Warhammer Quest: Darkwater is a fast, co-op dungeon crawler set in Ghyran’s rotten heart.
You and up to three friends push back Nurgle’s filth around the ruined Jade Abbey. The Daemon Prince Gelgus Pust wants the Everspring, and that is very bad news. However, the game keeps things brisk with quick turns and smart scenario tools. Consequently, it aims to be both family friendly and campaign worthy.
What Darkwater Is and How It Plays
Darkwater is built for one to four players and teaches fast. You pick a hero, open a 38-page lay-flat map book, and dive in. Skirmishes run about 30 minutes, which encourages “one more game” energy. Moreover, full campaigns span three acts across 10 to 14 hours. Sessions chain scenarios, side events, and short minigames. Additionally, outcomes feed forward through rewards, unlocks, and escalating threats. Therefore, your path through the Jade Abbey never repeats exactly.
The Heroes of the Everspring
You start with four distinct champions. Edmark Valoran is the Manticore Knight of Hammerhal Aqsha. Bren Tylis is the Renegade Saint with a bitter grudge. Inara Sion is a Jade Circle survivor wielding living water. Drolf Ironhead is a stubborn duardin oath-keeper. Then the campaign lets you unlock three more. Prince Kelthannor is a Kurnothan archer sworn to slay Pust. Drasher Vorn is a shape-changing chieftain seeking a cure. Finally, Jacobus Vyne is a Jade Wizard with a spite-owl and a sly vulpine spirit. Each hero has unique powers, gear paths, and scenario tricks. Consequently, team composition matters as the Abbey shifts under your feet.
Nurgle’s Rogues’ Gallery
The main villain is Gelgus Pust, the Prince of Sores, now swollen with daemonhood. He wants to corrupt the Everspring and wound Alarielle. He is backed by Belga the Cystwitch, a fallen abbess driven mad. Mulgoth the Cleaver breaks bodies and morale with relish. Meanwhile, Shaman Foulhoof leads the Flyblown Pestigors through sacred groves.
The roster of foes is thick and thematic. Cankerborn are land-scarred daemons that rise from corrupted soil. Blight Templars are elite mortal battering rams, oozing but unstoppable. Pox-Wretches are mask-bound initiates who hunt by taste and smell. Pestigors foul shrines with phlegmy brays before charging. Finally, Mire Kelpies swarm halls with diseased bites and foul spit. Consequently, every map feels hostile, alive, and grimly funny.
What’s in the Box and Why It Works
The set includes 49 plastic push-fit miniatures for heroes and enemies. You also get 14 custom dice, a 36-page rulebook, and a quick start guide. Furthermore, there are 61 tokens, 12 deck boxes for saving progress, and 341 cards. Cards cover abilities, gear, statuses, events, and act-specific surprises. The 38-page hardback map book replaces tiles and lies flat on the table. Each of the 18 two-page maps supports multiple encounters via card prompts. Consequently, Map Six might be a demolition run in one play. Then, on another night, it becomes a survival floor with enemy waves. Storage is thoughtful, so campaigns pack away fast and resume cleanly.
Replay, Campaign Flow, and Extra Teasers
Campaigns are three-act arcs through the Jade Abbey with unlock chains. You will face longer combat scenes and short choice events between them. Moreover, you only use a slice of the available cards each run. Therefore, your rewards, routes, and boss timing shift every attempt. The game actively invites rematches after losses, which feels right.
Additionally, you can join a free “Forge Your Destiny” email adventure. Weekly choices tease lore and nudge your hype before release. Finally, the broader reveal day was Nurgle-heavy, so more tie-ins are coming.
Closing Thoughts
Darkwater looks like classic Warhammer Quest energy tuned for modern nights. It plays fast, scales deep, and loves heroic synergy. Meanwhile, the cast pops with personality and crunchy utility. The map book and card-driven encounters squeeze tons of variety out of tight setups. Consequently, the Jade Abbey feels fresh even on repeat paths. Gather the party, bless the dice, and keep that Everspring clean. Grandfather’s gifts can wait outside.
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