
- BGG rank
- BGG #4
- BGG rating
- 8.5
Gloomhaven
- 1–4 players
- 60–120 min
- Complexity 3.9/5
- 2017

2024
Rules assistance for Netherworld Candle
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
For 1 player

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Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Netherworld Candle is a board game released in 2024 for 1–4 players, 60–180 minutes per game, and ages 14 and up. Its main mechanics are Hand Management, Grid Movement, and Storytelling.
The veil between worlds is thin, and shadows stir in the forgotten tombs of emperors. You are an "Earth Sapper", a master of forbidden arts, venturing into darkness where others fear to tread. Welcome to Netherworld Candle, a cooperative campaign adventure. Together, you will delve into perilous ancient tombs, unearth long-lost secrets, and confront ancient evils that threaten to consume the world. Navigate treacherous environments, solve intricate puzzles, and battle terrifying supernatural entities as you uncover a thrilling narrative where your decisions have real consequences. Will you embrace your destiny, or succumb to the darkness? Netherworld Candle is a cooperative adventure game set against the tumultuous backdrop of early 19th-century China, where ancient myths are violently unleashed amidst the clash of empires. The experience spans a core game, four full expansions, and a massive stretch goal box packed with content. The game's background is based on real historical events. You will be in the eastern continent in the late 19th century, amidst the chaos of the fall of the Qing Empire and revolutionary uprisings, seeking the meaning of your existence. —description from the publisher
Netherworld Candle supports 1–4 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 Netherworld Candle is 60–180 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 Netherworld Candle for ages 14 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.
Netherworld Candle has a complexity rating of 3.0 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-weight 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.
Netherworld Candle belongs to these categories: Fantasy, Adventure, and Miniatures. Its main mechanics are Hand Management, Grid Movement, and Storytelling. 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 catalogue lists Netherworld Candle as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.