The Four Doors
The Four Doors at your next game night?
Add The Four Doors 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 Matt Leacock , Ben Pinchback , Matt Riddle
- Publisher Happy Camper , Game Factory
- Illustration Zachary Hoel , Asher Israel
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
Players work together to recover relics behind four doors and bring them to a beacon before the Shadow Veil covers the land. On a turn you take up to three actions—draw, move between doors, give cards/relics, illuminate shadow cards, or find a relic by discarding matching cards. Shadows are placed at turn end based on the Shadow Level and can partially or fully close doors, causing player loss if a door is removed.
Who Is This Game For?
This is for fans of cooperative fantasy and players who prefer short, focused games (about 30 minutes). With support for 1–5 players it suits solo play and small groups. Some familiarity with cooperative card-management mechanics is helpful.
How It Works
The game uses Cooperative Game, Multi-Use Cards and Variable Player Powers. Each adventurer has a special power that modifies or adds actions. Players perform up to three actions, then draw two cards and place shadow cards equal to the Shadow Level. Shuffling the deck raises the Shadow Level; some cards are removed from play, accelerating the threat.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Matt Leacock and colleagues, The Four Doors centers an escalating Shadow Level that pressures the team. The use of variable powers and multi-use cards creates role differentiation and tactical choices. The physical concept includes a magnetic flip-box container family element.
Pro
- Clear cooperative objective: retrieve relics and activate the beacon
- Variable Player Powers provide role diversity and replayability
- Short playtime (~30 minutes) fits multiple sessions
- Supports solo play (1 player)
Contra
- Escalating Shadow Level can feel punishing for inexperienced groups
- Short duration limits deep, long-form planning
- Requires careful card management and team coordination
Setting & atmosphere
A fantasy setting where a Shadow Veil threatens the land and players must retrieve relics from behind four doors to light a beacon. The theme is explicit in the game description.
Tips for beginners
Communicate about hands and relics, focus on preventing door removals, and leverage each adventurer's special power.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes — the game supports 1–5 players, so solo play is explicitly supported.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is 30 minutes; including explanation and setup it remains a short session ideal for repeat plays.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic familiarity with cooperative card-management mechanics helps, since Multi-Use Cards and Variable Player Powers are central.
How does this compare to similar games?
Unlike worker-placement or pure deckbuilders, The Four Doors emphasizes cooperative card management against an escalating threat (Shadow Level).
Is this suitable for families?
Yes — minimum age is 10, and the short playtime works for family sessions, though it demands some attention to card play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of an escalating Shadow Level with Multi-Use Cards and Variable Player Powers defines the game's tension and choices.
Fazit
A solid cooperative title for short sessions and tight teamwork. Recommended if you like cooperative card-management with clear escalation; less suited for those seeking long, sprawling campaigns.
The Four Doors at your next game night?
Add The Four Doors to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add The Four Doors to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
