GAME SYSTEM
This entry is to allow for discussion/rating of the game system as a whole. It is not for a specific product or release. Versions will appear on the individual item pages.
Dice Throne is a fast-paced 2-6 player combat game, whether 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 2v2v2, or free-for-all. Select from a variety of heroes that play and feel completely distinct from one another. Attack opponents and activate abilities by rolling your hero's unique set of five dice. Accumulate combat points and spend them on cards that have a large range of effects, such as granting permanent hero upgrades, applying status effects, and manipulating dice directly whether yours, your teammate's, or even your opponent's.
Each player needs their own hero dice and cards to play Dice Throne. "Season One" of the game was released in a single box that contains components for six heroes, while "Season Two" was released in four small sets that each contain components for two heroes as well as a "Battle Chest" that has these four small sets. Heroes can be mixed-and-matched across seasons.
Linked entries in the BGG database:
Dice Throne: Season One
Dice Throne: Season One ReRolled
Dice Throne: Season One ReRolled – Barbarian v. Moon Elf
Dice Throne: Season One ReRolled – Monk v. Paladin
Dice Throne: Season One ReRolled – Pyromancer v. Shadow Thief
Dice Throne: Season One ReRolled – Treant v. Ninja
Dice Throne: Season Two – Battle Chest
Dice Throne: Season Two – Seraph v. Vampire Lord
Dice Throne: Season Two – Tactician v. Huntress
Dice Throne: Season Two – Gunslinger v. Samurai
Dice Throne: Season Two – Cursed Pirate v. Artificer
Dice Throne Adventures
- many characters with diverse strengths and strategies
- feels like a trading card game
- cards help mitigate bad luck
- appealing for fans of collectible card games
- thematic combat with dice-driven decisions
- too much luck affecting outcomes
- defensive roll phase adds clutter and slows flow
- feels like the game is playing you if you don't draw the right cards
- Heroic combat and character-specific strategies
- Fantasy arena duels with dice-driven combat and card abilities
- Competitive fantasy duels with evolving tactics
- King of Tokyo
- King of New York
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card_interaction — play cards from hand to modify dice or abilities
- character_variants — multiple characters with unique abilities and strategies
- defense_roll_phase — defensive roll phase to defend against attacks (noted as clutter)
- dice_reroll_limit — players can reroll up to three times per round to refine outcomes
- dice-rolling — roll up to three times to select attacks and actions
- hand_resource_management — balancing hand size, card costs, and timing to maximize effect
- risk_mitigation — cards mitigate bad dice results and help control outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- there's a little too much luck in this game for me to really get into it
- defensive roll phase which makes thematic sense but adds clutter to the flow of play
- if you're into tcgs you'll probably really enjoy this
- i can appreciate that there are many characters in the dice throne universe and each character has different strengths and strategies
- i would recommend king of tokyo or king of new york for theme
References (from this video)
- Variety of heroes
- Fast-paced rounds
- Luck can dominate outcomes
- Balance expectations vary
- Heroic duels with unique abilities
- Fantasy arena combat
- episodic rivalry
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- character-specific powers — each hero has a distinct kit and upgrade options
- Dice-driven combat — each turn hinges on dice results to trigger abilities
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we're here today again for another installment of who plays it better
- please subscribe we hope to see you again soon
References (from this video)
- Incredible 1v1 battle game
- Many characters available
- Enjoyable for streams and tournaments
- Fell lower on list for unclear reason to hosts
- One-on-one tactical combat
- Fantasy - character battles
- Character-driven battle system
- Dice Throne Adventures (expansion/variant mentioned)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- character abilities — Many different characters with unique abilities
- One vs One — 1v1 battle game
- Yahtzee-like Dice Rolling — Rolling and re-rolling dice to activate abilities
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Azul is just a classic classic game
- I will always want to play this game it's a staple
- Racing is my favorite game mechanic
- I love watching everything kind of like waterfall off of each other
- Castles of Burgundy is incredible I love Castle's birdie
- I love this game so basically like the world is dying
- The best part about Black Angel the little robot guys
- Bet on yourself always always I don't even care if I lose the game believe in yourself
- Dice Throne is an incredible 1v1 battle Yahtzee game
- Wingspan I am almost always in a game of Wingspan on BGA
- This game is beautifully designed it just feels good when you play it
- I can't win and I am getting freaking sick of it
- It's always a great time when it hits the table
- Paint the Roses is a Cooperative deduction game
- I've fallen back in love with it
- Some of the best gaming experiences I've had is playing that game
- I really really love Flamme Rouge it is an excellent game
- I will fall in love with this game it's got the recipe for it to be like a top 10 game
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- We are here today to do part two, which is the $1,000 collection.
- This is a luxury hobby.
