Monster Lands

Place dice in the Citadel or take them out to fight monsters, in a fantasy race for glory.

Designers: Gorka Mata, Víctor Fernández, Sergi Solé Pascual, Daniel Schloesser
Published by: Dexker Games
Editions by: REXhry, Games Warehouse, Second Gate Games

You lead a small clan of warriors in the Lands of the Discord, where monsters have overrun the kingdom and the Citadel is the last safe place. Monster Lands is a competitive dice-placement game: your mercenaries provide dice, and you put them to work in the buildings of the Citadel or take them outside to fight monsters, complete missions and reclaim land for the Queen. Glory is the most important score, so you cannot just stay inside and trade gold. Victory points come from glory, reputation, gold and trophies. Expect worker placement with dice, a bit of combat, and a game that fills an evening. One to four players, around two hours.

Mercenaries provide your diceCitadel buildings and monster-filled outer landsGlory beats gold as the key score

Who it's for

You like worker-placement games with a dice twist and an adventure theme, and you can set aside two hours.

Not for you if…

You want a gentle or short game. The combat and the shared monsters mean rivals can take your prey.

Vibe's take

Planning meets combat. You alternate between safe, steady building in the Citadel and risky trips outside, where your dice may or may not carry you through.