How To Play: Devil’s Den

Overview

If you’re tired of losing at Devil’s Den and need more than just dumb luck, you’re in the right place. After more late nights and questionable snack choices than I want to admit, my friends and I finally cracked how to play Devil’s Den and, more importantly, how to win. This guide covers the basic rules and the best strategies so you’ll stop flipping the table in frustration.

What’s in the box

• 1 Game Board
• 4 Army Leader Figures
• 32 Infantry Tokens
• 16 Cavalry Tokens
• 8 Artillery Tokens
• 24 Resource Cards
• 20 Event Cards
• 4 Player Reference Sheets
• 12 Terrain Tiles
• 1 Six-sided Die
• 1 Rulebook

How To Play Devil’s Den: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Spread out the Devil’s Den board and put it in the middle of the table. Make sure no one tries to eat the pieces. Trust me, it’s tempting.

2. Give each player one Den Leader pawn, five Minions, and a player board. (If you start with six, someone snuck an extra in—classic Gary move.)

3. Shuffle the Event and Resource decks. Put them within reach. Do not let your cat knock them off the table—again.

4. Place the Power Gems in the center. These are more precious than your last piece of gum.

5. Everyone draws three Resource cards to start. If you get all traps, blame your luck, not the dealer.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, pick two actions: move a Minion, gather resources, or play an Event card. Don’t try and do three, that’s cheating (I’m looking at you, Sam).

2. When you move, Minions can travel to any connected lair. It’s like subway, only with more betrayal.

3. If you bump into another player’s Minion, you must battle! Roll the dice, highest wins. Loser slinks home, probably muttering about bad luck.

4. Collect resources from your controlled lairs at the end of your turn. Don’t forget, or you’ll be sorry later.

Winning

1. The first player to control three Power Gems wins. It’s that simple, but your friends will make it hard, trust me.

2. If two people do it at once, whoever has the most lairs (and the flashiest victory dance) wins.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Whenever an Event card says “Swap,” you must swap with the player on your left, even if you don’t want to. They will probably gloat.

2. If you land on a trap, you lose your next action. Scream in frustration—but not too loudly, the neighbors might complain.

3. Devil’s Gambit cards can be played at any time, even during someone else’s turn. Use wisely… or chaotically, your choice!

That’s it! Now you know How To Play Devil’s Den. Gather your friends, test your friendships, and may your dice roll high!

Best Devil’s Den Strategies

Dominate the Battlefield: Mastering Unit Placement and Movement in Devil’s Den

Choose Starting Spots Wisely

I learned real fast in Devil’s Den that your starting spots matter more than your poker face. Place units where they can attack or support, but never bunch them up. Spread out and keep options open.

1. Keep ranged units behind cover, but not too far from the action.
2. Put melee troops near choke points or objectives.
3. Think about escape routes for your key pieces.

Always Move With Purpose

When moving, don’t just wander around like a lost chicken. Each move should push you closer to your win condition while blocking your friend’s sneaky plans.

1. Advance in waves, so no unit gets stranded.
2. Use movement to bait opponents into traps.
3. Occupy high ground or safe zones for bonus defense.

React and Adapt

Even if you got a plan, be ready to switch it up. Sometimes your buddies will team up against you (traitors!), so adapt your placement quick if needed.

1. Relocate vulnerable units before they get cornered.
2. Block enemy movements with your own units.

Master Your Resources to Rule Devil’s Den

Start with a Plan

When I played Devil’s Den, I learned that going in blind wastes turns—so plan ahead. Always check what you need before spending.

1. Count your supplies every round.
2. Set aside just enough for emergencies.

Spend Wisely

Don’t just grab shiny upgrades! I once wasted gold and had to beg my buddy for help. Instead, use this approach:

1. Upgrade only what’s urgent.
2. Invest in steady growth, not quick fixes.

Trade When You Can

Trading saves games! My group swapped so much that we started making deals outside the game—awkward at dinner. Try these moves:

1. Offer fair trades; greed backfires.
2. Time your trades for when you need them most.

With these resource management tips, you’ll soon teach everyone else How To Play devil’s den like a pro. Just don’t steal my snack stash while you’re at it!

How To Outsmart Opponents in Devil’s Den

Watch Their Moves

Keep your eyes glued to what your rivals do. If you catch their patterns, you can guess their next steps. For example, my friend Gary always hoards resources. I start blocking him early so he can’t do his thing.

1. Note their favorite paths or zones
2. Spot repeated choices
3. Block or distract them

Change Tactics Quickly

Don’t stick to one plan. If they’re onto you, switch it up! Playing Devil’s Den with my pals, I once switched from building to raiding, and it threw them all off.

1. Alter your resource focus
2. Fake a weak side, then hit hard

Use Bluffing

Bluffing isn’t just for poker. Throw your opponents off by hinting at plans you’re not really doing. They’ll waste moves trying to block nothing!

1. Pretend to want a space
2. Make odd trades

How To Play devil’s den Like a Pro

How To Play devil’s den well? Pay attention, adapt fast, and bluff. Use these tips, and you might just crush your pals next time.

Claim Victory and Bragging Rights!

So there you have it, folks. If you follow these strategies, you’ll go from being Devil’s Den cannon fodder to the one your friends fear and maybe secretly resent (in a good way). Remember, luck can trip you up, but strong moves and sneaky thinking win the day. Now go grab your copy, gather your crew, and show them you know How To Play devil’s den like a boss. May your dice be kind and your enemies confused!

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