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Keep the Heroes Out! GOLDEN GEEK NOMINIERT 2022

Keep the Heroes Out!

1-4
Players
40
Minutes
10+
Age
2022
Published

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What to Expect

Players take on the role of monsters defending their treasures against invading heroes. Each turn, players draw five cards to move, activate tiles, attack heroes, and reposition units. After players act, heroes draw cards to advance their assault. The goal is to survive two waves of heroes by protecting treasures in each room. The game features modular boards and various scenarios for replayability.

Who Is This Game For?

This game targets experienced players who enjoy cooperative tactical challenges. Suitable for 1 to 4 players aged 10 and up, its 40-minute playtime fits well into a typical game night. Some prior experience with deck-building and cooperative games is helpful but not required.

How It Works

Keep the Heroes Out! combines mechanics like Action Retrieval, Area Movement, and Deck, Bag, and Pool Building. Players use cards to move monsters and perform actions on a modular board. Heroes act autonomously after players, emphasizing teamwork and strategic planning. Different scenarios present unique challenges in this mission-driven game.

Action Retrieval Area Movement Cooperative Game Deck, Bag, and Pool Building Modular Board Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game

What Makes It Special

Designed by Luís Brueh, the game was nominated for the Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game in 2022 and won the Hungarian Board Game Award Special Prize in 2025. As a tower defense game with asymmetric gameplay and modular design, it offers a distinct alternative to traditional dungeon crawlers.

Awards

GOLDEN GEEK NOMINIERT 2022
Nominated
2022
  • 2025 Hungarian Board Game Award Special Prize — Winner

Pro

  • Asymmetric cooperative gameplay
  • Short playtime around 40 minutes
  • Modular board for varied scenarios
  • Combination of deck-building and area movement

Contra

  • More suitable for experienced players than beginners
  • Requires teamwork and strategic planning
  • Recommended age 10+, not for very young children

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set in a fantasy world, players control monsters defending their dungeon treasures from invading heroes. The theme blends tactical defense with waves of offensive attackers.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus first on understanding basic mechanics like card management and movement before exploring advanced strategies.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Yes, Keep the Heroes Out! supports 1 to 4 players and includes a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts approximately 40 minutes, suitable for a regular game night.

What prior experience do I need?

Basic understanding of cooperative and deck-building games is helpful but not mandatory.

How does this compare to similar games?

It combines asymmetric monster gameplay with modular boards and a cooperative tower defense approach.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to complexity and the minimum age of 10, it's better suited for families with older children.

What mechanic makes it special?

Its use of Action Retrieval, Area Movement, and Deck, Bag, and Pool Building defines the gameplay.

Fazit

Keep the Heroes Out! is recommended for players seeking a cooperative, tactical tower defense game with short playtime. Its card-driven mechanics and modular scenarios provide varied gameplay experiences.