Cave Troll
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 60 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.0 / 5
- Year
- 2002
About the game
Cave Troll is a fast-paced fantasy dungeon-crawl game by Tom Jolly, creator of Drakon, where players lead parties of knights, dwarves, and thieves to loot a cave troll's lair. Competing not only against each other but also against roaming orcs, wraiths, and the fearsome troll itself, players use action points to move figures, claim treasure and magical artifacts, and control key areas of the dungeon. Variable player powers and hand management add tactical variety to the race for loot and territory. With combat, looting, and monster-bashing all rolled into a 60-minute play session, it's an approachable and energetic dungeon crawler. It supports 2-4 players.
Hobbli's Notes
Cave Troll is a beloved, easy-to-learn dungeon crawler that emphasizes fast area control and looting over deep tactical planning, making it a great gateway fantasy game. Its mix of player-vs-player and player-vs-monster conflict keeps every turn interesting, and the moderate downtime suggests decent pacing even at four players. While it's been around since 2002, its light rules and quick playtime have kept it a solid choice for casual fantasy fans. A fun, scrappy pick for groups wanting quick dungeon-crawling action without a big rules investment.
What we like
- Fast, accessible dungeon-crawling action in about 60 minutes.
- Combines player-vs-player competition with shared monster threats.
- Variable player powers add tactical variety to each game.
- Long-standing fan favorite with a proven, well-tuned design.
Keep in mind
- Combat and looting mechanics are relatively simple for experienced gamers.
- Area control can lead to early leader dynamics that are hard to reverse.
- Older design may feel less polished compared to newer dungeon crawlers.
Who it's for
Fantasy and dungeon-crawl fans ages 8-10 and up, good for casual groups of 2-4 players.
