If you're looking to expand your Massive Darkness 2 experience, the Bards and Tinkerers expansion leads the pack with its stellar 4.9/5 rating and versatile new character classes. The Four Horsemen and War of Souls boxes follow closely, adding challenging boss encounters and unique mobs. While the Darkbringer Pack, Feyfolk, and Gates of Hell expansions round out the top choices, each offering distinct gameplay elements. There's much more to discover about each expansion's unique features and strategic depth.
Key Takeaways
- Bards and Tinkerers Vs. Metal Angel Expansion ranks highest with 4.9/5 stars, adding two popular character classes and four unique heroes.
- Four Horsemen Enemy & Campaign Box offers extensive content with four new boss-level enemies and 40 additional cards.
- War of Souls Enemy Box maintains perfect 5-star ratings while introducing new Mobs and a Roaming Monster.
- Darkbringer Pack provides Kickstarter-exclusive comprehensive content that significantly expands the base game experience.
- Feyfolk Enemy Box brings unique enemy types with Dark Pixies and Harpies, adding fresh tactical challenges to gameplay.
CMON Massive Darkness 2 Hellscape Board Game
- THE DARKNESS MUST BE DEFEATED ONCE AND FOR ALL: It has been 10 years since the Lightbringers defeated the Darkness and made the surface world safe. But in time, it has...
- COOPERATIVE STRATEGY GAME: Players take on the roles of Lightbringers looking to defeat the Darkness in this fully-cooperative dungeon-crawl game. The different...
- ASYMMETRICAL HEROES: Each player will pick a mighty hero to control in their quest. Each character class has its own play style, with different rules and elements to set...
Whether you're an experienced dungeon crawler or new to cooperative board games, CMON's Massive Darkness 2 Hellscape offers an engaging experience for 1-6 players. You'll plunge into a world where darkness has returned, taking on the role of powerful Lightbringers in 60-minute sessions packed with strategic choices.
This base game comes with high-quality miniatures you can paint, unique character classes, and varied scenarios that'll keep you coming back for more. You'll work together, collect loot, and battle through dungeons in an adventure that's different every time. While the box organization could be better, the solid 4.5-star rating from players shows you're in for a treat with this dungeon-crawling experience.
Best For: Fans of cooperative dungeon-crawling board games who enjoy strategic gameplay, detailed miniatures, and replayable scenarios with varying difficulty levels.
Pros:
- High-quality, detailed miniatures that can be painted for added personalization
- Diverse character classes and asymmetrical gameplay mechanics provide unique experiences
- Flexible player count (1-6 players) with solid cooperative mechanics and replayability
Cons:
- Poor box organization and storage solutions for components
- Some customers report receiving damaged components
- Higher price point compared to similar dungeon-crawling games (implied by component quality and complexity)
Descent Legends of The Dark – The Betrayers War Expansion
- CONTINUE THE JOURNEY: Dive deeper into the epic tale of Terrinoth with The Betrayer's War expansion, featuring Act 2 of the main story for Descent: Legends of the Dark.
- HEROIC EVOLUTION: Each of the six heroes from Act 1 gains new features and abilities, including an all-new character card to represent their growth as legendary heroes.
- EXPANDED CAMPAIGN: Embark on a new full-length campaign that picks up where Act 1 left off, with twists and turns that allow you to forge your own path and shape the fate...
Fantasy lovers seeking epic story-driven campaigns will find their perfect match in The Betrayers War expansion. This Act 2 addition to Descent: Legends of the Dark delivers a branching narrative where your choices shape Terrinoth's fate.
You'll command upgraded versions of six familiar heroes, each sporting fresh abilities and tactical options. The expansion introduces formidable new foes, including an awe-inspiring dragon that'll test your team's mettle.
What makes this expansion shine is its perfect balance of cooperative gameplay and individual heroism. You'll spend 3-4 thrilling hours per session traversing political intrigue while mastering new strategic elements. The 4.7-star rating from fellow gamers confirms it's worth every minute of your tabletop adventure.
