Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set
- Players
- 2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2+ players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 45 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.2 / 5
- Year
- 2013
About the game
This expansion for Smash Up throws Cthulhu mythos factions into the mashup mix, letting you combine crazy cultists, fishy Innsmouth locals, horrifying Elder Things, and the "Fightin' Cephalopods" of Miskatonic University with your existing Smash Up factions. It introduces a new "Madness" card type that grants powerful effects at a price, adding fresh tension to the game's signature combo-driven base battles. As always, you shuffle two factions together into one deck and race to claim bases before your opponents. It's a great way to inject more chaotic horror-comedy into an already unpredictable party game.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team loves how the Obligatory Cthulhu Set leans fully into horror-comedy, giving Smash Up fans a wonderfully silly new toolbox of factions to combine. The Madness mechanic adds a neat risk-reward wrinkle that fits the Lovecraftian theme perfectly. As with any Smash Up expansion, it shines brightest when mixed into an existing collection rather than played completely standalone. A must-buy for established Smash Up fans who enjoy horror and humor.
What we like
- Adds a fun new Madness card mechanic.
- Fits seamlessly into an existing Smash Up collection.
- Strong horror-comedy theme with Cthulhu mythos flavor.
- Quick, chaotic gameplay great for casual groups.
Keep in mind
- Requires owning other Smash Up sets to get full value.
- Chaotic combos can feel swingy or luck-driven.
- Best suited to fans already familiar with Smash Up.
Who it's for
Great for ages 12+ existing Smash Up fans and casual gamers who enjoy chaotic combo-driven card games with 2-4 players.
