Heroes of the Sanctum: Doomcrawler by @firetapgames
Doomcrawler is the successor to the awesome fantasy dungeon crawler, Heroes of the Sanctum.
But this isn't just more of the same or even really a sequel. Doomcrawler takes place in the same universe but has very different mechanisms to the original.
This is in the form of dice tracks. Pretty much everything in the game uses dice progression tracks with the dice pips to represent a value (health/armour etc.) and the position of the dice on the track determining the action that occurs.
Tbh, I wasn't sure how this was going to work but I loved it. It allows you to plan for what is going to happen and try to mitigate it.
This game is also pretty tricky, you really have to focus on what you are doing. There's a tendency to want to try and do everything. Like, oh I'll deal with this side quest as next turn it will spawn in two new enemies. But wait, that means I've taken my eye off the main quest and bad stuff happens!
And this is what I enjoy about this game, it feels like you are one wrong decision away from it all going wrong so the threat and peril are very appropriate.
Realistically this is designed as a solo game, although there's no reason why you couldn't play it cooperatively.
There are also some nice little unlocks in envelopes that add some stuff into this game AND the original, which is a nice touch.
If a gritty, fantasy dungeon crawl is your thing then this is well worth checking out.
This copy was loaned to me by the publisher through @ukbg_review_circle but all opinions are my own
HEROES OF THE SANCTUM: DOOMCRAWLER - REVIEW ⚔️
[AD/LOAN]
Doomcrawler is a new solo game in the world of Heroes of the Sanctum (so perfect for #sundaymorningsolo, 🏷️ by @soloboardsandbooks !). You’re a brave hero trying to escape dungeons while fighting against the growing horrors. Can you escape before the darkness pulls you down for good?
Full review on the blog!
👥 1 player
⌛ 30-60 mins
🧠 14 years+
Hero, dungeon, side quest & threat (monster) cards have dice tracks that can trigger effects. In the hero phase, you update your track & choose 2 actions, e.g. attack a threat. To hit a target card’s ‘health’, you need a D6 roll higher than the target card’s strength. When completed, an action card flips face down & can’t be used again until you rest. In the dungeon phase, threats, side quests & the dungeon all update their tracks.
The game continues until your hero manages to escape or die (better luck next time!).
WHAT WE LIKED
🗡️ There’s satisfying gameplay in a travel friendly box (I haven’t played the original Heroes of the Sanctum so can’t compare them)
🗡️ I played Doomcrawler solo & also with Matt as an unofficial co-op, which he enjoyed
🗡️ You can modify the game length by selecting 1-3 dungeon cards.
🗡️ There are 4 different heroes to choose from with unique powers. And the first time you beat an epic threat (it’s like a normal threat, but epicly horrible) you get to flip your hero to their ‘advanced’ side, which has better health & a better dice track.
🗡️ Sometimes you can ‘push’ threats into darkness, where they can’t attack (or be attacked) for a round - this was a handy way to manage their shenanigans.
CONSIDERATIONS
💀 The rulebook is quite confusing & important rules can easily be missed (were, in our case!).
💀 Some tokens or a central tracker would be useful to keep on top of attack / strength modifiers.
FINAL VERDICT 👩⚖️
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Doomcrawler! Both as solo and as co-op. It’s definitely a game I would take for overnight work trips. And after playing Doomcrawler I’m intrigued to check out the OG Heroes of the Sanctum!
Another outing for #sundaymorningsolo (started by @soloboardsandbooks ) and this week it's the small box dungeon crawler, Heroes of the Sanctum: Doomcrawler from @firetapgames
This is the successor to the awesome Heroes of the Sanctum which sees heroes returning to battle monsters from the void but this time with progressive dice tracks to worry about.
Most cards have a dice track on them which progress each round, activating effects (both good and not so good).
On the player turn you activate two of your available actions, resolve them and then the baddies go.
This game is tough, this is my first win out of 4 attempts on the easiest difficulty. Although to be fair I've been trying different tactics out to try and get a feel for the game.
Even on this one, I tried to just keep the threats at bay without eliminating them all whilst chipping away at the main dungeon but also keeping an eye on the side quests to make sure they didn't kill me.
At one point I was at 1 health with 2 critical hits but defeating an epic threat really boosted me and got me through!
This game is great, plus it feels similar yet very different to heroes of the sanctum so both can exist in a collection. In fact, there's a benefit to owning them both in special unlocks!
Full review to follow!
This was loaned to me by the publisher through @ukbg_review_circle but all opinions are my own
Our lands are in turmoil and our people cry out for a hero. Can you survive the lair of the demons and earn the sacred Seal of the Doomcrawler?
✍️ Published by @firetapgames
⌚️30 to 60 minutes
💪2/5#bgg
👥 solo
How does it play? Doomcrawler is a stand alone adventure card game set in the Heroes of the Sanctum universe. The game is played back and forth between the hero phase and the dungeon phase, until the hero is defeated by losing all health points, or is victorious by defeating the final card in the dungeon stack. During the Hero Phase, a dice is moved along a dice track that will trigger effects on the dungeon card. The hero then performs 2 actions using the skills available. After completing actions, the hero defends against monster attacks and then it's straight into the Dungeon Phase, which is basically a clean up and ready phase.