Best For: Dedicated fans of the base Descent: Legends of the Dark game who crave deeper storytelling, enhanced character progression, and more challenging tactical combat experiences.
Pros:
- Adds significant replay value with branching storylines and meaningful player choices
- Introduces exciting new combat mechanics and a challenging dragon enemy
- Enhances existing heroes with fresh abilities and tactical options
Cons:
- Requires the base game to play
- Lengthy 3-4 hour gameplay sessions may not suit casual players
- Higher price point for an expansion ($59.99) may be steep for some players
Massive Darkness 2 Bards and Tinkerers Vs. Metal Angel Expansion
- THIS IS AN EXPANSION TO THE MASSIVE DARKNESS 2 HELLSCAPE BOARD GAME: This is not a standalone experience. You will need a copy of The Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape board...
- COOPERATIVE STRATEGY GAME: Massive Darkness 2 is a dungeon-crawling board game for 1 to 6 players. With no game master and streamlined rules, players take their heroes on...
- BARDS AND TINKERERS: Craft the way to victory, inspired by powerful chords! A Bard's music and chants can sow dread and despair among the most fearsome enemies and...
The Bards and Tinkerers vs. Metal Angel expansion brings two exciting new classes to your Massive Darkness 2 adventures. You'll love commanding the musically-gifted Bard, who can strike fear into enemies while boosting allies with inspiring chants. The mechanically-minded Tinkerer lets you craft incredible weapons and gadgets mid-battle.
This compact expansion packs serious value with four unique heroes and the formidable Metal Angel roaming monster. The components integrate seamlessly with the core game, adding fresh tactical options to your dungeon crawls. You'll need the base game to enjoy these additions, but they're worth considering if you're ready to expand your heroic arsenal.
Best For: Board game enthusiasts who own Massive Darkness 2 and want to add variety to their gameplay with new character classes and monsters.
Pros:
- Adds two unique and well-designed character classes with distinct playstyles
- High-quality components with excellent customer ratings (4.9/5 stars)
- Increases replay value with four new heroes and a challenging roaming monster
Cons:
- Requires the base game to play, adding to total cost
- Relatively small expansion compared to some other add-ons
- May require additional storage space in the base game box
Massive Darkness 2 Four Horsemen Enemy & Campaign Box
- The Kickstarter exclusive Four Horsemen expansion for Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape.
Hardcore Massive Darkness 2 fans seeking an epic challenge won't want to miss the Four Horsemen Enemy & Campaign Box expansion. This Kickstarter exclusive adds four formidable enemies that can serve as either Roaming Monsters or Bosses, bringing terrifying new Horsemen Punishments to your tabletop adventures.
The expansion packs quite a punch with 40 cards and 4 double-sided game tiles. You'll tackle new Quests in both one-shot and Campaign modes, building up to an intense finale where you'll face all Four Horsemen simultaneously. Remember, you'll need the base game Hellscape to release these apocalyptic riders on your gaming table.
Best For: Experienced Massive Darkness 2 players looking for a challenging endgame expansion with epic boss battles and new campaign content.
Pros:
- Adds four versatile enemies that can function as both Roaming Monsters or Bosses
- Includes new mechanics through Horsemen Punishments that enhance gameplay variety
- Delivers an epic finale with all Four Horsemen fighting simultaneously
Cons:
- Kickstarter exclusive availability limits accessibility for new players
- Requires base game to play, adding to total cost
- Small number of customer ratings makes it difficult to gauge long-term replayability
Zombicide 2nd Edition Strategy Board Game by CMON
- UPDATED CLASSIC: Dive into Zombicide: 2nd Edition, the thrilling update to the classic zombie-slaying game. Experience enhanced gameplay and new challenges in the zombie...
- COOPERATIVE SURVIVAL: Join forces as Survivors in a world overrun by zombies. Work together to navigate through missions, complete objectives, and fight for survival.
