The Hobbit: There and Back Again
The Hobbit: There and Back Again
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| 1 to 4 players | 30 to 120 min | Ages 10+ |
Immerse yourself in the epic world of Middle-earth with this board game inspired by The Hobbit story.
You play as an adventurous Hobbit, accompanied by dwarves and guided by a wizard, ready to make your way from the Shire to the Lonely Mountain, and who knows? Maybe succeed in stealing Smaug's treasure?
Thanks to a dice-rolling mechanic and individual logbook, each game becomes a tactical and narrative race to collect resources, confront goblins, solve riddles, and outwit traps. Fun, immersive, and accessible from age 10, this game will appeal to both families and fantasy enthusiasts.
How to play The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Game Setup
Give each player an adventure sheet or notebook and a dry-erase marker. Take out the dice: five 6-sided dice and one 12-sided die. Place the tokens (resources like bread, sword, pinecone) within reach of all players. Choose a chapter from the gamebook (the game offers several — around 8) to start the adventure. Each player receives their individual notebook opened to the chosen chapter.
Gameplay outline
Players each play individually within the same chapter, in order from the youngest player. The first player rolls allthe dice, then chooses one die from those rolled. Then, the next player chooses from the remaining dice, and so on until allthe dice have been selected. Once all dice are chosen, a new round begins with all dice re-rolled.
With the chosen dice, each player records on their notebook: they draw a path according to the results (movements, turns, obstacles), collect or spend resources for actions, and complete chapter objectives (e.g., connecting locations, avoiding trolls, confronting Smaug...). The adventure notebook has a "map" side for drawing and a "score sheet" side for tallying gains.
Win/Loss Condition
At the end of the chapter (or at the end of the chosen notebook), each player tallies their points based on the resources collected (bread, swords, pine cones), objectives achieved (paths drawn, enemies avoided or defeated), and book bonuses. The player with the most pointsis declared the winner and has made "the most enriching journey" to Mount Solitaire.
If you play solo, you compare your score to a defined threshold or set a personal goal to surpass: successfully beating your own record is the key to replayability.
Our Tips for Winning
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Optimize your throws from the start
From the very first turn, use the 12-sided die to aim for a major long-term objective (resources or a long path), but don't neglect the 6-sided dice: these offer immediate tactical opportunities (turns, small bonuses).
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Prioritize chapter objectives
Before each turn, take a quick look at the objectives listed in your notebook for this chapter: some will yield a lot if you manage to accomplish them early. Plotting the path to these objectives from the start helps limit resource waste.
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Effectively manage your resources (bread, swords, pine cones)
These tokens aren't just for show: resources can be spent to modify or re-orient your routes, avoid obstacles, or gain bonuses. Don't hoard them unnecessarily—it's better to spend them when the advantage is clear.
FAQ - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Complete Guide
Can you play just one chapter or do you have to follow the campaign?
Yes, you can play a single chapter in isolation: each chapter is designed as a unique and replayable adventure. However, following the 8 chapters in order provides a narrative experience.
Can the game be played solo?
Absolutely: the game offers a solo mode in which you play alone against a score objective. Ideal for training or enjoying the adventure solo.
Are the theme and illustrations suitable for children?
Yes, from 10 years old. The theme is the magical universe of Tolkien, but presented in an accessible and fun way. The illustrations, especially those by Lorenzo Colangeli, are clear, charming, and without excessive violence.
What is the average game length?
Generally between 30 and 60 minutes per chapter. This depends on the number of players (1-4) and how quickly you play.