Cthulhu Wars
- Designer Sandy Petersen , Lincoln Petersen
- Publisher Petersen Games , Arclight Games , BoardM Factory , Fabrika Igr , Green Eye Games
- Illustration Kev Adams , Peter Bartholdy , Ian Brumby , Jo Brumby , Sonny Bundgaard , Chaz Elliott
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Cthulhu Wars, players control one of four alien factions from H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos on a world map. Players spend action points to recruit cultists, summon monsters, and expand their power base. The goal is to earn 30 victory points on the Doom track by controlling areas, casting spells, and awakening your Great Old One. Each faction has unique abilities and multiple strategic paths to victory.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players who enjoy complex strategy games with a horror theme. With a duration of about 120 minutes, it requires patience and tactical thinking. Casual or family players might find the complexity challenging given the 14+ age recommendation.
How It Works
Players gather power each turn, which acts as action points to spend on moving units, recruiting cultists, casting spells, and awakening their Great Old One. Area Majority and Area Movement mechanics influence control over territories on the map. Dice rolling adds tactical combat resolution, while variable player powers ensure each faction plays uniquely.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Sandy Petersen, Cthulhu Wars won the 2015 Board Game Quest Award for Best Game from a Small Publisher. It features large, detailed miniatures and blends action points, variable player powers, and area majority mechanics to deliver a unique Lovecraftian experience.
Awards
2014, 2015
- 2015 Board Game Quest Awards Best Game from a Small Publisher — Winner
- 2015 Board Game Quest Awards Best Tactical/Combat Game — Nominated
Pro
- Unique factions with variable player powers
- Combination of Area Majority, Action Points, and Dice Rolling
- Detailed miniatures as game pieces
- Strong thematic implementation of the Cthulhu mythos
Contra
- High complexity for new players
- Long playing time around 120 minutes
- Age recommendation of 14+ limits family play with younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in a contemporary world invaded by alien gods and cults from the Cthulhu mythos. The atmosphere is dark, filled with horror and supernatural elements.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding the Action Points and Area Majority mechanics before exploring complex strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Cthulhu Wars is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not support solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, depending on players’ experience.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced players comfortable with complex strategy games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Cthulhu Wars combines Area Majority, Action Points, and Variable Player Powers with a strong horror theme and large miniatures.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and 14+ age recommendation, it is better suited for older players rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Action Points, Variable Player Powers, and Area Majority offers deep strategic variety.
Fazit
Cthulhu Wars is recommended for players who enjoy complex, thematic strategy games with tactical combat and a horror setting. It is less suitable for beginners due to its complexity.