- ADRENALINE-POWERED ACTION: With each zombie kill, increase your Adrenaline Points. Gain strength and skills but attract more zombies with your actions – a double-edged...
Board game enthusiasts seeking cooperative play will find Zombicide 2nd Edition to be a thrilling addition to their collection. This highly-rated strategy game lets you and up to five friends battle hordes of zombies across challenging missions.
You'll love the adrenaline-fueled gameplay where each zombie kill makes your character stronger but also attracts more undead. The high-quality miniatures and immersive artwork pull you right into the action, while straightforward rules mean you'll be slaying zombies in no time.
Whether you're playing solo or with a group, you'll appreciate the game's replayability with numerous scenarios and downloadable missions. Just be ready to manage those miniatures – there are lots of them!
Best For: Board game enthusiasts and zombie fans who enjoy cooperative gameplay, strategic decision-making, and don't mind managing multiple game pieces.
Pros:
- High-quality, detailed miniatures and components that create an immersive gaming experience
- Easy-to-learn rules with straightforward gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged
- Excellent replayability through numerous scenarios and downloadable missions
Cons:
- Large number of miniatures can be overwhelming to manage and store
- Character panel sliders can be difficult to handle and may need modification
- Setup time can be lengthy due to the quantity of components and miniatures
Guillotine Games Massive Darkness 2 War of Souls Enemy Box
- The Kickstarter exclusive War of Souls Enemy Box expansion for Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape.
Passionate dungeon crawlers seeking to expand their Massive Darkness 2 experience will find the War of Souls Enemy Box a compelling addition to their collection. This Kickstarter exclusive brings two new Mobs complete with their Minions and Leaders, plus a formidable Roaming Monster to challenge your heroes.
You'll need the base game Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape to use this expansion, but it's worth the investment. The box packs quite a punch for its compact 9x9x3-inch size, adding fresh combat scenarios and mob items to your dungeon-crawling adventures.
While customer feedback is limited, its perfect 5-star rating suggests it delivers on its promises. It's a specialized expansion that knows its audience and serves them well.
Best For: Dedicated Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape players looking to expand their game with exclusive new enemy types and challenging encounters.
Pros:
- Adds two complete new Mobs with Leaders and Minions to increase gameplay variety
- Includes a new Roaming Monster for additional challenge and excitement
- High quality component design consistent with base game standards
Cons:
- Requires base game to be playable
- Limited availability as a Kickstarter exclusive item
- Very limited customer feedback available to assess value (only one review)
Massive Darkness 2 Board Game: Kickstarter Exclusive Darkbringer Pack
- KS exlusive stretch goals for Massive Darkness
Miniature enthusiasts and completionist collectors will find incredible value in the Darkbringer Pack, a Kickstarter-exclusive expansion that greatly enriches the Massive Darkness 2 experience.
You'll get an impressive array of content, including six roaming monsters like the fearsome Buer and Azmozeus. The pack adds 12 new heroes to your roster, perfect for mixing up your gameplay strategies. Three formidable bosses – the Scorpion King, Charon, and Hades – will test your combat skills.
The Tinkerer components add a unique mechanical twist, while two new mob types (Nagas and Nymphs) guarantee your dungeon crawls stay fresh and challenging. If you're looking to maximize your MD2 collection, this pack's a must-have addition.
Best For: Dedicated Massive Darkness 2 players and collectors seeking to expand their game with exclusive content, additional heroes, and challenging new enemies.
Pros:
- Extensive content with 12 heroes, 6 roaming monsters, and 3 boss characters adds significant gameplay variety
- Kickstarter exclusive items make this a valuable collector's item
- Unique Tinkerer mechanics and components introduce fresh gameplay elements
Cons:
- Only available through Kickstarter, making it difficult to obtain for late adopters
- May be overwhelming for new players due to the amount of additional content
- Higher price point compared to standard expansions due to exclusive nature
Massive Darkness 2 Board Game: Darkbringer Pack
- KS exlusive stretch goals for Massive Darkness
- Requires base game to play
The Darkbringer Pack serves as an exclusive add-on for dedicated Massive Darkness 2 collectors, featuring highly detailed canvas artwork and exclusive Kickstarter stretch goals. The 12×12 inch framed canvas print delivers striking visuals that'll enhance your gaming room's atmosphere.
