Deep Rock Galactic Board Game Review
Deep Rock Galactic: The Board Game brings the beloved video game to the tabletop with dice-rolling action and cooperative mining missions. Designed by Ole Steiness and published by MOOD Publishing in 2022, this adaptation captures the chaos of being a space dwarf battling alien bugs deep underground. The game supports 1-4 players, takes 60-150 minutes to play, and carries an age rating of 12+. This review examines whether the board game delivers the same frantic fun as its digital counterpart.
Deep Rock Galactic Board Game Overview
Players control dwarf miners working for a galactic corporation. The mission: descend into hostile alien caves, extract minerals, and escape before the Glyphids overwhelm the team. Each dwarf class brings unique abilities. The Scout provides mobility, the Engineer builds defenses, the Gunner brings firepower, and the Driller carves through terrain.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Ole Steiness |
| Publisher | MOOD Publishing |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Players | 1-4 |
| Age Range | 12+ |
| Playing Time | 60-150 minutes |
| Game Type | Strategy, Thematic, Dungeon Crawler |
| Complexity Rating | 2.69 / 5 |
What’s in the Deep Rock Galactic Box
The game comes packed with components that fans of cooperative dungeon crawlers will appreciate. MOOD Publishing invested heavily in production quality, and it shows.
| Component Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Miniatures | Detailed dwarf and Glyphid figures |
| Hexagon Tiles | Modular cave system for varied layouts |
| Player Boards | Individual boards for each dwarf class |
| Dice | Custom dice for combat and mining |
| Cards | Event, equipment, and mission cards |
| Mineral Tokens | Various resource tokens to collect |
The miniatures stand out as particularly impressive. Both dwarf characters and Glyphids feature sharp detail that paints well for hobbyists.
Deep Rock Galactic Pros and Cons
After multiple sessions, several strengths and weaknesses become apparent.
Pros:
- Captures the video game’s tense atmosphere and satisfying combat
- Each dwarf class feels genuinely different to play
- Modular board creates varied scenarios
- Dice rolling provides accessible combat
- Solo mode works well for single players
Cons:
- Setup time runs long, especially for first games
- Playtime can exceed two hours with slower groups
- Dice luck can frustrate strategic players
- Box organization requires patience
How to Play Deep Rock Galactic: The Board Game
The game follows a mission-based structure where players must meet mineral quotas before calling for extraction.
Setup and Actions
Players select their dwarf class and take the corresponding board and miniature. The cave system gets assembled using hexagonal tiles based on the chosen mission. During play, movement across the hex grid costs action points, while mining and attacking consume resources.
Combat and Events
Dice rolling resolves combat encounters and mineral extraction. Players roll against Glyphids, with different enemies requiring different hit thresholds. Each round triggers event cards that spawn new Glyphids or introduce complications, building tension as alien swarms grow.
Win Conditions
Teams win by collecting required minerals and extracting before the mission timer expires. Losing all dwarves or failing to extract results in mission failure.
Where to Buy Deep Rock Galactic
| Retailer | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Standard and Deluxe editions |
| BoardGameBliss | Standard edition |
| Noble Knight Games | New and used copies |
| MOOD Publishing (Direct) | All editions and expansions |
| Local Game Stores | Varies by location |
Deep Rock Galactic Game Mechanics
The game blends grid movement on hexagon tiles with dice-driven combat and resource gathering. The event system keeps pressure constant as cards spawn enemies and create hazards each round.
Class asymmetry provides the mechanical heart. The Gunner’s shield saves teammates, the Driller creates shortcuts, and the Engineer’s platforms enable access to unreachable deposits. Coordinating these abilities separates successful teams from failed missions. It shares DNA with other cooperative adventure games while maintaining its own identity.
Who Should Play Deep Rock Galactic
Video game fans will find immediate connection here. The board game faithfully adapts the setting, classes, and frantic energy of its source material. Groups who enjoy cooperative board games with tactical combat will appreciate the decision-making each turn presents.
The 2.69/5 complexity rating places this in medium-light territory. New hobbyists can learn rules in one session, though mastering class synergies takes longer. This game works best for groups who enjoy thematic experiences over pure strategy. Solo players have a viable option controlling multiple dwarves.
FAQ
Is Deep Rock Galactic Board Game good for beginners?
The game sits at medium complexity, accessible for players with some board game experience. Complete beginners may need extra guidance during their first session. Starting with easier missions helps new groups learn mechanics gradually.
How long does Deep Rock Galactic take to play?
Sessions typically run 60-150 minutes depending on player count and familiarity. First games take longer due to rules explanations. Experienced groups can complete missions in about 90 minutes. Setup adds 15-20 minutes.
What is the best player count for Deep Rock Galactic?
The game shines at 3-4 players where all dwarf classes see action. Two players can control multiple dwarves effectively. Four players provides the intended experience with each person controlling one specialist.
Does Deep Rock Galactic have expansions?
MOOD Publishing released several expansions including the Biome Expansion and miniature expansions like Goo From Above and Korlok Tyrant-Weed. These add new enemies, environments, and mission variety.
What games are similar to Deep Rock Galactic?
Players who enjoy this often like Zombicide for miniature combat and Gloomhaven for dungeon crawling. It fits alongside other cooperative RPG board games emphasizing teamwork and class-based abilities.