- Board Game Bliss affiliates. The link is going to be in the description.
- If you have a crisp $1,000 bill, you can go to your friendly local gaming store to spend that money on board games.
References (from this video)
- beautiful art and components
- two-player ready with engaging combat
- fits jamie+jeff playstyle well
- some expansions can overcomplicate
- balance between heroes can vary
- heroic duel and tactical dice combat
- fantasy combat with dice-driven heroes
- dynamic, character-driven skirmishes
- King of Tokyo
- Second Chronicles of Crime
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dice combat — heroes attack using custom dice with skills and effects
- hand management — play cards to complement dice results and trigger abilities
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Clank in Space is a retheme of the original Clank, but with a space twist that freshens the experience.
- Horrified is the prettiest game you’ve probably ever seen.
- Mind Management is a clever, moody diversion that rewards careful deduction.
References (from this video)
- quick_fantastic_game
- asymmetric_character_abilities
- moon_elf_character_popular
- portable_despite_large_box
- loved_enough_to_travel_with
- very_good_two_player
- only_have_season_one
- want_other_versions
- no_buy_freeze_prevents_expansions
- fantasy_combat
- character_powers
- dice_dueling
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- no guilt no shame no mercy
- it is pure magic pure gold
- build like a mortal win like a god
- tiny box biggest table presence experience
- this is a game i wouldn't want to play at higher than two
- jamie knows when she's one and i can see it in her face
- i have a very difficult time comparing games that are that drastically different
- castles of burgundy is heavier therefore i put castles of burgundy at one
- i know myself well enough by now you know i've got 34 years into this body i know i know what i'm into
- don't be a meanie or weenie it's okay to hate things
References (from this video)
- Showy dice mechanics with satisfying visuals
- Fast-paced head-to-head combat
- Less depth in longer campaigns
- Balance can be sensitive to hero selection
- heroic confrontation, flashy dice-driven combat
- Epic fantasy battles with dramatic dice combat
- high-energy, bold expressions
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dice-based combat / character abilities — players roll dice to trigger unique abilities in head-to-head skirmishes
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Flamecraft as a human just let me describe them and you'll know what I mean
- Fage now Mage is that fancy foodie friend who brings a curated cheeseboard to literally every Gathering
- I nailed it
References (from this video)
- fast, approachable duels
- thematic abilities and die-driven synergy
- dynamic back-and-forth between characters (shadow thief vs. pyromancer)
- high-variance explosions can feel punishing
- component complexity with upgraded tokens and boards may overwhelm new players
- dice-driven combat with asymmetric heroes
- fantasy arena where heroes duel using magical dice
- heroic fantasy, cinematic battles
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- combat cards or upgrade modifiers — effects modify dice results and extend strategic options
- Dice rolling — core mechanic where players roll and re-roll dice to activate powers
- Status tokens — tokens like stun, poison, burn affect actions and damage
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- shadow thief is sneaky snake
- shadow dance
- combustion baby
- pyromancer is winning to 21-9
- this is going to evolve
References (from this video)
- fast, accessible duels
- varied heroes with different playstyles
- luck can influence outcomes heavily
- head-to-head combat with dice-driven powers
- fantasy duel with unique heroes
- short campaign-style duels with character flavor
- X-Wing Miniatures
- King of Tokyo
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- character-specific powers — each hero has distinct abilities and strategies.
- Dice-based combat — roll dice to activate hero abilities and resolve attacks.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- i love this game i love this game it's number 20
- we just bought our own copy of this i'm so excited to play this at two with jamie
- sleeping gods has invoked so much of the things i love about not only board games but video games
- it's endlessly fun to pull things out of the bag
- i'm very excited to try out each one
References (from this video)
- Fantasy
- Combat
- Marvel Dice Masters
- Naruto Shattered Shinra
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's only a game - remember this is just a game
- you're listening to the broken meeple show a podcast that speaks passionately about board games for the benefit of those who play them
- I'm quite busy at the moment but in a good way
- Norway in alter in the Arctic Circle is basically just yeah it's nearly Perpetual Darkness everything is caked in snow
- I much need needed break much needed break from gaming in general frankly
- I want them to go back to that level of greatness but lately they just haven't been doing it
- this could have easily just been called its own thing
References (from this video)
- High-energy, fast-paced combat with dramatic swings that sustain viewer excitement
- Clear character contrast (e.g., Pyromancer vs Samurai) that highlights different playstyles
- Thematic flavor comes through with terminology like Fire Mastery, Ignite, Burn, and Shame
- Tangible engagement through props and play mats; production touches elevate viewer experience
- Bracket format creates suspense and clear narrative arc from start to finish
- Dice luck can dominate early swings, potentially dampening strategic planning for some players
- Token and effect bookkeeping can be intricate for newcomers, increasing learning curve
- Live commentary and banter may distract from core mechanics for viewers solely interested in gameplay balance
- Dual-wielding mages and martial duelists using elemental magic
- Fantasy arena duel between rival champions
- Character-driven dueling with evolving power tokens and ultimates
- Dice Throne (Season 1)
- Dice Throne (Season 2)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- burn and persistent effects — Burn inflicts ongoing or delayed damage; other persistent effects affect offense/defense and can alter endgame outcomes.
