Mastering the Claustrophobic Combat of Space Hulk: Death Angel – The Card Game
Introduction
Space Hulk: Death Angel – The Card Game (SHDA) is a cooperative card game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It’s all about a squad of Space Marine Terminators exploring a derelict spaceship filled with dangerous aliens known as Genestealers, a subset of the Cthulhu-esque Tyranid faction. The game was released in 2010 and has since become a favorite among fans of tactical card games. Aside from it being set in the 40k Universe (which I’ve mentioned before is one of my personal favorite settings), its worth a go for its tough gameplay and the need for strategic thinking. The game is based on the Space Hulk board game, but Death Angel stands out because it’s a card game that you can play solo or with friends.
The goal is to survive the hulk and complete the mission. Each player controls a combat team of two Space Marine Terminators, each with unique abilities. The game is played with a deck of cards that represent the Space Marines, their actions, the Genestealers, and the layout of the Space Hulk. It’s a game of tough choices, teamwork, and a bit of luck. The tension is high as players try to make it through the hulk alive.
Quick Tip for Space Hulk: Death Angel Card Game
Always keep an eye on your flanks and support your teammates. Teamwork is key to surviving the Genestealer onslaught!
Rules for playing Space Hulk: Death Angel
Understanding the rules is crucial for playing Space Hulk: Death Angel. The game is played in rounds, each consisting of four phases: Choose Actions, Resolve Actions, Genestealer Attacks, and Event Phase. Players choose actions for their Space Marines from a set of three, which are then resolved in order. These actions can be moving, supporting, or attacking.
Combat is resolved by rolling a die, with a certain number needed to kill a Genestealer. If you fail to kill the Genestealer, it might attack back. The Event Phase can bring new challenges, like more Genestealers or effects that impact the game.
Space Marines have a facing, which is important because they can only attack Genestealers in front of them. Players must work together to cover all directions. If a Space Marine dies, it’s a big blow to the team. The game ends when either all objectives are completed, or all Space Marines are dead.
Equipment and Setup for Space Hulk: Death Angel
To play, you need the game box, which includes Marine cards, Action cards, Event cards, Genestealer cards, and Terrain cards. You also need a die and some tokens for keeping track of things like health and support.
Setting up involves creating a formation of Space Marines and placing the Terrain cards to form the Space Hulk. Each player gets a combat team and chooses the Action cards for their team. The Genestealer deck and Event deck are placed nearby.
There are different types of Terrain cards, like corridors and rooms, each with its own rules. Some might have doors that can be closed to block Genestealers, while others have special rules that can help or hinder the players.
How to Play Space Hulk: Death Angel – The Card Game and Game Mechanics
The game mechanics are straightforward once you get the hang of them. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Choose Actions: Secretly choose an action card for each of your Space Marines.
- Resolve Actions: Reveal and resolve the actions in order. This could be moving, attacking, or supporting.
- Genestealer Attacks: Roll for Genestealers to attack if they’re in the same area as a Space Marine.
- Event Phase: Draw an Event card and resolve it. This could bring new Genestealers or other effects.
Players continue through these phases until they win or lose the game.
How to Win at Space Hulk: Death Angel – The Card Game
Winning at Space Hulk: Death Angel requires a mix of strategy and luck. Beginners should focus on learning the abilities of their Space Marines and how to use them effectively. Intermediate players can start to anticipate the Event deck and plan their actions accordingly. Advanced players will know how to manipulate the formation and use the Terrain to their advantage.
Always be aware of your Space Marines’ facing and keep them covered. Use support tokens to help with dice rolls and don’t be afraid to retreat if things get too heated. Completing the objectives is the ultimate goal, so always keep that in mind.
Best Strategies for playing Space Hulk: Death Angel Card Game
Some of the best strategies involve knowing when to move and when to attack. If you’re surrounded, it might be better to attack and clear out some Genestealers rather than moving. Always try to have a plan for the worst-case scenario, like a sudden swarm of Genestealers.
Supporting your teammates is also crucial. If you can, leave support tokens for your teammates or position your Marines to cover their flanks. Communication is key in a cooperative game like this.
Finally, learn the Event deck. Knowing what could come up can help you prepare for future rounds and make better decisions.
Scenarios
Good scenarios might involve having a strong formation with all flanks covered and plenty of support tokens. In these cases, you can be more aggressive with your actions.
Bad scenarios could be when you’re low on support tokens, and Genestealers are swarming. Here, you might need to focus on survival, using actions that help you reposition or gain more support.
In both cases, think ahead and work with your team to turn the situation around.
Frequently Asked Questions about playing Space Hulk: Death Angel
Here are some common questions and answers:
Q: Can I play Space Hulk: Death Angel solo?
A: Yes, you can play solo by controlling multiple combat teams.
Q: How long does a game typically last?
A: A game can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of players and the difficulty of the scenario.
Q: Is the game different every time?
A: Yes, the layout of the Space Hulk and the Event deck make each game unique.
Q: Can Genestealers attack from behind?
A: Yes, Genestealers can attack from any direction, so watch your flanks!
Q: What happens if all my Space Marines die?
A: If all your Marines die, you lose the game. Work together to keep everyone alive!
External Links
For more information on Space Hulk: Death Angel – The Card Game, check out these links:
Games Workshop Wiki – Space Hulk Death Angel
Fantasy Flight Games – Official Page
A digital native around since the early days of online gaming communities around 2001. An early contributor to the cult gaming site ClanTemplates, Adam has spent years giving free gaming resources to the community. With BoardCards, Adam is most experienced and commonly writing the articles on Strategy multi-player games like Settlers of Catan and Avalon. His first introduction to board games was via Mancala, an Egyptian-origin stone game and one of the oldest known games still played worldwide. Contact me via email
