Dominion: Dark Ages
- Designer Donald X. Vaccarino
- Publisher Rio Grande Games , 999 Games , Albi , ASS Altenburger Spielkarten , Devir
- Illustration Brian Brinlee , Eric J. Carter , Matthias Catrein , Jessica Cox , Garret DeChellis , Julien Delval
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Dominion: Dark Ages, you navigate a grim medieval world, expanding and upgrading your card decks. You face challenges like plagues and barbarians, use new trash and upgrade mechanics, and interact with opponents by giving them Ruin cards. Games last about 30 minutes, relying on clever hand management and delayed purchases.
Who Is This Game For?
This expansion targets experienced Dominion players seeking deeper deck-building complexity. With a recommended age of 13+ and game length around 30 minutes, it is not a family game for children but suited for those familiar with Dominion’s base rules.
How It Works
Dominion: Dark Ages adds new Kingdom cards and mechanics such as Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Delayed Purchase, and Hand Management. Players buy and upgrade cards to build their decks, decide when to trash or upgrade cards, and use Open Drafting to shape their strategy. This creates diverse tactical options and player interaction.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Donald X. Vaccarino, Dominion: Dark Ages (2012) expands the Dominion series with dark medieval-themed cards. It was nominated for the 2012 Golden Geek Best Board Game Expansion and features unique trash and upgrade mechanics plus Ruin cards. It is part of the Dominion family and requires the base game.
Awards
2012
Pro
- Adds 35 new Kingdom cards for more variety
- Incorporates trash and upgrade mechanics for strategic depth
- About 30 minutes playtime for quick, intense rounds
- 2012 Golden Geek Best Board Game Expansion nominee
Contra
- Not standalone; base game required
- Supports only 2-4 players; no solo mode
- Requires experience with deck-building and Dominion
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in a grim medieval era marked by plagues, barbarians, and hardship. Players struggle to survive with limited resources in a harsh world.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Play the Dominion base game first to understand the core mechanics before adding this expansion.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Dominion: Dark Ages is not designed for solo play; it supports 2 to 4 players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, allowing for fast-paced sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with the Dominion base game and basic deck-building mechanics is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
This expansion adds unique trash and upgrade mechanics that deepen classic Dominion gameplay.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and 13+ age recommendation, it is better suited for experienced players than young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Trash mechanics and Deck, Bag, and Pool Building provide strategic depth and varied gameplay.
Fazit
Dominion: Dark Ages is a worthwhile expansion for Dominion fans wanting more complex deck-building. The base game and experience with its mechanics are prerequisites.
