The Thing Board Game: Strategies for Thrilling Gameplay

By: Pendragon Games Studio    Players: 1-8     Ages: 14+     Time: 60-90 mins

At Outpost 31, suspicion and paranoia run rampant as the crew tries to uncover and eliminate an alien threat that has infiltrated the base. The only problem? It can appear as anything and anyone!

The Thing – The Board game is a tense, cinematic experience faithfully based on the eponymous horror movie by John Carpenter in 1982. Players take the role of either humans or the alien, with both sides trying to escape the Antarctic base and survive, whatever it takes.

The game is part cooperative and part deceptive making for a tense atmosphere. The humans must try to work together to overcome the alien threat but must be wary as the alien could infiltrate the crew at any time.

While the first game can be challenging due to the complex rules, players find it more enjoyable as they become familiar with the mechanics.

What Is The Thing – The Hidden Identity Game?

The Thing board game was originally a science fiction/horror movie directed in 1982 and directed by John Carpenter. Based on the novella ‘Who Goes There’, The Thing sees a group of researchers uncover an alien life form in the Antarctic. It gradually assimilates and takes over everyone at the base, inciting fear and paranoia as everyone tries to uncover who is still human. The film was highly praised and initially gained a cult following but grew significantly in popularity as the years went by.

The board game is one of several on the market today that tries to recreate the tense atmosphere and high stakes in the movie. It was produced by Pendragon Games Studio in 2022 and designed by Giuseppe Cicero and Andrea Crespi. Players control either the humans at the research base, or the alien that has infiltrated it. The human players will work their way around the base, carrying out various tasks like looking after the dogs and maintaining the integrity of the base, all while trying to figure out if any of the other researchers are who they say they are. The alien meanwhile, tries to assimilate the researchers and sabotage any progress the humans make. The goal for both sides is escape, but it’s much easier said than done! The game accommodates a player count of 1-8, with larger groups enhancing the tension and engagement levels.

Game Set-Up

The Thing comes with plenty in the box. The board is big and vibrant and lays out the different rooms of the Antarctic Outpost the human players occupy. Players will have to carry out certain actions in these rooms in order to progress the game and stand a greater chance of succeeding in escaping the base safely. Set-up can be quite time-consuming and will involve organising several decks and tokens. Some of these will be used occasionally but others come into play each turn, such as the food tokens. Each player will receive a character sheet, with each character granting certain bonuses to gameplay, and place the standee representing them in the Leisure Room to start the game.

The game is designed to create an engaging experience around the gaming table, where players interact and strategize together.

Understanding the Game Mechanics

The Thing board game is a masterclass in creating tension and paranoia, much like the original film. At its heart, this hidden identity game pits human players against an alien player, with each side striving to achieve their objectives while sowing seeds of doubt and mistrust. The game’s mechanics are meticulously designed to evoke the same room paranoia and same personal emotions experienced by the characters in the movie.

One of the standout mechanics is the use of action cards. These cards empower players to perform a variety of actions, from repairing critical equipment to sabotaging others or using items to ensure their survival. The modular board, representing the Antarctic research station, adds another layer of complexity. Players must navigate this board, completing essential tasks and gathering resources, all while trying to unmask the alien player. This dynamic setup ensures that every game is a unique and thrilling experience.

How to Play The Thing Board Game

The game is played over a series of rounds which contain up to eight phases.

At the start of a round, a weather dice is rolled to determine the…weather. The result of which will determine several factors for how the rest of the round plays out, especially when it comes to fuel consumption on the base. There is occasionally the option to re-roll the dice in the hope of a more favourable result.

Next is base maintenance and rescue helicopter advancement. Fuel tokens are consumed each turn in either the Generator Room or the Boiler Room, depending on the weather die result. If there aren’t enough fuel tokens the room receives damage equal to the number of missing fuel tokens. If a room becomes irreparably damaged a freezing tile is placed there. As time goes on if the temperature in the room drops too much and leaks into the base, all the humans will freeze and the alien wins the game. Damage can also lead to a lack of power and result in the base going dark, impairing the crews actions. If players were able to send out an S.O.S from the Radio Room, they can move the rescue helicopter one step further so they can use it to eventually escape.

It’s at this point that if the alien has been exposed through a test (or voluntarily) the Alien now takes their action. They must try to sabotage the base or assimilate other players. Using several cards, the player determines the aliens presence in the base as well as it’s strength in that location, determining how much damage is dealt there and if it can prevail over the humans present. These aren’t revealed just yet however… The infected player can manipulate the game by aiding the group to avoid detection or sabotage, creating psychological tension during encounters and gameplay decisions.

The infected player can also infect other characters, adding layers of intrigue and strategy to the overall player experience.

Humans can then draw action cards and take character actions. They can place their character in a location and use an action card, or change cards if they aren’t happy with what they have. It’s at this stage in the round that players decide which rooms to visit and what actions to take. This decision-making process fosters social interaction and strategy among players, as they must navigate potential infection risks and collaborate effectively to achieve their objectives. If enough characters or dogs are in an area with the alien(s) then the aliens cards are revealed. This can result in one of several results, like a character or dog being assimilated, the alien sabotaging and damaging the location, or potentially the alien running away.