One of the best features of the Heroes of the Sanctum system is how easy it is to learn and how clear the rulebook is to read and understand. For example, attacks are done by using a simple formula of a 6d roll plus any charged dice and minus the target's difficulty. Quests and escape actions are equally easy to resolve and spelled out very clearly in the rulebook. The designer of this game really understands how to make a streamlined dungeon crawl while still adding in all the extras players find exciting, like hidden loot and mystery envelops as rewards to be earned. The first time I played Heroes of the Sanctum I was blown away, and thought it wasn't possible to create anything more perfect. But Doomcrawler is the perfect solo experience, with the right blend of tactical tension, where every victory is earned, and an escalating storyline with gorgeous high fantasy art that immerses you into its world.
On kickstarter now: /projects/firetapgames/heroes-of-the-sanctum-2025
#ukbgreviewcircle
/boardgame/447375/heroes-of-the-sanctum-doomcrawler
REVIEW: Heroes of the Sanctum - Legends of the Damned Expansion by @firetapgames
HotS is a solo strategy card game where you take heroes through an epic dark fantasy world, navigating various locations and the enemies that inhabit them. The Legends of the Damned expansion adds a whole bunch of extra content that expands the world, making it richer and more varied.
My favourite aspect is the new campaign. You have a deck of cards to work through in order, which immerse you into the story. Some cards offer battles, and others give choices for you to make, which may have consequences on the rest of your campaign.
There are new trait cards which are really interesting. These can give ongoing impacts to heroes or the party.
We also have banner upgrades, new enemies (which can also be slotted into the base game to vary that experience more), new loot, and even some additional standalone quests should you not wish to be tied into the campaign.
When I first played HotS, my main wish was for more theme to really immerse me into the rich, dark, fantasy world. The new expansion does everything I wanted in this respect, and in such a small box too!
The only thing missing in my eyes are new strategem cards to mix up the potential action sequences even more (and especially give new flavour text for the actions you're taking).
If you're interested, HotS: Legends of the Damned is live on Kickstarter now! Check out the link in @firetapgames bio!
Legends of the Damned is an expansion to the highly successful, quest based card game set in a post apocalypse fantasy universe.
✍️ Heroes of the Sanctum Legends of the Damned published by @firetapgames
⌚️120 to 180 minutes
💪2/5#bgg
👥 1 to 4 players
This highly anticipated expansion adds three new chapters of epic campaigns and a plethora of new and innovative mechanisms and exciting features. Proximity lines have been added that expand a hero's playing field, by having multiple proximity cards to allow heroes the opportunity to interact and be affected by multiple cards. Traits have also been added, which when unlocked, open up new storylines and tactics with pretty cool abilities that feel more like customised characters. And if your hero has been feeling lonely, there are 4 new Remenant companions to keep him or her company. But they are not just a pretty face as they add ways of negating damage. If you thought you had mastered the base game, think again as there are 7 new threats to challenge even the masters. My absolute favourite part of this expansion is the Quest deck as it takes this game to an entire new level, giving players choices and options in the quest, making this game feel like an adventure and campaign, similar to big heavy boxed games, but with a fraction of the setup.
On #kickstarter now /projects/firetapgames/heroes-of-the-sanctum
/boardgame/447372/heroes-of-the-sanctum-the-strategy-card-game-legend
#ukreviewcircle #boardgaming #cardgame #fantasyart
#heroes #campaigngames #spiel #cooperative
⚔️ THE WAIT ENDS TOMORROW — HEROES OF THE SANCTUM RETURNS ON KICKSTARTER
At exactly 5:00 PM (GMT) on May 27th, the Rift opens once more…
Over 1,600 champions have already signed up on Kickstarter to join the cause. Pledge early to secure Early Bird Discounts and unlock rare rewards forged in loyalty.
🔥 FIRETAP LOYALTY REWARDS 🔥
🥇 1st Backer – Receives a FREE custom hero for both Heroes of the Sanctum: The Strategy Card Game and Heroes of the Sanctum: Doomcrawler
🥈 2nd & 3rd Backers – Each receive a FREE extra copy of Heroes of the Sanctum: The Strategy Card Game
(Loyalty rewards require a “Sanctum’s Call” pledge or higher)
BY DECREE OF THE SANCTUM, THE EDICT IS GIVEN:
➡️ Back the campaign at:
#Kickstarter #firetapgames #cardgames #tabletopgames #fantasygames #BoardGameGeek #indieboardgames #comiccampaign #kickstartergames #darkfantasy #boardgameaddict #rpg #gamebook #LegendsOfTheDamned #Doomcrawler
DARK WARLOCKS CONSTRUCT RIFTWAYS TO THE REALM OF THE DEMON. UNCOVER THE SOURCE OF CORRUPTION BEFORE THE REALM FALLS TO RUIN.
