Dwellings of Eldervale
- Designer Luke Laurie
- Publisher Breaking Games , Board Game Rookie , CMON Global Limited , Fox in the Box , Gen-X Games
- Illustration Merilliza Chan , Sergio Chaves , Anton Fadeev , Leesha Hannigan , Irina Kuzmina , Nathanael Mortensen
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You command a unique faction in a lost magical realm, placing workers, activating adventure tableaus and battling across eight elemental lands. Action spaces include summoning portals, crumbling mage towers and deep dungeons, while magic cards provide spells, quests and prophecies. Multiple paths to victory revolve around gaining elemental dominance.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby/advanced players: the game's complexity and long playtime (about 150 minutes) suit experienced groups. A solo mode exists, so solo players can engage as well. New players should allow extra time for the first session due to intertwined mechanics.
How It Works
Core mechanics include Action Retrieval (placing and retrieving workers), Hand Management and Dice Rolling alongside Variable Player Powers. Players use a Modular Board and activate their tableau of adventure cards to gain resources and abilities. Area Control and engine-building dynamics influence long-term strategy and scoring.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Luke Laurie, the title mixes thematic combat and strategic engine development. It received several 2020 nominations and won Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game (2020). The blend of modular board, miniatures and asymmetric factions distinguishes it from pure Euro designs.
Awards
2020
- 2020 Board Game Quest Awards Best Production Values — Nominated
- 2020 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Winner
- 2020 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2020 Cardboard Republic Striker Laurel — Nominated
Pro
- Complex mix of worker placement, area control and engine-building
- Asymmetric factions via Variable Player Powers
- Strong thematic elements with varied action locations
- Includes solo/solitaire play
Contra
- Long playtime (~150 minutes) demands patience
- Steeper learning curve from multiple interacting mechanics
Setting & Atmosphäre
High-fantasy setting with elemental realms—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Light, Dark, Order and Chaos—and locations like portals, towers and dungeons.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding the main action spaces and your tableau early; take time in the first game to learn mechanic interactions.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. 'Solo / Solitaire Game' is listed among the mechanics, so a solo mode is provided.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 150 minutes; include setup and explanation time when planning a session.
What prior experience do I need?
Best for experienced players comfortable with worker placement, area control and engine-building concepts.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its mix of modular board, asymmetric powers and adventure tableaus ties thematic combat closer to Euro-style strategy than many pure euros.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and long playtime, it's more suitable for older family members familiar with heavier games.
What mechanic makes it special?
The integration of Action Retrieval with Area Control and Variable Player Powers defines its core experience.
Fazit
A substantial advanced game that combines worker placement, area control and adventure elements; best for groups who enjoy long strategic sessions. Expect a learning curve.
