How To Play: Devil’s Den

Overview

Ever tried to outfox your mates in Devil’s Den? I have—and lost more times than I’d like to admit. In this guide, you’ll find a quick outline of the game rules for those of us who skim manuals, and the best strategies I’ve tested (and sometimes failed at) for actually winning. Whether you’re a sneaky fox or a bold bulldozer, you’ll learn How To Play devil’s den—and maybe even win!

What’s in the box

• 1 Game Board
• 120 Unit Tokens
• 45 Order Cards
• 20 Resource Tokens
• 6 Dice
• 4 Faction Boards
• 1 Rulebook
• 50 Victory Point Tokens
• 8 Fortification Markers
• 1 Turn Tracker

How To Play Devil’s Den: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Each player picks a color and takes the matching set of pieces.
2. Shuffle the deck of Den Cards and place it face-down in the center.
3. Give each player ten Resource Tokens to start.
4. Place the Devil’s Den board in the middle of your table—or the floor if you hate your back.
5. Randomly assign starting positions by rolling the special Den Die.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, draw a Den Card and follow its instruction. Prepare to laugh, groan, or plot revenge.
2. Move one of your pieces up to three spaces. Movement is always optional, unless a card says otherwise.
3. Collect Resource Tokens by landing on special spaces. Try not to trip over your own strategy.
4. Trade tokens or cards with opponents, if you dare.
5. End your turn by cackling maniacally. Optional, but encouraged.

Winning

1. To win Devil’s Den, collect all four Relic Pieces and escape through the central portal space.
2. If someone blocks the portal, you must outsmart—or outbribe—them to pass.
3. The first player to escape with all relics wins. The loser must do their best evil laugh impression.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If two players land on the same space, a Challenge is triggered. Roll the Den Die—highest wins both the space and a token from the loser.
2. Den Cards may change the rules for a single round. Don’t cry, adapt!
3. If any player runs out of Resource Tokens, they must skip their next turn.
4. When the Den Deck runs out, shuffle the discard pile and keep going. The game only ends when someone wins—or your group revolts.

There you have it, the rules straight from my Friday night game session (where I lost embarrassingly fast, of course). If you want more tips, check out my post on How To Play devil’s den for winning moves and sneaky tactics.

Best Devil’s Den Strategies

Claim Victory by Owning Devil’s Den’s Hot Spots

Spot the Essential Areas

You can’t win if you let your rivals camp on key spots! Right at the start, scout out important map locations. Knowing the terrain lets you plan ahead.

1. Identify choke points early for quick control.
2. Secure resource hubs before opponents do.

Keep Your Grip Firm

After you claim a hot spot, don’t just sit pretty. Always reinforce your hold. Move units in and stay alert for sneaky attacks.

1. Rotate defenders to avoid weak spots.
2. Keep resources handy to boost defenses fast.

React When Rivals Push Back

I learned the hard way: ignoring enemy moves leads to heartbreak! Watch for pushes and adapt quickly.

1. Set up ambushes where possible.
2. Use backup plans if you lose ground.

That’s how my group started winning more. So, for anyone looking up How To Play devil’s den, start with the map!

Mastering Your Supplies: Outsmart the Devil’s Den

Track Every Token

Keep your eyes on all your tokens. Never play fast and loose with them. Each one counts in How To Play devil’s den.

1. Count supplies before every turn.
2. Plan moves two turns ahead.
3. Always check for ways to earn more.

Trade When It Matters

Trading is tricky. If you see a chance, take it. But remember, not every offer is good for you.

1. Trade only when it gives you more than you lose.
2. Think about what your rivals want.

Avoid Waste

Foolish spending will cost you games. Watch your stock like a hawk and spend only if you must.

1. Skip flashy moves unless you gain real ground.
2. Save resources for game-changing plays.

Outsmarting Opponents in Devil’s Den

Watch Their Patterns

If you want to master How To Play devil’s den, start by studying your friends. Notice what they grab first and which paths they favor.

1. Spot habits in their turn order
2. Predict their next big move

Shift Your Tactics Often

Next, mix up your own approach. When they expect you to attack, defend instead! This keeps them guessing and stops them from forming a plan.

1. Change your strategy mid-game
2. Fake-out with decoy moves

Interrupt Key Actions

Finally, block their favorite spots or actions right before they reach them. Believe me, nothing annoys Steve more than losing his secret stash!

1. Use cards to mess up their turn
2. Jump ahead to claim needed resources

Will You Control the Devil’s Den?

When I first tried to outsmart my friends in Devil’s Den, I felt like I was trying to win a staring contest with a goat—nobody blinked and everyone got weird. But after a few rounds (and a lot of snacks), I learned that smart moves, watching the map, and not hoarding resources (unlike my buddy Dave) really pay off.

Whether you’re scheming to win or just hoping not to lose your last piece, stick to these tips and you’ll have a blast. Now you know How To Play devil’s den and, more importantly, how to win bragging rights for the week. Good luck, and remember: don’t trust anyone who smiles too much during your turn.

Want to know what we think of Devil’s Den? Read our detailed review of Devil’s Den here