Review – Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons

There’s something deeply compelling about a good monster mash, and with Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons, Ravensburger has rolled for initiative on a bold crossover — plunging players into Waterdeep’s shadowy streets and the depths of Undermountain. Having gathered the party to face off against the recommended starter monsters — the Displacer Beast and the Beholder — I found myself immediately drawn into the adventure, dice in hand and Dungeon Master instincts firing.

The Setup: Waterdeep Under Siege

Gone are the classic Universal Monsters of the original Horrified. Instead, you’re tangling with the legends of D&D lore: the gaze of the Beholder and the illusions of the Displacer Beast added plenty of tension right from the start. Players work cooperatively, dashing across a gorgeously rendered dual-level board — Waterdeep above, Undermountain below — to safeguard citizens, collect arcane items, and survive the monstrous onslaught.

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The party picks from five classic D&D classes: Wizard, Rogue, Fighter, Cleric, and Bard. We played with the Rogue, Cleric and Bard. Every hero boasts special abilities activated by a d20 roll — a mechanic new for the Horrified series, echoing D&D’s signature style and adding a delicious “will I, won’t I?” tension to every turn. At first we were not quite sure about them, but as the game rolled on we used the special abilities more often. The Cleric and Fighter’s abilities carry over into the Monster Phase and can bring fallen characters back from the brink or make the monsters pause for a turn.

Gameplay: Puzzles and Peril

At its heart, Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons is built for easy entry. As someone who enjoys both boardgaming and being a Dungeon Master, the blend of D&D lore and familiar Horrified mechanics just clicked. Each monster brings its own puzzle; tackling the Displacer Beast’s illusory double-trouble or avoiding the Beholder’s devastating eye rays made teamwork essential and kept everyone on their toes as the Terror Track ticked away!

The game’s action economy is tight — move, rescue, collect, solve — while an unpredictable Monster Deck ensures no plan survives contact with the enemy. The board’s split-level design, filled with familiar Waterdeep locations and famous artefacts, made each turn a treat for D&D veterans. Recognising the likes of Blackstaff Tower or the unmistakable depths of Undermountain brought an extra layer of joy to every decision.

Where the Dice Fall

There’s a family-friendly, accessible feel here, making it easy for newcomers and a breezy delight for veteran gamers alike. Turns move briskly — at least in the early stages — and the monsters’ unique puzzles encourage repeat plays. However, those hunting for deep, brain-burning strategy may find the smaller monster roster and luck-based mechanics a touch limiting over longer sessions.

For me, the combination of D&D and Horrified mechanics just works. Spotting favourite locations and iconic characters as the action unfolded genuinely added to the experience — I can see Dungeon Masters and D&D aficionados getting a lot from the game’s clever nods and worldbuilding.

Table Presence: Components & Style

Ravensburger’s production values shine as always. The board bursts with references sure to delight D&D fans, and the miniatures for heroes and monsters are a real centrepiece. The individual class boards look sharp, and the thematic artwork impresses. The main game board is beautiful to behold.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Quest?

If your gaming group spans newcomers to D&D and seasoned Dungeon Masters alike — or you’re after a cooperative experience steeped in theme and nostalgia — this is an easy recommendation. The monsters are a delight (and the starter duo of Displacer Beast and Beholder offer an ideal, tense intro – I am looking forward to playing again and going up against the Red Dragon and Mimic), the rules are accessible, and every turn brims with thematic touches. The only real caveat is that hardcore strategists might seek more challenge and variety as playtime wears on — and here’s hoping for expansion monsters down the line.

For a well-themed night in, a family get-together, or an entry point into the wider world of Dungeons & Dragons, Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons casts just the right spell. It may not replace an epic campaign — but it’s a thoroughly enjoyable diversion before your next session.