The Arkham Horror universe offers an extensive selection of captivating games. With such variety available, we've divided them into two comprehensive guides. This buying guide focuses specifically on the board game families. For those interested in the deck-building card game variations, please refer to our dedicated Arkham Horror: The Card Game Buying Guide.

Arkham Horror represents a long-established franchise of horror-themed cooperative board games where players collaborate through strategic communication to complete missions. Each game features branching pathways determined by character roles, expansions, and campaign choices. These games also function exceptionally well as solo experiences when you can't gather a full group for lengthy sessions.

Featured Games

Arkham Horror (3rd Edition)

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Arkham Horror: Under Dark Waves Expansion

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Arkham Horror: Secrets of The Order Expansion

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Arkham Horror: The Dead of Night Expansion

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To quickly browse the full catalog of available games and expansions, simply scroll through the listings above. For detailed explanations about how each title relates to the broader Arkham Horror universe, continue reading below.

Arkham Horror: The Board Game

Arkham Horror (3rd Edition)

Price: $65.95 USD
Players: 1-6
Duration: 2-3 hours
Age Recommendation: 14+

This cooperative board game pits investigative teams against various eldritch horrors. Players assume the roles of six unique investigators navigating Arkham to solve mysteries and battle supernatural creatures. With multiple campaigns featuring chance-based mechanics involving dice rolls for challenges and enemies, these games offer tremendous replay value.

Newcomers should note this is a challenging experience with complex setup. Game sessions can extend for hours, though failures may end them prematurely. When playing with fewer than six participants, fallen investigators may be replaced (though restarting without prior progress). My initial playthrough with friends proved hilariously disastrous on even the easiest difficulty, and subsequent solo attempts fared little better. However, the satisfaction of ultimate victory makes the struggle worthwhile.

Expansion Content

Three expansions enhance the base Arkham Horror experience:

Under Dark Waves Expansion

The most substantial expansion introduces aquatic horrors, eight additional investigators, and four new scenarios transporting gameplay from city streets to ominous waters.

Secrets of The Order Expansion

This mid-sized expansion unveils three fresh scenarios and investigators while expanding the playable area to include the haunted French Hill district.

The Dead of Night Expansion

A more compact addition featuring two new scenarios and four investigators for nighttime adventures.

Standalone Arkham Horror Titles

Several distinct board games exist within the Arkham Horror universe, each offering unique standalone experiences without requiring the base game.

Elder Sign

This dice-driven game remains one of the most accessible entries in the franchise. Players roll specially marked dice to complete tasks, gather clues, and combat creatures before time expires. Six expansions enhance the core experience with additional content.

Mansions of Madness (2nd Edition)

This app-supported dungeon crawler blends physical components with digital narration. The companion application guides setup, tracks progress, and manages game mechanics through atmospheric storytelling.

Unfathomable

Blending Lovecraftian terror with social deduction, this nautical adventure challenges three to six players to survive oceanic horrors while identifying potential traitors in their midst.

Eldritch Horror

Expanding the scope beyond Arkham's borders, this globally-spanning adventure features streamlined rules and quicker setup compared to its sibling game while maintaining strategic depth.

Alternative Experiences

The Arkham universe extends beyond traditional board games, including:

The Roleplaying Game

The franchise's first official TTRPG launched with an accessible starter set containing pre-made scenarios, followed by a comprehensive rulebook for custom campaigns.

Digital Adaptations

Video game versions include Arkham Horror: Mother’s Embrace (a single-player narrative adventure) and Elder Sign: Omens (a digital implementation of the dice game), available on multiple platforms.

Final Thoughts

For enthusiasts of Lovecraftian horror and cooperative gameplay, the Arkham Horror series offers exceptional experiences. The varied difficulty levels, replayability through random elements, and solo-friendly options create lasting appeal. While setup and learning curves may challenge newcomers, the immersive storytelling and tactical depth reward dedicated players.