- card-augmented action economy — Ability cards or on-board effects augment dice results, enabling combo sequences and strategic planning across turns.
- character-specific powers and ultimates — Champions (e.g., Pyromancer, Samurai) have unique abilities and an ultimate attack that can dramatically shift the game when available.
- defense and offense dice interactions — Players choose to defend or press with offense based on dice results and activated abilities; defense can mitigate or reflect damage.
- Dice-based combat — Each player rolls dice to activate abilities and resolve attacks/defenses, with outcomes driving the flow of the duel.
- honor/shame track — Shame and honor tokens influence how much damage can be inflicted and can affect tactical choices during the duel.
- Resource tokens — Tokens such as Fire Mastery fuel or amplify abilities and interactions on turns; token management influences decision making.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- unbelievable
- it's just damage damage damage as it should be
- pyromancer has won the inaugural foster the meeple 2022 dice thrown bracket
- what an upset yikes
- this was so much fun
- this is ugly this is there is only honor
References (from this video)
- great introduction to duel-style combat games
- variety of characters and synergies
- engaging for players who enjoy direct conflict
- asymmetrical characters can require reading the card text
- some players may prefer non-dice-driven systems
- dice-driven combat with powerful character abilities
- fantasy battle world; duel environments
- fantasy duel with thematic flavor
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dice manipulation — rolling and re-rolling dice to activate actions and abilities
- one-vs-one combat — duels with chosen character powers and dice results
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- three kittens in a row they'll upgrade to three cats
- this is a great two-player game it is I'm very bad at it though
- to me Dice Throne is a lifestyle game
- Undaunted is amazing
- it's such a fun puzzle when you link cards and resources
- Star Wars rebellion is Star Wars in a box
References (from this video)
- Fast-paced duels
- High replayability with multiple heroes
- Can be a head-to-head heavy experience for casual players
- dice combat with iconic heroes
- Superhero/character clashes
- cinematic, combat-focused
- King of Tokyo
- Dice Forge
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dice_combat — dice-based battles with special abilities
- team_combat — 1v1, 2v2, or free-for-all skirmishes with varied powers
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Artifacts Ink is great it is great
- Dice Hospital is fun
- dice babies it's so cute
- Wild Tower West is a gateway game but I've never taught it to someone who didn't immediately want to buy it
- Sausage Sizzle Mick loves this game
- you can chicken out
References (from this video)
- Excellent two-player game
- Quick to play (under 30 minutes)
- Multiple characters with different strategies
- Portable and travel-friendly
- Competitive gameplay
- Character combat
- Fantasy battle arena
- Yahtzee
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dice rolling — Roll dice like Yahtzee to match abilities
- Variable player powers — Different characters with unique abilities
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- These go to 11 - just like in Spinal Tap
- I literally started this video by saying everything will be cute and animal related, and the first one is murder war counts
- You're basically Bilbo Baggins trying to steal Smaug's treasures
- The only reason this game is on your list is because you always win
- It's like clue but cooler and more dynamic
- I love space... love space theme games... any space related games I'm in love with
- I have Disney tattoos all over my arms
- 1v1 all day, give me that
- It is uncanny how lucky Jamie is
- Mansions of Madness is so good like I love it
- Jaws of the Lion was a great compromise where Gloomhaven is super heavy
References (from this video)
- Fast-paced head-to-head duels
- Easy to learn with quick setup
- Class variety provides distinct playstyles
- Compact box design; scalable with additional boxes for more content
- No solo mode mentioned in the discussion
- Dice-centric play may deter players who dislike randomness
- Multiplayer pacing can slow down a rapid duel in larger playgroups
- Heroic fantasy combat with character-specific abilities
- Fantasy duel arena where two players face off
- Competitive duel with upgrade paths and temporary buffs
- Star Realms
- Reckoners
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card management — Play upgrade and action cards that modify abilities or grant effects, potentially replacing printed abilities
- Character class asymmetry — Each class has unique cards and abilities that shape play style and pacing
- Combat points resource system — Spend combat points to play cards; some cards require specific dice outcomes or combinations
- Defensive resolution — Opponents perform defense/roll checks that can reduce or redirect incoming damage
- Health and combat dials — Track health (starting at 50) and combat points on dedicated dials for each player
- Status effects and mitigation — Positive and negative status effects can be applied; defensive elements mitigate damage or alter dice outcomes
- Turn structure — Phases include income, main phase, roll phase, discard, and upkeep with checks and phase-specific actions
- Ultimate attack — Achieve a powerful effect by rolling five of a kind (five sixes) or equivalent condition for a game-altering move
- Yahtzee-style dice rolling — Roll and re-roll up to three times; keep dice results to trigger effects and fuel actions
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- a fantastic wee dueling game that plays fast and doesn't overstay its welcome
- the best thing about this game is you can pick up enough to play in a very small box
- however, if you hate dice you'll hate this game a lot
- it's basically battle yahtzee - gold medal game
References (from this video)
- Slam Throne
- Dice Throne
- Final Girl
- Vam Ryder
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This is not a how to play video.
