Across the world, ancient evil is stirring. Now, you and your trusted circle of colleagues must travel around the world, working against all odds to keep back the approaching horror. Foul monsters, brutal encounters, and obscure mysteries will force you to your limit and beyond. All the while, you and your fellow investigators must unravel the otherworldy mysteries scattered around the world in order to push back the gathering mayhem that threatens to overwhelm humanity. The end draws close! Do you have the courage to prevent a global destruction?

Eldritch Horror is a co-operative game of terror and adventure in which up to eight players take the roles of globetrotting investigators working to solve mysteries, gather clues, and protect the world from an Ancient One – that is, an elder being intent on destroying our world. Every Ancient One comes with its own unique decks of Mystery and Research cards, which draw you deeper into the lore surrounding each loathsome creature. Discover the true name of Azathoth or fight Cthulhu on the high seas.

While the tasks on these Mystery cards (along with the locations of otherworldly gates, menacing monsters, and helpful clues) will often inform both your travel plans and the dangers you confront, you will find adventure anywhere in the world...even where you least expect it. It is during the Encounter Phase of each turn that players will resolve combat or, alternatively, build their investigators' personal stories by reading an encounter narrative from one of several types of Encounter cards. You might go head to head against a monster in Istanbul or find yourself in a tough spot with the crime syndicate in a major city. Maybe you will embark on an expedition to the Pyramids or research a clue you discover in the unnamed wilderness. You might even find your way through a gate and explore a dimension beyond time and space.

Should you fail an encounter, the cost will be steep. If fortunate, you will merely incur physical or mental trauma. However, you may also be compelled to take a Condition card, which represents a specific injury or restriction gained throughout your journey, such as a Leg Injury or Amnesia. You could find yourself getting in over your head to get assets and receive a Debt condition – or maybe you'll owe a favor to something far more insidious than a debt collector, and enter into a Dark Pact! Whatever your condition, you would be wise to find a resolution quickly; many conditions have a "reckoning effect" which, if triggered, ensure a much more sinister fate.

All the while, the arrival of the Ancient One draws close. Its malign influence is manifested in Eldritch Horror as you draw Mythos Cards, which controls the appearance of otherworldly gates, fearsome monsters, and other ominous elements. Mythos cards keep your investigators under pressure, adding new threats, even as the arrival of the Great Old One draws nearer! Since the investigators draw a new Mythos card each round, they're certain to have their hands full battling foul creatures and following up on strange rumors, even as they work together to solve their three all-important mysteries.

With twelve unique investigators, two hundred-fifty tokens, and over three hundred cards, Eldritch Horror is an epic, world-spanning adventure with each and every game.