Ham Helsing
Ham Helsing at your next game night?
Add Ham Helsing to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Justin De Witt
- Publisher Fireside Games
- Illustration Rich Moyer
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You play one of four characters defending locations from waves of minions using a deck-crafting system with transparent cards. Players travel between locations, match attack colors to defeat enemies, gain skills and money, and buy cards at the Rat Market. Combat, movement, events and market decisions drive the session.
Who Is This Game For?
For hobby groups who enjoy cooperative deck-building and thematic adventures. Suitable from about age 10 and includes a solo mode (players.min = 1). With a 90-minute playtime it's an extended session rather than a quick filler.
How It Works
Ham Helsing combines Deck, Bag, and Pool Building with Dice Rolling and Die Icon Resolution: players use card symbols to move, attack, and trigger special actions at locations. Variable Player Powers give each character a unique starting deck and special ability. The Market is a shared, competitive buying phase where players purchase attack and special cards to improve their decks.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Justin De Witt, the game uses transparent upgrade cards that slide into starting cards (Layering), visually and mechanically altering decks. It merges cooperative adventure gameplay with a free-for-all Market mechanic and color-matching combat.
Pro
- Cooperative adventure with clear character roles (Variable Player Powers)
- Deck-crafting enhanced by transparent upgrade cards (Layering)
- Market provides tactical purchase decisions
- Includes a solo/solitaire option
Contra
- Around 90 minutes may be long for casual groups
- Competitive market buying can encourage analysis paralysis
Setting & atmosphere
The theme centers on monster hunting with anthropomorphic animals—pigs vs. vampires and werewolves—in a comic/graphic-novel style, defending locations like Mud Canyon.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on understanding your character's ability and build your deck gradually; the game rewards considered deck management.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. players.min = 1 indicates a solo/solitaire mode is included.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 90 minutes; first plays with setup and learning will likely take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Some experience with deck-building or engine mechanics helps; the title leans toward informed hobby players.
How does this compare to similar games?
Ham Helsing stands out by combining cooperative adventure with transparent upgrade cards and an open market for purchases.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 10 it can suit families with older children, especially if they have played more complex games before.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Layering effect from transparent upgrade cards integrated into starter cards is a distinctive mechanic.
Fazit
Ham Helsing is recommended for groups seeking a cooperative deck-crafting adventure with a comic-book theme. If you prefer very short games, note the approximately 90-minute duration.
Ham Helsing at your next game night?
Add Ham Helsing to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Ham Helsing to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
