
- BGG rank
- BGG #1,148
- BGG rating
- 7.4
Catacombs (Third Edition)
- 2–5 players
- 60–90 min
- Complexity 2.4/5
- 2015

Rules assistance for Catacombs: Dark Passageways
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Catacombs: Dark Passageways is an expansion for Catacombs released in 2011 for 2–5 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 12 and up. It was designed by Ryan Amos, Marc Kelsey, and Aron West and its main mechanics are Variable Player Powers and Role Playing.
Catacombs: Dark Passageways is a card-based mini-expansion for the original Catacombs game. This expansion introduces new "exploration" room cards which add exciting effects to the base game while the heroes are exploring the Catacomb. The heroes can uncover unexpected benefits to aid them in their quest; however, the Overseer controlling the monsters can also unleash new dark powers to thwart their efforts.
Catacombs: Dark Passageways supports 2–5 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Catacombs: Dark Passageways is 30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Catacombs: Dark Passageways for ages 12 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Catacombs: Dark Passageways has a complexity rating of 1.8 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Catacombs: Dark Passageways belongs to these categories: Fantasy, Action / Dexterity, and Adventure. Its main mechanics are Variable Player Powers and Role Playing. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Catacombs: Dark Passageways are: Ryan Amos, Marc Kelsey, and Aron West. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Catacombs: Dark Passageways as an expansion for Catacombs. Expansions add new content, rules or scenarios to the base game and usually cannot be played on their own, so you need Catacombs to use it. Check that your edition of Catacombs is compatible, as some expansions were revised between editions.