Hunt for the Ring

A hidden-movement chase from the Shire to Rivendell: one Frodo against up to four hunting Nazgûl, played in two chapters.

Designers: Marco Maggi, Francesco Nepitello, Gabriele Mari
Published by: Ares Games
Editions by: Devir, Kaissa Chess & Games, Galakta, REXhry, GaGa Games, Nuts! Publishing

One player is Frodo and his companions, trudging from the Shire toward Rivendell. Up to four others are the Nazgûl, hunting them. Hunt for the Ring is a hidden-movement game told in two chapters, each on its own board. In the first, Frodo has sixteen turns to get from the Shire to Bree, picking up corruption points if he fails. In the second, from Bree to Rivendell, the Frodo player no longer controls the hobbits directly. Between chapters you can note your exit point and pause for another evening. It is a long, atmospheric chase with a heavy but clear structure for two to five players, around three hours.

One Frodo against up to four NazgûlTwo chapters on two different boardsSave your exit point and continue later

Who it's for

You love the Tolkien story and want a long, asymmetrical hidden-movement game, ideally one against a few hunters.

Not for you if…

You have only an hour or two, or dislike asymmetric roles with a lot of tension on one player. It needs a full evening.

Vibe's take

Long, brooding and tense. The Frodo player sweats every turn while the hunters slowly close the net, and the Ring wears down the party along the way.