Mountains of Madness
- Players
- 3-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.1 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Mountains of Madness drops 3-5 players into an Antarctic expedition gone wrong, loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft's novel. Communication restrictions force players to coordinate through limited words and gestures as sanity-fraying horrors close in around them. Real-time pressure keeps everyone engaged simultaneously rather than waiting through long turns. Designed by Rob Daviau, known for tense cooperative and legacy experiences, it blends dice rolling, movement, and role-playing into a race against madness itself. It's a fully cooperative game that thrives on communication and teamwork under pressure.
Hobbli's Notes
The communication-limit real-time twist is what sets this apart from other co-op horror games, trying to convey plans with restricted vocabulary is both hilarious and genuinely stressful. Rob Daviau's pedigree shows in the tight pacing and low downtime. It leans lighter than Arkham Horror-style games, making it a fun gateway into cooperative horror, though groups that dislike time pressure or real-time elements may find it stressful rather than fun.
What we like
- Real-time communication-limit mechanic creates unique, memorable tension.
- Low downtime keeps all players engaged simultaneously.
- Strong Lovecraftian horror theme and atmosphere.
- Approachable complexity makes it a good co-op horror starter.
Keep in mind
- Real-time pressure won't suit players who prefer slow, deliberate planning.
- Communication restrictions can frustrate players who like clear coordination.
- Licensed horror theme may feel familiar to genre veterans.
Who it's for
Great for groups of 3-5 who enjoy cooperative horror and don't mind real-time pressure and communication challenges; works well for casual to intermediate gamers ages 12+.
