Quick answer
Set up your first session of Arkham Horror RPG Starter Set: Hungering Abyss by reading the learn-as-you-play adventure, preparing the components, and guiding your group through character creation and the opening scenario.
Know your audience and time commitment
The Hungering Abyss is designed for up to 6 players (5 players + 1 game master) aged 14 and up. A full session typically runs 2-3 hours, but the learn-as-you-play structure means you can stop after the first chapter. If your group is new to tabletop RPGs, plan an extra 30 minutes for character creation and rules explanation.
What's in the box and what you need
The starter set includes a rulebook, adventure book, character sheets, dice, and tokens. You will also need pencils, erasers, and a flat surface large enough for the map tiles. No miniatures are required, but having a few tokens or coins to mark positions can help. The game is self-contained, so you do not need the core rulebook or any other Arkham Horror product to play.
Step-by-step setup for your first session
- 1. Read the adventure and rulebook beforehand: As the Keeper (game master), read the Hungering Abyss adventure and the condensed rulebook. The adventure is structured as a series of chapters, and the rules are introduced gradually. Common mistake: skipping the rulebook and trying to improvise – the adventure assumes you know the basic mechanics. Set aside 30–45 minutes to read through the materials before the session.
- 2. Prepare the components: Lay out the map tiles, tokens, and dice. The adventure uses a few map tiles at a time, so you can set up only the ones for Chapter 1. Check that you have enough pencils and erasers for each player. Common mistake: dumping all map tiles on the table at once, which can overwhelm new players. Keep unused components in the box and reveal them as the adventure progresses.
- 3. Guide character creation: Distribute the pre-generated character sheets included in the box. Each sheet has a full character with stats, skills, and a backstory. Let players choose which one appeals to them. Common mistake: letting players create characters from scratch – the starter set is designed to use the pre-gens for a balanced first experience. If someone wants to customize, let them pick a pre-gen and change only the name or a single skill point.
- 4. Run the opening scene: Read the opening text aloud and describe the scene. The adventure tells you what to say and when to ask for skill checks. Let players describe their characters' actions. Common mistake: rushing through the narrative to get to the combat – the horror atmosphere relies on pacing and description. Pause after each scene to ask players what their characters do, even if the adventure doesn't explicitly prompt you.
- 5. Manage skill checks and combat: When a player attempts a risky action, ask for the relevant skill check (e.g., Stealth, Lore). The difficulty is listed in the adventure. For combat, use the simple opposed roll system. Common mistake: forgetting to apply bonuses from equipment or character abilities – always double-check the character sheet. Keep a reference card handy for the core rules; the starter set includes one.
- 6. End the session at a natural pause point: The adventure is split into chapters. Aim to finish Chapter 1 or 2 in your first session. Note which map tiles are in play and any unresolved clues. Common mistake: trying to finish the entire adventure in one sitting, which can lead to fatigue and rushed decisions. Take a photo of the map layout and make a note of each character's current health and sanity for next time.
Product details
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Arkham Horror RPG Starter Set - Hungering Abyss: The Hungering Abyss is an all-in-one starter set designed for up to 6 players (5 players + 1 game master) aged 14 and older, featuring a learn-as-you-play adventure. This means you can open the box and start playing immediately without needing the core rulebook or any other expansion, making it ideal for newcomers to the Arkham Horror RPG.
Arkham Horror RPG Starter Set - Hungering Abyss