You'll need the base game to enjoy this pack, which is designed for players 14 and up. While customer reviews are limited, it maintains a solid 4-star rating. The pack's artwork versatility means you can display it anywhere, from your gaming space to your office.
CMON's attention to detail shines through in this collector's item, though its Amazon ranking suggests it's a niche product for devoted fans.
Best For: Dedicated Massive Darkness 2 collectors and tabletop gaming enthusiasts who want to enhance their gaming space with exclusive content and high-quality themed artwork.
Pros:
- High-quality 12×12 inch canvas print artwork suitable for various display settings
- Includes exclusive Kickstarter stretch goals for Massive Darkness 2
- Versatile decorative piece that adds atmosphere to gaming rooms
Cons:
- Requires base game to utilize gaming components
- Limited customer reviews available to assess overall satisfaction
- Relatively niche product with low Amazon ranking, suggesting limited availability
CMON Massive Darkness 2 Feyfolk Enemy Box Expansion
- THIS IS AN EXPANSION TO THE MASSIVE DARKNESS 2 HELLSCAPE BOARD GAME: This is not a standalone experience. You will need a copy of The Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape board...
- COOPERATIVE STRATEGY GAME: Massive Darkness 2 is a dungeon-crawling board game for 1 to 6 players. With no game master and streamlined rules, players take their heroes on...
- FEYFOLK: The fairest forms can contain the darkest souls! Feyfolk were beings of the Light, friends to the Lightbringers, but after the mad unicorn Chromatis turned to...
Dedicated fans of Massive Darkness 2 will find a thrilling addition to their adventures with the Feyfolk Enemy Box expansion. This compact but potent add-on introduces Dark Pixies and Harpies as new mob types, along with the formidable Queen Caenedra as a Roaming Monster.
You'll discover a fascinating backstory of the Feyfolk, once allies of Light who fell to Darkness following the corruption of Chromatis, the mad unicorn. The expansion enhances gameplay with 12 new Mob Item cards that'll keep your dungeon crawls fresh and unpredictable.
While not a standalone product, this enemy box packs quite a punch for its size. The highly-rated expansion seamlessly integrates with your core set, adding new strategic layers to your 1-6 player quests.
Best For: Experienced Massive Darkness 2 players looking to add variety and challenge to their dungeon crawling experience with new enemy types and strategic options.
Pros:
- Adds compelling new enemy types with unique backstory and mechanics
- Includes 12 new Mob Item cards that increase gameplay variety
- High quality components that match the core game's standards
Cons:
- Requires base game to play, not a standalone product
- May increase game complexity for newer players
- Relatively small content addition for the price point
Massive Darkness 2 Gates of Hell Enemy Box Expansion by CMON
- THIS IS AN EXPANSION TO THE MASSIVE DARKNESS 2 HELLSCAPE BOARD GAME: This is not a standalone experience. You will need a copy of The Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape board...
- COOPERATIVE STRATEGY GAME: Massive Darkness 2 is a dungeon-crawling board game for 1 to 6 players. With no game master and streamlined rules, players take their heroes on...
- ARE TO ENTER THE GATES OF HELL: In the darkest depths of forgotten catacombs stand the Gates of Hell. Guarded by vigilant watchers and haunted by shadows caught between...
Serious dungeon crawlers seeking fresh challenges will find their next epic adventure in CMON's Gates of Hell Enemy Box expansion. This add-on releases two formidable mob types – Living Statues and Shadow Demons – alongside the fearsome Cerberus roaming monster.
You'll explore dark catacombs leading to the Gates of Hell, where vigilant watchers guard ancient portals that offer immunity to banishment. The expansion adds 12 new Mob Item cards that'll shake up your strategies and keep gameplay fresh.
