Cthulhu: Death May Die
- Designer Rob Daviau , Eric M. Lang
- Publisher CMON Global Limited , Guillotine Games , Arclight Games , asmodee , BoardM Factory
- Illustration Nicolas Fructus , Karl Kopinski , Thierry Masson , Adrian Smith , Richard Wright
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play 1920s investigators inspired by H.P. Lovecraft who deliberately summon Elder Ones to stop them permanently. The game is episode-based with two acts per episode: before and after a summoning. Insanity can force unpredictable actions; if any investigator dies before the summoning, the group loses, but once the Elder One appears, surviving players still have a chance. Episodes are standalone and need not be played in sequence.
Who Is This Game For?
For players who enjoy thematic, cooperative miniatures games: the game leans toward the advanced/enthusiast end due to theme and length. It supports 1–5 players, so it's playable solo or in groups. Expect an evening-length session at roughly 120 minutes.
How It Works
Death May Die mixes Cooperative Game mechanics with Dice Rolling and Action Points, while Area Movement and miniatures represent the battlefield. Gameplay unfolds in scenario-driven episodes with objectives before and after summoning an Elder One. Dice outcomes and insanity effects drive tension; team coordination is critical because premature character deaths can end the scenario.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Rob Daviau and Eric M. Lang, the game combines strong thematic horror with campaign-like episodes. It received multiple 2019 nominations for cooperative and thematic awards (e.g., Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game, Board Game Quest Awards Best Cooperative Game). The blend of miniatures, scenario play and insanity mechanics distinguishes it among dungeon-crawlers.
Awards
2019
- 2021 Gra Roku Best Thematic Game — Nominated
- 2020 American Tabletop Complex Games — Nominated
- 2019 Board Game Quest Awards Best Cooperative Game — Nominated
- 2019 Cardboard Republic Immersionist Laurel — Nominated
Pro
- Strong Lovecraftian horror theme.
- Cooperative play with miniatures and Area Movement for tactical depth.
- Episode-based scenarios that are standalone and replayable.
- Design by Rob Daviau & Eric M. Lang blends thematic intensity with campaign structure.
Contra
- Long playtime (~120 minutes) requires a substantial time commitment.
- Thematic complexity and chaotic insanity mechanics can be demanding for newcomers.
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a Lovecraft-inspired 1920s world where investigators confront summoned monsters and Elder Ones. The theme centers on horror, ritual and final confrontations with cosmic threats.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on team communication and learning how insanity effects influence outcomes; use initial episodes to get comfortable with scenario flow.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports solo play, as the player count starts at 1.
How long does a game really take?
A game takes about 120 minutes; include extra time for setup and learning when starting out.
What prior experience do I need?
The game suits experienced players; prior experience with cooperative and tactical miniatures games is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Compared to simpler dungeon-crawlers, Death May Die emphasizes episode structure, insanity effects and the summoning as a major turning point.
Is this suitable for families?
Given the horror theme and minimum age of 14, it's better suited to older teens and adults rather than young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Cooperative Game, Dice Rolling and Area Movement together with insanity mechanics defines the experience.
Fazit
Recommended for fans of thematic cooperative miniatures games with Lovecraftian horror; not ideal if you prefer short, low-chaos sessions. Solo to five-player games are possible but require time and tolerance for chaotic insanity effects.
