Quick answer
If you're new to Arkham Horror, start with the Third Edition base game. If you already own it and want more scenarios and depth, add Under Dark Waves first.
What each product delivers
Arkham Horror Third Edition is the complete base game. It sets the stage in 1920s Arkham, where investigators face an Ancient One and a web of mysteries. The box includes everything you need for a full campaign: a double-sided game board, investigator miniatures, tokens, cards, and the core rules.
Under Dark Waves is a large-box expansion that adds two new scenarios, new investigators, and additional encounter cards. It deepens the narrative and introduces fresh mechanics tied to the sea and coastal horrors. It does not include the base game components, so you need the core set to play.
The Dead of Night is a smaller expansion that focuses on urban horror—organized crime, secret cults, and night stalkers. It offers two more scenarios but is lighter in scope than Under Dark Waves.
Trade-offs to consider
Starting with Under Dark Waves before the base game is not possible—it requires the core set. However, if you already own the base game, choosing between Under Dark Waves and The Dead of Night depends on how much variety you want. Under Dark Waves gives you more content and a bigger shift in setting, while The Dead of Night is a quicker, cheaper way to add two scenarios.
The base game alone offers plenty of replayability with its modular setup and multiple Ancient Ones. Adding Under Dark Waves early expands the story possibilities significantly, but it also raises the complexity. If your group prefers a gradual introduction, stick with the core set first.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Start with Arkham Horror Third Edition: Buy the base game first. It provides the full rules, components, and a complete campaign. You can play it for many sessions before needing an expansion.
- Add Under Dark Waves after the base game: If you want a larger expansion that introduces sea-themed scenarios and new investigators, Under Dark Waves is the next step. It requires the core set but adds significant replay value. Under Dark Waves is the best first expansion for groups that want a big content boost.
- Consider The Dead of Night for a smaller addition: If you prefer a cheaper, quicker expansion with two urban horror scenarios, The Dead of Night is a good choice. It also requires the base game and offers a different flavor than Under Dark Waves.
Product facts
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Arkham Horror Third Edition: The year is 1926, and it is the height of the Roaring Twenties. Flappers dance till dawn in smoke-filled speakeasies, drinking alcohol supplied by rum runners and the mob. This setting anchors the base game's atmosphere and scenarios, giving you a rich narrative foundation without needing expansions.
Arkham Horror Third Edition
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Arkham Horror: The Dead of Night: In Dead of Night, investigators explore the facets of Arkham best left unseen in the light of day. Organized crime builds a strong foothold in the city, secret cults labor for a dark master, an alien moon hangs overhead, and unknowable horrors stalk the night. This expansion adds focused urban horror scenarios that complement the base game's broader mythos, offering a tighter thematic experience.
Arkham Horror: The Dead of Night
Which should you choose?
Best for
- New players who want the complete core experience before expanding
- Groups that enjoy a large narrative shift and want to explore coastal horrors
Not for
- Players who already own multiple expansions and are looking for a specific scenario type not covered by Under Dark Waves