It's a compact but potent addition to your core game, measuring just 8.75 x 8.75 x 2.5 inches. With high customer ratings of 4.8 stars, this expansion delivers the intense cooperative action you're craving for your 1-6 player dungeon-crawling sessions.
Best For: Experienced Massive Darkness 2 players looking to add challenging new enemy types and deeper strategic options to their dungeon-crawling adventures.
Pros:
- Adds significant variety with two new mob types and the Cerberus roaming monster
- High-quality components and miniatures consistent with CMON's standards
- Strong replay value through 12 new Mob Item cards that enhance strategic depth
Cons:
- Requires the base game to play, not a standalone product
- Relatively small box content compared to other expansions
- May increase game difficulty significantly for casual players
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Massive Darkness 2 Board Game
Before you choose Massive Darkness 2, you'll want to carefully weigh key factors like your gaming experience level, player count needs, and available time to play. Understanding whether you need just the core game content or additional expansions will help shape your initial investment and enjoyment. You'll also benefit from evaluating the game's component quality, since high-end miniatures and durable boards are significant selling points for this dungeon crawler.
Game Complexity and Experience
When considering Massive Darkness 2's complexity level, you'll find it strikes an ideal balance for both newcomers and seasoned players. The game's 14+ age rating reflects its moderate complexity without being overwhelming.
You'll appreciate how the 60-minute playtime keeps sessions engaging yet manageable. The cooperative mechanics make it easy to learn together, as experienced players can guide newcomers through their first few games.
The asymmetrical hero system lets you start simple or immerse yourself in more complex strategies. You can begin with straightforward characters while working your way up to heroes with intricate abilities and combinations.
Don't worry about getting stuck – the streamlined rules and varied scenarios help you progress naturally. Whether you're a casual gamer or a strategy expert, you'll find your sweet spot in the game's flexibility.
Player Count Range
The player count range of Massive Darkness 2 offers remarkable flexibility, building on the game's balanced learning curve. You'll find it accommodates anywhere from solo adventures to full six-player cooperative campaigns, making it perfect for various gaming situations.
Whether you're playing alone or with a full table, the game's cooperative nature shines through. Each hero brings unique abilities to the mix, so you won't feel shortchanged regardless of your group size. The best part? The 60-minute average playtime works well for both quick solo sessions and extended group battles.
The asymmetrical mechanics guarantee everyone stays engaged throughout the adventure. You can start with a smaller group and easily scale up as more friends join in, without losing the excitement or strategic depth that makes the game special.
Available Play Time
Settling in for a game of Massive Darkness 2 gives you impressive flexibility with your gaming time. The core game runs about 60 minutes, perfect for when you're looking for a quick dungeon-crawling fix. You'll find this length ideal for weeknight gaming sessions or fitting multiple plays into a weekend afternoon.
If you're craving longer adventures, expansions like "The Betrayers War" will keep you engrossed for 3-4 hours. But don't worry – not all expansions increase the playtime. The "Bards and Tinkerers Vs. Metal Angel" expansion maintains the core game's one-hour sweet spot.
You're always in control of your gaming schedule. Whether you prefer bite-sized scenarios or epic campaigns, Massive Darkness 2's flexible structure lets you choose adventures that fit your available time perfectly.
Core vs. Expansion Content
Making your initial choice between the core Massive Darkness 2 game and its expansions doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with the core game to master the fundamental mechanics and cooperative gameplay elements that make this dungeon crawler special.
Once you're comfortable with the basics, you'll find expansions like "Bards and Tinkerers" and "Gates of Hell" add exciting new dimensions to your adventures. These add-ons introduce fresh character classes, challenging enemies, and unique items that'll shake up your strategies.
Component Quality Assessment
Quality components stand at the heart of any great board game experience, and Massive Darkness 2 doesn't disappoint. The game's miniatures are particularly impressive, featuring intricate details that you'll love painting to create your personalized gaming collection.
