Shadowdark: The TTRPG That Makes Torches Scarier Than Dragons (And Why You Need It in Your Life)
Why Shadowdark is a great game and product
Good day, dear adventurers! Today, I come bearing a little opinion piece—my thoughts and feelings about Shadowdark. Now, remember, everything written here is entirely biased toward my own perception. I’m not here to insult anyone or change anyone’s mind. This is just me, a humble TTRPG enthusiast, sharing my two cents. So, grab your dice, light a torch (you’ll see why soon), and let’s dive in.
First off, let’s get this out of the way: Shadowdark is one of my favorite TTRPG systems. Now, full disclosure—I haven’t had the pleasure of playing a ton of systems. But I can say I’m pretty familiar with the crowd favorite, Dungeons & Dragons. So, while I may not be the most seasoned adventurer in the TTRPG realm, I’m not a complete noob either. Just… a mostly noob. And that’s important because my opinions are heavily skewed by my limited experience. If you’re a seasoned veteran, take my words with a grain of salt—or a whole salt shaker, if you prefer.
Now, let’s set the stage. I’m from Chile, a long, skinny country in Latin America where niche hobbies like TTRPGs can be… challenging to pursue. Resources are scarce, and the hobby scene isn’t exactly booming. I grew up loving video games, especially RPGs and MMOs, but lately, the gaming industry has been… well, let’s just say it’s been testing my patience. My journey into TTRPGs started late, and I’m still very much a rookie. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? My perspective might resonate with other newbies or those who, like me, are still dipping their toes into this vast, dice-filled ocean.
Alright, enough preamble. Let’s get to the good stuff. Why do I think Shadowdark is not just a great game but a must-have piece for your TTRPG library? I’ve broken it down into three categories: mechanics, art and aesthetics, and the product as a whole. Let’s roll for initiative!
Mechanics: Where Simplicity Meets Genius
Let’s start with the mechanics, because, let’s face it, that’s the meat and potatoes of any TTRPG. Shadowdark has some standout features that make it a chef’s kiss of game design. Sure, some of these mechanics aren’t unique to Shadowdark, but the way they’re executed? Pure gold.
1. Light the Torch, Keep It Lit, or Die Trying
One of the most distinctive mechanics in Shadowdark is its torch system. Yes, torches. I know, it sounds simple, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. The tension it creates is palpable. You’re deep in a dungeon, the timer’s ticking down, and you realize you’ve only got five minutes of light left. Cue the panic. It’s like playing Resident Evil but with more dice rolls and fewer zombies (though, let’s be honest, there are probably zombies too). This mechanic forces the game to move at a perfect pace—no more endless debates about how to approach the boss fight. You’ve got a torch to worry about, people!
2. Darkness Is Scary, and That’s the Point
In most games, darkvision is handed out like candy. Not in Shadowdark. Here, only monsters can see in the dark. Combine that with the torch system, and you’ve got a recipe for tension and creativity. Limited resources? Check. Constant pressure? Check. Players actually having to think on their feet? Double check. It’s refreshing, and it makes every decision feel weighty.
3. Stats? We’ve Got Six. That’s It.
Let’s talk about stats. Shadowdark keeps it simple: the classic six—Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. No convoluted skill lists, no confusing ability checks. Everything ties back to these six stats, making it incredibly beginner-friendly. If you’ve ever stared at a D&D 5e character sheet wondering what the heck an Arcana check is, you’ll appreciate this simplicity. It’s a great bridge between basic systems and more complex ones like Pathfinder.
4. Death Is Inevitable, but Character Creation Is Easy
Let’s be real: in Shadowdark, you’re going to die. A lot. But that’s part of the fun! The character creation process is so streamlined that rolling up a new PC is a breeze. No complicated skill calculations, no endless modifiers—just pick a class, roll some stats, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for a survival-based game where death is always lurking around the corner.
5. Inventory Management: The Bane of My Existence (in a Good Way)
Say goodbye to your Bag of Holding. In Shadowdark, inventory space is limited, and every item counts. It’s like playing Resident Evil all over again—do you take the healing potion or the extra rope? Decisions, decisions. This mechanic forces players to think strategically and adds another layer of tension to the game.
