other dimensions.
Easily Portable
This board game weighs only 2.29 pounds. It is light in weight, which makes it easily portable. So it can be carried anywhere and played wherever the players want to.
Playing Time
This game has a playing time of 40 minutes. It is a relatively short playing duration than many other board games, but it benefits that the game ends rather quickly, and players can have another round.
- Easily portable.
- Interesting theme.
- Short playing time.
- Engaging game.
- Great board dimensions.
- Choking hazard for kids under age 3
Summary
This game revolves around the safety of humanity after a pandemic. The survivors are scared of being invaded from other dimensions, so they work together and close the gates to different dimensions.
04- Fantasy Flight Games a Call of Cthulhu Board Game
This is an excellent game of Lovecraftian horror. It is based on the work of horror writer HP Lovecraft. 2 to 8 players can play this game and have fun with a playing time of 2 to 4 hours. To learn more about this product, head on to its features section.
Features
- This board game is based on the work of renowned horror writer HP Lovecraft.
- The playing time of the game is 2 to 4 hours.
- It is recommended for 12 years old and older kids.
- A cooperative and engaging game that 2 to 8 players can play.
- The game board weighs only 5.45 pounds.
- The town of Arkham is in danger, and the inhabitants are in a panic.
- The game includes 16 unique investigator characters.
- Players choose from the given playable characters.
- The graphical design and artwork of the game are outstanding.
- The game includes small pieces that have been crafted well.
Light Weight
This board game weighs only 5.45 pounds. It is light in weight. Players can place it anywhere and play the game. It can also be played in a car or at a friend’s place as it ensures a great time for all the players.
Cooperative Game
This game is very cooperative and engaging. Players work together to save the city from natural disasters. 2 to 8 players can play this game: pure fun and excitement.
Great Artwork
The graphic design in this board game is perfect. Moreover, the small miniature figures are painted and crafted in great detail, and players love them.
- Great artwork.
- Detailed graphics.
- Nicely painted miniature figures.
- Light in weight.
- 3-4 hours playing time.
- The kids can swallow small parts; therefore, the game is not recommended for kids under 3 years.
Summary
This game has finely painted small sculptures that make the game much more fun. It has ample playing time, and the artwork on the board is also outstanding.
05- CMON Death May Die Season 2
This board game has an exciting theme and outstanding quality. Players are offered plenty of new content to enjoy. There are six new episode boxes, and all these boxes contain at least one monster to defeat. Players are also assigned to disrupt the cultists. The new game tiles represent recent locations to fight.
Features
- Players explore new locations and fight off enemies.
- This board game is recommended for 1 to 5 players.
- Weight of the board game is 4 pounds only.
- Due to being light in weight, this game is easily portable. You can carry it anywhere.
- Dimensions of the board game are 12.5 x 12.5 x 3.75 inches.
- This game lots of new content to the player, so they enjoy the game to a greater degree.
- CMON board game includes 6 new episode boxes. Each box contains one new monster that players have to defeat.
- Along with defeating the monsters, players also disrupt the cultists.
- New investigators jump in the game to defeat the monsters and fight off evil, making the game much more enjoyable.
- New tiles in the game represent new locations.
Game Theme
This board game has an exciting theme. The game involves different episode boxes in which the players have to defeat a different monster. The game board also includes new tiles, and these represent a new location. Players explore this location.
Board Dimensions
The dimensions of this board game are 12.5 x 12.5 x 3.75 inches. This board has a clear print, and players can make out perfectly all the tiles and regions of the game plot.
Weight
This board game is light in weight. It weighs only 4 pounds which makes it easily portable. You can take the board game anywhere and have a fun time.
- Great game for 1-5 players.
- Light in weight.
- Easily portable.
- Interesting theme.
- Engaging and competitive.
- Not recommended for kids under 3 years.
Summary
If you or your kid loves to play strategic and horror theme-based board games, then this is the best choice. It is light in weight, very engaging, and players enjoy the game.
06- Portal Games Tides of Madness
This is a fantastic game in which the players play the role of investigators and discover ancient knowledge. Players explore the hidden locations, construct mysterious cults, encounter horrific creatures, and learn unspeakable words in this game. Head on to the features section to learn more about this game
Features
- Players play the role of investigators and explore hidden locations.
- This game is exciting and very engaging as it involves fun strategies.
- It is one of the best board games for two players.
- The board game is recommended for 12-year-olds and older kids who have lots of fun playing this.
- Plots of the game are straightforward to learn and grasp.
- The player who scores the most victory points wins the game.
- It includes 18 large format cards and 20 Madness tokens.
- Rules sheet, pencil, and a scoreboard are also included in the package, making this board game a complete fun package.
- Game playing time is 15 minutes only, which keeps it precise and exciting.
- Dimensions of the board game are 1.5 x 4.5 x 7.2 inches.
Based in a Cthulhu World
This board game is based in a Cthulhu world where the players play the role of investigators, explore new regions, learn a new language, and construct mysterious cults. These plots make the gaming time fun.
Game Weight
This board game has a lightweight of about 8.8 ounces. Younger players have no difficulty carrying this board game, so they can take it anywhere, assemble it, and have a great time.
Recommended Age
Recommended age of players for this board game is 12 years old and onwards. This is a very easy-to-play game with simple rules that players of all age groups can learn quickly.
- Easy to Play.
- Easy to learn.
- Short playing duration.
- Great for all age groups.
- Easily portable.
- Short playing time.
Summary
This is a fun game that is easy to learn and play. The best part of this game is that people from all age groups can play it. The package includes all the requisite items that make it very convenient to play the game.
