In the Hall of the Mountain King
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 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).
- 2.9 / 5
- Year
- 2019
About the game
In the Hall of the Mountain King casts players as trolls rebuilding an abandoned underground kingdom, digging tunnels, unearthing resources, and restoring toppled statues to their places of honor. Its standout cascading production system means hiring a new troll can trigger a windfall as trolls beneath it activate too, creating satisfying chain reactions. Players compete on a shared board while carving their own path toward the mountain's heart. Timing your hires against your builds is the key tension driving every turn.
Hobbli's Notes
The cascading troll mechanism is the star here, turning resource management into a genuine puzzle of sequencing and anticipation. It scales well and offers real tactical depth without overwhelming rules. A strong pick for groups who enjoy tile-laying and route-building with a clever twist.
What we like
- The cascading production system creates satisfying chain-reaction turns.
- Shared board creates meaningful tactical interaction between players.
- Multiple scoring paths reward different strategic approaches.
- Attractive components and theme bring the underground kingdom to life.
Keep in mind
- The cascading system can take a game or two to fully click.
- Analysis paralysis is possible when planning troll pyramids.
- Direct player conflict is limited despite the shared board.
Who it's for
Best for ages 12+ groups of 2-5 who enjoy tile-laying, route-building, and engine-building puzzles with moderate complexity.