- Don't hang out with us.
- We just want to have fun.
- Tone cannot be interpreted via messaging.
- If you don't agree with what we're doing or you don't agree with our values or how we play games, you're entitled to just not watch us and move on.
- We started doing this because we enjoyed playing board games with our friends and family and we wanted to share that love.
- Two people trying to enjoy a game.
- Be mindful of tone cannot be interpreted via messaging.
- No one's forcing you to buy it.
- Just don't comment on it.
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Don't crush them when you are teaching a board game.
- I could teach you from memory.
- it's easy peasy lemon squeezies.
References (from this video)
- niche in hobby; good for quick pick-up games
- expansion potential with Marvel/X-Men variants
- not a deep strategy experience
- some balance concerns across characters
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dice rolling / push-your-luck — fast, arena-like skirmish with character builds
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- our top 50 is like a living breathing thing that changes every day by the day by the minute
- these games are all incredible even if something's like a number 600 from 700 it's probably still a good game
- ranking is subjective; it's hard to compare a 18 card game to a heavy Euro
- we rank in the moment based on our gut feeling and that's just how the chips fall sometimes
References (from this video)
- variety of characters
- dynamic dice-based combat
- great head-to-head experience
- can be longer than a quick duel for some characters
- dice-driven arena battles
- fantasy combat
- Mind Bug
- Unmatched
- Star Realms
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Play — cards modify dice results and activate abilities
- Character progression — upgrade abilities as the game progresses
- combat resolution — reduce opponent’s life to zero via damage and effects
- Dice rolling — roll dice to trigger character abilities
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Hanamikoji yeah I love this game the first time I saw it the artist beautiful yes and it plays very simple yeah yet thinky yes
- there's only four actions you can take yes so you don't have to learn many rules but it's so thinky
- the timing is so important
- it's thinky like you said because you can't just put the cards you want on your side of the table you have to find a way to get the other player to take something for you
- this is like a chess match
- I love this game the first time I saw it
References (from this video)
- dueling focus with strong theme
- easy to teach and accessible
- can feel repetitive for some players
- balance can hinge on expansion data
- heroic fantasy combat with dice
- dueling fantasy combat between unique heroes
- action-oriented
- Yahtzee
- Magic: The Gathering
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- character-specific dice and abilities — each character has unique dice and abilities that drive play
- dice rolling and re-rolling — two players duel, each with their own dice and board
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this is fundamentally the same game as yahtzee
- the biggest single difference is that all players are working off the same set of dice
- it's weirdly like a cross between a dice game of yahtzee and magic the gathering without the deck construction
- it's meanly hard at times and disturbingly unfair
- I would recommend it for people who love probability and love taking risk
- it's so silly and light that you can't take it too seriously
- this is a modern take on yahtzee
- my favorite game directly inspired by yahtzee
- you can roll and you can re-roll up to three times
- you can re-roll as much as you want but one side on each character is a biohazard
- it's on phones it's on tablets you can just pick it up and play it anywhere you want
- 30 dice worth of actions in a four- to six-player game
References (from this video)
- Long-time favorite gateway game
- Multiple character options
- Different gameplay per character
- Marvel Dice Throne expansion available
- Fun, exciting moments
- Luck-based creates exciting swings
- Easy to teach
- Jamie only wants to play 2 players
- High luck factor may not appeal to all
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- These games are games that we enjoy playing at two
- Easy to learn hard to master
- Every game is different
- This game is awesome the artwork is incredible
- If you're a couple and you're looking to get a significant other into board games, that is one to check out
- It's a game that's either your thing or it's not
- The more and more I play unmatched more and more I appreciate how good that game is designed
- I love this game I do not like to play it at more than two players
- It might be a masterpiece of two-player game
- Very mean and I just think at two player it just becomes so much more tight
- This is one of the most chaotic games I've ever played
- I love dueling games like I love any game where you are just like Head to Head playing out cards
- Every time where I have the opportunity to play it I want to play it
- I think it's my favorite two-player game