BETRAYAL AT BALDURS GATE
BOARDGAME
Theme: Cooperative Exploration with hidden Traitor Mechanic
3 – 6 Players
Playtime 60-120 Min.
Expansion Widows Walk available
Overview
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a strategic board game that combines elements of exploration, character development, and betrayal. Inspired by the beloved “Betrayal at House on the Hill” framework, this standalone version is set in the iconic “Dungeons & Dragons” universe, specifically within the city of Baldur’s Gate. Players work together to uncover mysteries until one turns against the group in a suspenseful twist.
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is praised for its strong theme, innovative replayability, and the excitement of the betrayal twist. While it retains the charm of the original game, it refines mechanics to cater to the D&D fanbase, adding depth and thematic richness.
It’s great for a group that enjoys dynamic stories, unexpected turns, and doesn’t mind a dash of unpredictability.
Gameplay
Character Selection:
Players take on the roles of adventurers, choosing from 12 unique characters, each with individual stats for Might, Speed, Sanity, and Knowledge. These characters are archetypes familiar to Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts, like rogues, clerics, and mages.
Tile-Based Exploration:
The board starts blank, and players reveal it by laying down modular tiles as they explore the streets and catacombs of Baldur’s Gate. Each tile may contain events, items, or ominous omens.
Collecting Omens:
As characters explore, they encounter “Omen” cards, which can grant powerful abilities or items but also escalate the potential for danger.
The Haunt:
At an unpredictable moment during the game, a “Haunt Roll” triggers the titular betrayal. A random Haunt scenario is selected from 50 different scripts, and one player becomes the “traitor,” switching their allegiance. Scenarios include battles against monsters, desperate searches for artifacts, or daring escapes.
Conflict and Resolution:
The remaining players, now a group of “heroes,” must team up to overcome the traitor and complete the Haunt objective. Success is determined by strategy, clever use of abilities, and sometimes sheer luck
What makes Betrayal at Baldurs Gate unique?
Dungeons & Dragons Theme:
The game faithfully integrates the lore, flavor, and setting of the Forgotten Realms, making it appealing to D&D fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Dynamic Replayability:
With 50 possible Haunt scenarios and randomized board setup, each session feels unique and suspenseful.
Traitor Mechanics:
The betrayal adds a thrilling layer of deception and competition, as one player works against the rest.
Strategy and Tension:
Players must balance exploration and resource gathering with the looming fear of the Haunt, creating a game full of suspense and memorable moments.
