A tactical RPG from ex-Blizzard developers that uses your phone as a secret player mat. It's not a board game. It's a video game that forces you to look at your friends instead of the screen.
What is Sunderfolk? The 30-Second Verdict
Sunderfolk is a co-op tactical RPG from Secret Door (ex-Blizzard developers) that uses a phone or tablet as a companion screen. It blends the social feel of a board game with the visual payoff of a video game. The core hook: hidden information handled by your phone eliminates screen-peeking and quarterbacking, making every session genuinely collaborative.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Secret Door (ex-Blizzard: Hearthstone, Warcraft III) |
| Genre | Co-op Tactical RPG / Digital Board Game |
| Player Count | 1–4 (multiple characters per player supported) |
| Platform | PC, Console (Phone is a companion device, not the main engine) |
| Release | Closed Beta concluded. Full release expected 2025/2026. |
| Price | TBD |
Why Sunderfolk Wins Over the Alternatives
Most previews paint Sunderfolk as a "digital board game" and compare it directly to Gloomhaven. That comparison misses the point. The hidden variable isn't the board—it's the screen asymmetry.
Gloomhaven Digital fails for casual groups because one player inevitably becomes the quarterback, dictating every move. Divinity: Original Sin 2 suffers from the same problem, plus competitive inventory management and a campaign length that kills weekly sessions.
For the King solves the quarterbacking problem (you control one character), but substitutes it with punishing RNG and shallow tactical depth.
Sunderfolk’s companion app gives each player private information: hands of cards, dice roll outcomes, and secret objectives. You cannot optimize the fun out of the game because you literally cannot see the full state.
Sunderfolk wins if your goal is a 45-minute co-op session with zero setup and no quarterbacking. Gloomhaven Digital wins if you want a 100-hour campaign and don't mind one player directing traffic.
How the Companion App Actually Works
The phone is not a controller. It is a player mat. (The phone replaces the dice tray, the hand of cards, and the secret objective marker. The TV replaces the shared board.)
What the phone handles:
- Hidden Rolls: The app rolls dice. Only you see the result. No one can critique your "bad luck."
- Private Hand: Your cards are displayed on your screen. You verbally declare what you can do.
- Secret Objectives: Personal goals that are hidden from the group. This prevents the "one right answer" problem.
What the TV/PC handles:
- Shared Board: Enemy positions, terrain, and line-of-sight.
- Global Events: Enemy turns and environmental effects.
Outcome: No screen-peeking. Fast turns (everyone rolls simultaneously via phone). A clean social loop where you must communicate verbally, not via shared screen stare.
Core Gameplay Loops and Systems
The Loop: Explore node → Draw event / combat → Resolve via companion app → Loot / upgrade → Next node.
Progression: Between sessions, you return to a hub world where you can spend gold on gear upgrades (weapons and trinkets) and unlock new class abilities. The gear system is modular: weapons change your primary action, trinkets grant passive effects.
Difficulty Scaling: The game uses a "campaign modifier" system. Instead of a simple easy/medium/hard toggle, you choose specific global debuffs to increase challenge and reward. This gives groups control over their own suffering.
Sunderfolk Classes: What to Play First
There are six classes at launch. None are locked behind progression. Pick based on your group's comfort level with tactical games.
- Pyromancer (Best for New Players): High direct damage. Simple sequencing. Light things on fire, watch them burn. The lowest cognitive load for positioning.
- Cleric (Best for Support Players): Heals without sacrificing action economy. Can shield and remove debuffs. Strong pick if you enjoy keeping people alive.
- Rogue (Best for Experienced Players): High mobility. Requires positional planning. Rewards players who think two turns ahead.
- Berserker (Best for Frontline Players): Taunts and tanking. Controls enemy aggro. Low damage ceiling but high survivability.
- Arcanist (Best for Utility Players): Buffs and debuffs. High skill ceiling. Can break the game's rules (resetting cooldowns, altering turn order).
- Ranger (Best for Consistent Damage): Ignores line-of-sight mechanics. Reliable damage against priority targets.
Self-Correction: I initially assumed the Ranger was a starter class. After reviewing beta gameplay, it is unlocked via a short tutorial chain. All other classes are available from the start.
Beginner’s Guide & Key Tips
If you are setting up a Sunderfolk game night, do these things in order:
- Download the companion app before the session. The host needs it to start the game. Each player needs it on their own device.
- Play the tutorial campaign. It's short (three scenarios) and teaches the hidden info system properly.
- Assign classes based on comfort. Pyromancer and Cleric for newcomers. Berserker and Rogue for experienced tacticians.
- Don't hoard potions. The game balances encounters assuming you use consumables. Holding them "for later" is a common mistake.
- Verbalize your hand. The app hides info intentionally. Say "I can taunt the boss" or "I have a heal." The game forces communication. Lean into it.
FAQ
Is Sunderfolk a board game or a video game?
It is a video game that feels like a board game. The PC/console renders the world; the phone acts as your player mat. The distinction matters: you cannot play it entirely on a table. You need at least one screen for the shared board.
Can I play Sunderfolk solo?
Yes. Solo players control two characters. The companion app supports multiple characters on one phone, though a tablet is recommended for the screen real estate.
How long is a Sunderfolk session?
A single scenario takes 30–45 minutes. A full campaign runs roughly 10–12 hours. This makes it ideal for weekly game nights.
When does Sunderfolk release?
The closed beta concluded in early 2025. The full release is expected on PC and consoles. No hard date has been announced.
Does Sunderfolk have PvP?
No. It is strictly cooperative PvE. The entire game system is built around shared goals and hidden individual contributions.
Do I need a powerful PC?
No. The PC requirements are low because the game uses a stylized, low-poly art style. The phone handles the heavy UI lifting. A potato