After this, players return to the Leisure room and use this opportunity to trade any weapons or item cards between each other, but more importantly, they can accuse each other of being aliens. Based on their suspicions, players can vote against each other (if they wish) and if a player receives enough votes, their suspicion will be high enough that they must reveal their action cards to the other players through the game.

Just like in the movie, there will be tests carried out on players to determine whether they are aliens or not. Players with the highest suspicion may be tested by anybody, but likewise, if a player has the right equipment they may administer a test on anyone. Any players tested will have to reveal their true nature and the role they play: human or alien. A successful test may help to dissipate any suspicion, but if an alien is exposed, they may act as they did in phase three and attack the room or the players.

Part of the game involves staying nourished in order to be able to act competently. Players must consume food tokens each turn but if they run out and players become hungry the players maximum hand size is reduced by two cards.

Finally, the dogs occupying the base are moved. Location cards are chosen randomly and the dogs not in the kennel will move to these areas and the lead player, who has been in charge of making decisions up until this point, will change to the next player.

The main way to win the game as the humans is by escaping on the helicopter. Whilst maintaining the base and rooting out the aliens, players must also ensure they make their way to the helicopter before it leaves, abandoning the researchers. Even if all aliens are eliminated, the humans must escape to warn humanity of the potential impending danger.

If the alien is able to sneak aboard the helicopter however, the alien wins. Not only that but if it is able to assimilate the humans or they perish from the cold, the alien will be free to escape and spread throughout the world.

Cooperative Gameplay Strategies

While The Thing board game often thrives on its competitive edge, it also shines as a cooperative game where players band together to fend off the alien menace. In this mode, teamwork is paramount. Players must collaborate to complete tasks, share resources, and make decisions that benefit the group as a whole.

A key strategy in cooperative gameplay is to prioritize tasks that have a collective benefit. For instance, repairing the radio room or gathering blood bags can be crucial for the group’s survival. Communication is vital; players should openly discuss their suspicions and use their action cards and abilities to gather information and make informed accusations. By working together and pooling their resources, players can increase their chances of identifying the alien player and surviving the ordeal.

Managing Resources and Equipment

Resource management is a cornerstone of The Thing board game. Players must juggle their equipment, such as flamethrowers and medical kits, alongside vital resources like fuel and blood bags. These elements are essential for survival, and careful management is key to ensuring the team can complete tasks and withstand the alien threat.

A strategic approach to resource management involves prioritizing tasks that offer the greatest benefit to the group. For example, repairing the boiler room or gathering fuel can prevent catastrophic failures that could jeopardize the entire team. Sharing resources and equipment is also crucial; players should ensure that everyone has what they need to perform their roles effectively. By working together and managing resources wisely, players can maintain the integrity of the base and improve their chances of survival.

Advanced Strategies for Board Game Enthusiasts

For seasoned board game enthusiasts, The Thing offers a wealth of advanced strategies to master. One effective tactic is to manipulate the action card deck to your advantage. Cards like sabotage and repair can be used strategically to disrupt the plans of other players or to fortify your own position.

Another advanced strategy involves leveraging the game’s mechanics to create challenging scenarios for other players. For instance, you might use your action cards to engineer a situation where another player must choose between repairing the radio room or gathering blood bags, forcing them into a difficult decision. These complex maneuvers can create opportunities to gain an edge over your opponents.

Overall, The Thing board game provides a rich and intricate gameplay experience that rewards strategic thinking and teamwork. By understanding the game’s mechanics and employing advanced strategies, players can navigate the treacherous landscape of Outpost 31 and emerge victorious in this thrilling hidden identity game.

Rules Summary

• Faithful to the original movie

• Immersive gameplay that captures theming perfectly 

• Well-crafted components 

• Tense and suspenseful gameplay 

• A blend of cooperation and deception 

Who Should Buy This Game?

We think you should buy this game if:

You’re a fan of the movie: Sci-fi and horror enthusiasts in general will appreciate the game, but fans of the movie will see just how much of a love letter it is. 

You want a cerebral game: The game gets players thinking and guessing if everyone truly is who they say they are.  

You like thematic gameplay: The game does an excellent job of putting players in the thick of things and helps them imagine just how terrifying the scenario could truly be. 

You like big games: The game comes with a highly detailed board representing Outpost 31, as well as many detailed components

You might not like this game if: 

You don’t like long games: The game will take at least an hour to play through but there is plenty to set up and put away, which may be off-putting for some. 

You’re not a fan of horror movies:  Anyone who has seen the movie will know just how gruesome it can get, and the board game is no different. 

Also Read: The Ultimate Nemesis Board Game Guide

Final Verdict

The Thing – The Boardgame, does an excellent job of both recreating the tense atmosphere of the movie and providing an excellent thematic experience for all players that incorporates strategy, cooperation, and deception. The board and components are well crafted and look like they’ve been lifted directly from the game, creating a great sense of immersion. The game can be a little intimidating for casual players with all its bells and whistles and rules but for those willing to take the time to sit through a session, it’s one they won’t regret. It is a great game that offers an engaging and enjoyable experience, particularly highlighting its interactive and social elements.

FAQ for The Thing Board Game