The Temple of the Third Eye stands on the brink of destruction. Once a sanctuary of forbidden knowledge, it is now a stronghold of nightmares. Corrupted Warlocks construct Riftways to the realm of the demon, bringing us ever closer to extinction. Though many have fallen, not all are lost. The Remnant—scorched but unbroken—resist the Rift’s dark energies. With the Sanctum at their side, they must strike before the shadow spreads beyond control. The redemption of the Remnant is at hand. Rise, Champion, and take your place among the Heroes of the Sanctum—for these are the Legends of the Damned!
Heroes of the Sanctum: Legends of the Damned™ is a massive campaign box expansion for Heroes of the Sanctum: The Strategy Card Game™, introducing the Quest Deck system, where every choice shapes the unfolding story. Play through three epic chapters in a branching narrative with seven dramatic endings. Face new threats, contend with Proximity Lines, claim enhanced Sanctum Banners, and wield Advanced Loot to strengthen your heroes. Recruit four new Remnant Companions, unlock powerful Traits through your decisions, and shape the fate of the Remnant—and the realm itself. Many of these new features can also be used in standalone Quests, expanding replayability like never before.
OVERVIEW
• Massive 3-chapter campaign with branching paths
• 7 dramatic endings based on your choices
• New features: Quest Deck, Traits, Proximity Lines, Advanced Loot, Threats & more
• Fully compatible with all existing expansions
Launching Tuesday, 27th May at 5PM GMT as part of the Heroes of the Sanctum™ Season 2 Kickstarter. By decree of the Sanctum, the Edict is given.
ONLY 7 DAYS REMAIN!
In 7 days, Season 2 of Heroes of the Sanctum launches on #Kickstarter - Don't miss it! :)
➡️ HeroesOfTheSanctum.com
#firetapgames #cardgames #cardgamesofinstagram #fantasy #tabletopgames #tabletopgaming #BoardGameGeek #BoardGameAddict #BoardGameNight #comic #comicbooks #comicbook #gamebook #comiccampaign #comiccampaigns
******GIVEAWAY!******
Heroes Of The Sanctum by FireTap Games
To celebrate the upcoming release of expansion Legend of the Damned, we've got a copy of the base game to give away! A copy could be heading to you… If you’re lucky! (And if you take part, that bit’s very important.)
This is a quest-based solo/co-op adventure set in a dark, post-apocalyptic fantasy universe, wherein you’ll embark upon perilous quests, assembling a party of 4 heroes from a selection of 12 unique characters to confront the creatures of the Rift (and breathe).
I don’t need much from you, peeps. Just follow these simple instructions:
1. Like the post!
2. Follow @firetapgames@ukbg_review_circle@positively.board (me!)
3. Drop me a comment saying what your fave solo game is.
Fancy a bonus entry? Share this post!
Winners will be announced on 27th May! Winner will be contacted ONLY by this account, and needs to reply within 48 hours.
Review coming soon to give you more flavour, but trust me when I say this dungeon crawler is an absolute cracker.
Many thanks to Firetap Games and the UKBG Review Circle for collaborating on this giveaway.
“Few possess the courage to step willingly into the grasp of death, but the time for hesitation has long passed. Enter the lair of demons, confront the horrors that writhe within, and strike against the darkness! Go forth, champion. Step boldly into near-certain doom and carve salvation from the brink of annihilation. Should you ascend from the darkness, your sacrifice will be etched into eternity, immortalised by the Sanctum’s highest honour: the Seal of the Doomcrawler. By decree of the Sanctum, the edict is given.”
Doomcrawler is a new standalone game set in the dark and gritty Heroes of the Sanctum universe. Instead of commanding a full party, you take on the Rift with a single hero and face whatever horrors emerge in the depths. Each upgradable hero has unique strengths, with abilities powered by their own Dice Track.
There’s a strong mix of combat, encounters, loot, side quests and more! What stood out to me are the uniquely implemented Dice Track mechanisms, as well as the sealed Reward Packs that unlock new content as you progress — not just for Doomcrawler, but also for Heroes of the Sanctum: The Strategy Card Game™.
It looks like Doomcrawler is everything you want in a dark and brutal dungeon crawler. With a ton of content squeezed into a portable box — I think it’ll keep you coming back for more, so check it out.
Launching 27th of May as part of the Season 2 Kickstarter for Heroes of the Sanctum™. By @firetapgames
➖
➖
💚💚 For Promotions or Reviews, send a message to @tabletop_4world or @dnd_4world 💚💚
➖
➖
#kickstarterboardgames #kickstarter #boardgame #boardgames #boardgamegeek #gamenight #tabletopgames #tabletop #bggcommunity #gamestagram #boardgamesofinstagram #boardgamephotography #brettspiele #bordspel #meeples #gamefound #dicegames #puzzles #cardgames #bgg #juegosdemesa #boardgamecollection #tabletoprpg #tabletopgaming #tabletopgame #kickstarterproject #kickstartercampaign #kickstartergame #boardgamecommunity #boardgameaddict