6. Abstract Distances: Close, Near, Far
I love how Shadowdark abstracts distances. No more measuring exact feet or arguing over whether your spell can reach 17 feet when it only goes up to 15. Instead, you’ve got three categories: close, near, and far. It’s simple, intuitive, and keeps the game flowing smoothly. Plus, it saves you from the existential crisis of wondering why your fireball can’t travel an extra two feet.
7. Spell Mishaps: Because Rolling a 1 Should Hurt
Ah, the joy of rolling a natural 1 on a spellcasting check. In Shadowdark, this means rolling on the mishap table, and let me tell you, it’s equal parts hilarious and terrifying. Whether your spell backfires spectacularly or you accidentally summon a demon, it’s always a memorable moment.
Art and Aesthetics: Beauty in Black and White
Now, let’s talk about the art. Because let’s be honest, we all judge a book by its cover—or at least, we notice it first. And Shadowdark? It’s a stunner.
1. Black and White: Less Is More
In a world where D&D books are bursting with full-color illustrations, Shadowdark takes a different approach: black and white. And it works beautifully. The simplicity is evocative, giving the game a grim, survivalist vibe. The art is detailed, textured, and full of depth—all without a single drop of color. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.
2. Incredible Artists, Incredible Art
The artists behind Shadowdark deserve a standing ovation. From the intricate details of a wizard conjuring energy on page 42 to the haunting sphere of annihilation on page 315, every piece of art is a masterpiece. It reminds me of the golden age of Magic: The Gathering, when every card felt unique and full of personality. In Shadowdark, the art isn’t just decoration—it’s a vital part of the experience.
3. A Cover That Demands Attention
The cover is the first thing you see, and Shadowdark nails it. Whether you go for the standard or premium version, the artwork is striking, evocative, and full of detail. It sets the tone immediately, pulling you into the dark, dangerous world of the game.
4. Layout: A Masterclass in Design
The layout of Shadowdark is a thing of beauty. Clear headings, perfect typography, and a logical flow make it easy to read and navigate. The placement of art, tables, and bullet points is meticulously thought out, making the book a joy to use at the table.
The Product: A TTRPG Gem
Finally, let’s talk about Shadowdark as a product. Because, let’s face it, we’re not just buying a game—we’re buying an experience.
1. Everything in One Book
One of the biggest hurdles for new GMs is the sheer volume of material required to run a game. In D&D, you need three core books just to get started. Shadowdark condenses everything into a single, 325-page book. It’s compact, portable, and infinitely more manageable. Plus, it’s a fraction of the cost. What’s not to love?
2. Clear Section Markers
This is a small detail, but it’s a game-changer for GMs. The book includes fabric bookmarks and color-coded section markers on the edges of the pages. Need to find the monster stats? Just flip to the gray section. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes running the game so much easier.
3. Tables, Tables, and More Tables
If you love random tables, Shadowdark has you covered. Need to generate a random NPC? There’s a table for that. Need a trap, a meal, or a random encounter? Yep, there’s a table for that too. The sheer variety of tables makes this book an invaluable resource for any GM.
4. Concise, Impactful Advice
The GM section is packed with practical, actionable advice. From telegraphing danger to making choices matter, the tips are concise but incredibly effective. It’s a masterclass in how to be a better GM, distilled into just a few pages.
In Conclusion: Why Shadowdark Shines
Shadowdark is a masterclass in simplicity, innovation, and design. It’s a game that respects your time, challenges your creativity, and looks stunning while doing it. Whether you’re a seasoned GM or a newbie looking to dip your toes into the world of TTRPGs, Shadowdark is a must-have. It’s a game that reminds us why we fell in love with this hobby in the first place: the thrill of adventure, the joy of creativity, and the camaraderie of shared storytelling.
So, light your torch, grab your dice, and dive into the darkness. Just… don’t forget to keep an eye on that timer. Until next time, and remember, keep your blades sharp and your shields up!
-Mirokus (Codex Gigas)
Awesome review for Shadowdark! I want to go out and buy a copy of the game now.
I love this game system too.