Runebound

The dark lords are gathering, ancient powers are awakening, and a chill has fallen across the land.

Fantasy Flight’s Runebound is on its third edition now, and for some reason I keep buying it, even though I can count the number of times I’ve played it on one hand! For the third edition the game had a pretty extensive revamp, most notably changing to a cardboard disc-based system that as yet hasn’t seen service in other FFG game. And it all works very well indeed. It’s a fun adventure game that I’ll happily bring out and play anytime.

Update Log

Date Version Changelog
Jul 2019 1.1 Added 3rd edition expansions
Jun 2019 1 Original release, 3rd edition summary
Nov 2008 2.1 Error concerning replenishing adventure counters fixed
? 1 Original release

13 Comments

  • Damon says:

    I played Runebound 3rd ed a few months back. It inspired me to get out my (large) RB 2nd edition collection for a few plays. I found to my dismay that the flip a card, try to roll a number style of that game doesn’t do it for me so much any more. RB 3rd has more going on while also being streamlined. I switched to 3rd and haven’t looked back.
    I look forward to your sheets for 3rd edition, Peter!

    • I’ve been wondering whether to get it, though all flavours of Runebound are a bit ‘solitaire’ for me. Not enough player interaction.

      • Damon says:

        It is still largely solitaire, but other players get to participate in your battles by controlling the enemies. The new combat system has some decisions to make, and is much more interesting than just trying to roll a number. The experience has been upgraded and modernized overall. It is now somewhere in between Eldritch Horror and Talisman.

        • Do you like casting the tokens for combat?

          • Damon says:

            I do like the tokens. I already have dozens of games that resolve combat using dice. The tokens are something different, and it is a good system. You resolve initiative, damage, defense, and special abilities all with a single flip. The decisions you make range from obvious to slightly tricky, and the resolution is more interesting than just adding up you numbers. Perhaps best is that when you acquire items you also get unique new tokens to add to your pool. This really makes it feel like you have acquired a new item instead of just a +X bonus to your rolls.

      • a Geoff says:

        Thumbs up for 3rd edition sheet

  • The8thPagan says:

    Two things put me off Runebound 3…. the token tossing and no option to upgrade from Runebound 2, as I bought several expansions.

    As for the ‘solo’ aspect… it’s why I bought it… pass time when friends couldn’t make to games night.

    • Damon says:

      I usually don’t like to solo games where you need to make decisions for the enemy against yourself, but I found this to work just fine for RB3. The choice of what the enemy would do is usually obvious, and when it isn’t I just roll a die to chose between reasonable options. The built-in timer makes it otherwise very good for solo play. If you play the Vorakesh scenario, you’ll need to control multiple heroes though to keep the Zombies under control. The Margath scenario is fine with one hero.

  • Albert Bukuhan says:

    Unbreakable Bonds expansion provides AI cards and coop option though when playing with multiple players id wish they provide multiple ai cards and battle tokens. Happy to see this in the EOG collection!

  • John says:

    Hello UH, It looks like the link for your Runebound 2nd Edition rules summary goes to the Runebound 3rd Edition rules summary.

  • John says:

    O.K., this was my fault. It looks like i was oblivious to the fact that you had the 2nd edition rules summary link directly below the 3rd edition rules summary link. I am sorry for any confusion (and my denseness)….LOL

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