When evaluating the components, you'll notice the double-edged nature of the game's production. While the loot cards and expansion materials maintain high standards, the box organization might test your patience during setup and cleanup. Some gamers have reported receiving damaged pieces, though this isn't a widespread issue.
The 4.5-star average rating speaks to the overall quality of the components. You'll find that the expansions integrate seamlessly with the base game, adding new enemies and elements without compromising the production standards you've come to expect.
Storage and Organization
Effective storage solutions can make or break your Massive Darkness 2 experience. As you add expansions like the Four Horsemen and Feyfolk Enemy Boxes to your collection, you'll quickly realize that the original box won't cut it for organizing everything efficiently.
You'll want to invest in dedicated storage containers, especially if you're planning to paint those gorgeous miniatures. Nobody wants their carefully painted heroes getting chipped or damaged during storage!
Consider picking up some organizational tools that'll help you sort cards, tokens, and components from both the core game and expansions. It's worth spending a bit extra on proper storage solutions – you'll thank yourself later when you're not spending precious gaming time digging through disorganized boxes looking for that one specific enemy card.
Price vs. Value
Every expansion purchase for Massive Darkness 2 requires careful consideration of your gaming budget and playstyle preferences. Remember that you'll need the core set first, which adds to your initial investment before diving into any expansions.
You'll find that expansions like Bards and Tinkerers offer excellent value, despite their price tags matching the core game. With each session lasting around an hour, you're getting plenty of replay value for your money. The high-quality miniatures and artwork aren't just pretty – they create an immersive experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Looking at customer ratings, expansions like the Feyfolk Enemy Box and Gates of Hell (4.6 and 4.8 stars respectively) prove their worth through enhanced gameplay mechanics and added content. It's not just about the price tag; it's about the hours of entertainment you'll get.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does an Average Massive Darkness 2 Game Session Take?
You'll typically spend 2-3 hours playing a standard mission in Massive Darkness 2. Your first few games might take longer as you're learning the rules and mechanics. If you're playing with a full group of 6 players, expect to add about 30 minutes to your playtime. For a quick session, you can choose shorter scenarios that wrap up in 90 minutes, while campaign missions might stretch beyond 3 hours.
Can Massive Darkness 2 Be Played Solo Without Expansions?
Yes, you can absolutely play Massive Darkness 2 solo! The base game is designed with solo play in mind, and you won't need any expansions to enjoy it. You'll control multiple heroes yourself, which adds an interesting tactical dimension to your gameplay. The game's mechanics work smoothly for single players, with enemy actions controlled by an AI system. While expansions can add variety, they're not necessary for a complete solo adventure experience.
What's the Minimum Age Recommendation for Playing Massive Darkness 2?
Massive Darkness 2 has an official age recommendation of 14+. You'll want to contemplate this rating seriously, as the game features complex rules, strategic decision-making, and dark fantasy themes that might be too intense for younger players. However, if you're playing with mature tweens who have experience with similar board games, you could introduce them to the game with supervision. Just keep in mind the game's horror elements and tactical complexity.
Are the Miniatures Pre-Painted or Require Assembly?
You'll need to roll up your sleeves for this one – the miniatures in Massive Darkness 2 aren't pre-painted and do require assembly. While the plastic figures come attached to sprues, you'll need to carefully remove and assemble them before playing. Don't worry though – they're designed with beginner hobbyists in mind. The assembly process is fairly straightforward, requiring just basic tools and glue. If you're feeling creative, you can paint them to bring your heroes to life!
How Many Players Can Play Massive Darkness 2 at Maximum Capacity?
You can play Massive Darkness 2 with up to 6 players in a single game session. The game works best with 3-4 players, but you'll have a blast whether you're playing solo or with a full group. Keep in mind that adding more players will extend your gameplay time, typically adding about 30 minutes per additional player. For the smoothest experience, you might want to start with a smaller group until you're familiar with the rules.