Buyer’s Guide on Best Cthulhu Board Games
In this article, we talked about the best Cthulhu board games. We described their features, pros, and cons in detail. These are the best board games to play at home with your kids because they have exciting plots. These games are also very easy to play; the rules that are followed are also relatively easy. We bought our games from Amazon, and the quality was brilliant; we are satisfied with our purchase.
However, many people prefer to buy games from stores while others prefer ordering online. This section will discuss the key points you should keep in mind while purchasing a Cthulhu board game. Although you must be aware of the type and price range you want to buy the board game, sometimes people get confused amongst the wide variety of board games available in the store. So pinpointing one or two products feels quite a difficult task. If you plan to buy a Cthulhu board game soon, read this section as it will be beneficial. Moreover, if you are purchasing from a store, you can read the description given on the box or ask your salesman’s questions. In ordering online, the description and customers’ reviews will help you form an opinion.
Board Dimensions
Inboard games, the central part of the game is the board, where players move their miniature figures and place their cards. If the board’s size is sufficiently large, the print is clear, and players feel much ease while moving their sculptures. If you want a game with minimal playing games and cards, the board dimensions will also be minor such as Tides of Madness has to board with dimensions 1.5 x 4.5 x 7.2 inches. Similarly, the games with longer playing times have boards with more excellent dimensions. These include Arkham Horror Game that has a board with dimensions of 10 x 2 x 10 inches. Therefore, the larger the board, the more surreal the experience is, but small boards also give a great experience.
Game Theme
A board game in its entirety relies on its theme and storyline. Different board games have different themes, such as Arkham Horror Board Game revolves around the players being investigators who explore new land and solve mysteries. Players fight off monsters and collect cards to get out of the traps set by monsters. The one which contains the most cards wins the game. Similarly, in Eldritch Board Game, the players play a similar role. They gather clues and try to save Earth from some Ancient monster trying to invade the planet. Different games have different themes and depending on your likeness. You can choose the one you want.
Number of Players
Like themes of the board games, different games hold the capacity for a different number of players. For example, only two players can play Tides of Madness, and this game has a short playing time, but it is exciting and engaging nevertheless. Similarly, the Arkham Board Game is played by up to 8 players, and it has a longer playing duration. However, depending on the number of players, it cannot be decided whether the game is fascinating or not because all games are unique and brilliant in a different way.
It is your money, and the decision is yours alone. And customers mostly have a vivid picture of the game they want to purchase, and you also get enough guidelines from the packaging and the salesman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who would win a fight between Cthulhu and Shub-Niggurath?
Cthulhu and Shub-Niggurath are considered the Great Old Ones. But the human cultists in The Call of Cthulhu identify the great eldritch abomination as the great priest of all time. Shub-Niggurath is also considered an Outer God sometimes. Cthulhu could be killed by powerful attacks such as a Hydrogen Bomb and seems to come back from any death.
When isn’t Arkham Horror big and complicated enough?
Arkham Horror is considered one of the most complicated games to play, and it usually takes 3-4 hours to play. If the game is set up correctly and players follow all the rules perfectly, they get wound up on time. Set-up usually takes from 5-10 minutes to half an hour. It is also not a one-person job. After setting up the game, if all the players play cooperatively and follow all the rules precisely, it does not take more than 3-4 hours to finish. And it does not seem very complicated either.
How many players do you want?
If you want to play a game with a longer completion time, it would need 5-6 members. And at times, the number of players can exceed as well. However, some games only require 2-4 players or even 2 and have a relatively shorter duration.
What Core Mechanics do you like?
Core mechanics compromise the actual activities that players perform during the game. Sometimes the core mechanics involve a single action in the footrace, such as in the running. Core mechanics vary from game to play and mostly rely on the theme and plots of the game.
How difficult/ heavy are the games?
All games are light in weight. Their weight varies between ounces and a few pounds, so they are pretty light in weight and can be carried easily. Moreover, not all these games are challenging. These have instructions manuals inside the package that players can read and follow to play a smooth game.
Do you worship Cthulhu?
It is a brilliant board game of Cthulhu that 5 to 30 players can play. The game is not at all complicated, and its rules can be learned within 3 minutes only.
How to return the item?
Returning an item is quite an easy task. You need to sign in to your account on the website from where you had ordered the product. You choose the Orders and Returns, fill in the boxes with relevant information and submit it from different options.
The horror of Horrors: Is H.P. Lovecraft’s Legacy tainted?
Lovecraft got rewarded for his famous and exceptional writing, but he is also known for his racist opinions. His opinions have stirred some controversy regarding his award.
Last Words
We are hopeful this article will help you choose a fantastic Cthulhu board game, as we covered the features, pros, and cons of the 6 best Cthulhu board games in this article. Moreover, we made a section about essential tips you need to keep in mind while purchasing a board game as some customers get overwhelmed. Let us know in the comments what product you have decided to buy. Thank you for reading. Take Care!
Veronica is a Green Bay-based freelance writer and editor with extensive experience with board games. When not busy scribbling her thoughts, you might find her in her garden, hiking out in the woods, or exploring new food joints.
Veronica is a die-hard board game and chess hobbyist by night. She likes to try out new games and is always on the lookout to recruit new players for her game night (so beware!). When not playing board games or throwing darts, she is usually busy painting miniatures (or doing other nerdy stuff).
She is the CEO & Content Writer of Indoor Games Zone. She shares her expertise from years of playing chess, board games, and darts.
Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
