Crownfell is a dynamic abstract strategy game played with eight cards on a 5×5 grid. Each card represents a character with unique movement and special rules.

In each game, players draft four out of a pool of 17 unique characters, resulting in a very different game each time. Their asymmetrical abilities and movement lead to surprising and dramatic moments. Capture all your opponent’s pieces to win.

In Crownfell, nothing is permanent… including a strong lead. Move onto the centre space to rally your allies or resurrect the fallen. Captured cards can be revived from the discard pile by either player. In this game, defeated pieces can switch sides!

Designed by Mike Berg and illustrated by Strega Wolf van den Berg.

*Playmat sold separately

How to play

The goal is to capture all of your opponent’s cards from the board.

On your turn, you can do one of three things:

1. Deploy

Place a card from your hand into your home row.

2. Move

Move a card on the board following the movement rules shown on the card.

3. Use an ability

Some cards have special abilities that let them do things like move other cards, or even throw fireballs.

What about that crown space in the middle?

If you move a card onto the crown space in the middle of the board — or into your opponent’s home row — you do one of three special rally actions:

1. Deploy

Immediately make a “free” deployment from your hand.

2. Revive

Take a card from the discard pile into your hand… even cards that originally belonged to your opponent!

3. Direct

Move another one of your cards one space in any direction.

That’s about it!

Crownfell takes just a few minutes to learn. The dynamic interactions between the card’s movement and abilities is where it really shines.

Everything you need to know to play Crownfell, in less than ten minutes:

Solo mode

You are among the last defenders of the fallen crown. Withstand an onslaught of invaders to restore peace to the realm.

Crownfell: Last Stand is an 18-card solo expansion for Crownfell.

Make your stand

With a mere four anti-heroes, outmaneuver a relentless tide of 13 unique enemies.

Unpredictable enemies

Enemy actions are determined by a simple card flip, providing smooth gameplay without complex decision trees.

Each enemy performs the topmost action that it’s possible to take from their current position. Any time there’s a decision to make about which space or card to target, use the priority arrow on the back of the flipped card:

Crownfell: Metal Edition

Here’s a preview of Crownfell: Metal Edition, which will have a VERY limited run, and be available at the Indie Games Night Market, November 22, 2025. If you can’t make it there, and are interested in a potential future run, please fill out this form.