Get ready to unleash your inner hero, because the cult classic Army of Darkness is leaping off the screen and onto your tabletop! But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a board game truly capture the chaotic, laugh-out-loud horror of Sam Raimi’s masterpiece? Dynamite Entertainment, the powerhouse behind over two decades of Army of Darkness comics, thinks so. And this is the part most people miss—they’re not just adapting the movie; they’re expanding its universe in ways that even die-hard fans might find surprising. From Ash Williams’s epic battles with Deadites to crossovers with icons like Archie, Freddy Krueger, and even Elvis Presley (yes, you read that right), Dynamite has been keeping the franchise alive and kicking. Now, teaming up with Lynnvander Studios, they’re bringing Army of Darkness to life as a cooperative tower defense board game—and it’s shaping up to be as intense as Ash’s chainsaw-wielding antics.
For the uninitiated, Army of Darkness follows Ash, the wisecracking hero of the Evil Dead franchise, as he’s hurled back to medieval times. Captured by the fearsome Lord Arthur, Ash must retrieve the Necronomicon, a book so powerful it can summon an army of ghouls. Written by Sam Raimi and his brother Ivan, the film blends horror, comedy, and over-the-top action in a way that’s still unmatched. But how does this translate to a board game? In this 1-to-4-player experience (expandable to 5 with the add-on), players take on the roles of Ash and his allies, defending Lord Arthur’s castle against waves of Deadites. Here’s the twist: each round features a real-time planning phase where players frantically strategize, followed by turn-based execution. It’s a race against time, with Evil Ash himself looming as the ultimate threat. Survive long enough, and you might just save the day—but one wrong move, and the Necronomicon falls into undead hands.
The game promises a 60-minute playtime packed with 40 character standees (44 miniatures with the expansion), 95 cards, 47 tokens, 6 custom dice, and 4 playable character boards (plus a 5th with the expansion). It’s a hefty package, but does it live up to the hype? Bold claim: This might be the most faithful adaptation of Army of Darkness yet—but only if you’re willing to embrace the chaos. Pre-orders are available now via BackerKit, with shipments expected in February 2026. So, are you ready to join the fight? Or do you think some classics are better left untouched? Let us know in the comments—and if you’re still on the fence, check out the epic playthrough video below. Just don’t blame us if you start shouting ‘Groovy!’ at your game night.
