Let’s Play: Frostgrave – Solo Battle Report (2nd Edition) #FrostgraveWeekOTT
December 23, 2020 by dignity
Gerry leads Justin through a Solo Battle Report of Frostgrave 2nd Edition showcasing the Perilous Dark Solo Rules that are available for the game from Osprey Games.
Frostgrave Books - Frostgrave Miniatures - Frostgrave Terrain
Will Justin be able to explore Felstad's graveyards and make it out with the treasure or will be become just another of its new residents! Find out with us!
Comment To Win A Frostgrave Bundle
We will be picking winners from three of our communities: YouTube, OnTableTop & from our Cult Of Games Members.
- Frostgrave 2nd Edition Rulebook + The Red King Expansion + Cultist Plastic Box (Cult Of Games)
- Frostgrave 2nd Edition Rulebook + The Red King Expansion + Barbarian Plastic Box (YouTube)
- Frostgrave 2nd Edition Rulebook + The Red King Expansion + Soldiers I Plastic Box (OnTableTop)
Are you going to be having a go at Frostgrave using the Solo Rules?
![Warcradle Studios Reveal TINY New 10mm Festive Marker! [Updated]](https://images.beastsofwar.com/2025/11/christmas-kyle-main-600-338.jpg)
How to get more views: Change the title to “Gerry watches Justin playing with himself and tells him how to do it”
That is a great looking table.
Perilous Dark – Great name for a rule set ?great watch for a quiet night guys
Frostgrave is one of my favorite game…have never tried the solo rules so that might be something to do over the holiday weekend ?
Highly recommended! Joe also made Rangers of Shadow Deep based on the same solo/coop engine.
Oh. Solo mode as well.
I didn’t know it had that.
Very cool. Looks even more appealing now.
Solo rocks, never have to wait for people to play
Plays very similar to Rangers of Shadowdeep, but that’s not surprising given the same author.
Some coop games work better as solo. There’s no debating what to do as you have a unified plan… that may, or may not work. Eldritch Horror and Elder Sign by FFG are two prime examples of that… and Rangers of Shadowdeep of course.
Solo rules sound like a neat idea. Been bitten by the 15mm bug recently and tempted to try doing Frostgrave in 15mm, so having solo rules means that I could do that without having to worry about trying to coax others in my local gaming group to try giving 15mm a go. 😉
That is such a good idea.
Upgrade spell..more xp. Going forward.
yeah, that’s my idea too.
the more spells you can cast (or fail) the more xp you get without having to enter combat directly.
And as the wookie says : a wizard in combat has failed already
I’d be tempted to say any apprentice caught in combat is going to be replaced by a smarter one ‘real soon’ 😀
Its a nice layout for a Solo game. But how many 19 and 20th did Gerry roll? A skeleton killing two warriors in one round is harsh
They should have shelled out for the good stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ-A5Ec-Ybs
Way to come back out of Frostgrave alive!
My vote for the level up is to improve whichever spell you consider primary. But then I haven’t played so take that for what it’s worth 🙂
solo rules are always a good thing, especially now
But where is Han Solo?
Is this even Legion?
So tired…
Could this rule set be re skinned for Star Wars?
Jedi and Padawan as wizard and apprentice with smugglers/bounty hunters/troopers as thieves thugs and warriors?
Star Frost – With lightsabers and lasers!
Maybe check out Stargrave in April, that would probably work better.
I’m a great fan of playing miniatures games solo or coop. Fortunatley there are a lot more games around these days with that option and with a bit of brain work, their solo rules can be adapted and used for games that weren’t originally geared to play solo.
As Pagan says, Rangers plays really well- one to look for if you’ve already tried it.
Love that table, the work invested has really paid off.
Level 1: Improve my best/most frequently used Offensive spell. Not only does it make things more likely to work for both Wizard and Apprentice when casting, but every time that spell is cast successfully it’s +10 XP toward your next level.
Poor Justin. The dice Gods were not on his side.
Better luck next time.
Would it be better to Mob an area with your wizard and apprentice moving very close together and taking six bodies with you? Maybe covering with the archers
Im at work but I’m definitely watching this later
The version 2 rules seem to have leaned on the experience had with writing Ghost Archipelago (The freebee dross and paying for specialists) and Rangers of Shadow Deep (with the solo play) and tightened up the game greatly. The scenarios look great. Looking forward to getting a game of this played.
Good to see Solo rules being used – an interesting game
Great job.
Since the current situation am happy to see this can be played solo.
Cheers and Marry Christmas!
trying to win the prize, do post on the unofficial hobby hangout count?
Nope, Pundancer’s madness is not connected. This post here is fine though
Definitely going to give this a try. Also, i want a table like that !
I’m sorting my place out late into the night to make it all clean and Christmassy whilst listening to this and what i mostly heard was ‘Wraith’. Anyway, i like what i’m hearing. I’d be interested to know what experience can be spent on throughout the campaign. Does it go a bit D&D or is the Wizard and his troop always in danger from a Wraith no matter how experienced they get?
Because it’s d20 based and swingy monsters can always give you a rough going over if you’re unfortunate enough. You’ll never get to a stage where you can watch things bounce off a high level wizard
getting those chances in. I am liking the Kromlech stuff.
It’s great to see you can play solo! probably also coop then?
Yes. We have a plan for a co-op game in the new year. It may take some tweaking though.
There are basic cooperative rules for 2 players where you take your wizard and 4 soldiers so combined you make a full warband
I really need to try out solo mode for Frostgrave. I have Perilious Dark, but I’ve only skimmed through so far.
What’s this John hasn’t painted the figures yet!!
enjoying someone learning the game
Look… people playing a game. Sniff, so happy
Idea/ Question could you cross game play,say take your rangers from Rangers of shadow deep, say they are in search for a wizard to help in ROSD could this work????
Nice, more and more cool stuff ?????
Solo is all a lot of us can do these days.
Nice game lol how to almost lose it all in solo
Really enjoyed watching Justin play with himself for an hour or so. Leveling up too. What a treat.
Great video once again guys.
That terrain has come up lovely on the table. I’ve never actually played a solo game before, it’s definitely going to be an option from here on out.
Very nice.
Love me some Frostgrave. Great game.
This was very informative I enjoy the solo play idea especially these days
I’ve wanted to try Frostgrave for a while. The solo rules will make that a lot easier.
Nice to see some Frostgrave content (BoW hasn’t really covered it before in any large manner), but for solo play I’d recommend Joe’s other game Rangers of Shadow Deep (uses a lot of the minis you’d use in Frostgrave anyway). It’s not as easy to get hold off (either Print on Demand from Drivethrough RPG for the main book and expansions), or Modiphius did a very nice Hardback edition (not sure if this is still in stock as Northstar are currently sold out and Modiphius doesn’t show stock levels).
RoSD uses pretty much the same mechanics, so if solo gaming is more your focus take a look at that. Frostgrave (in my opinion) works best as a multi-player game (either PvP or co-op if bad beasties are on table, until it’s dead that is 😀 ).
I DO really like all the minis that Northstar have released for both RoSD and FG, particularly the metal minis (take a look at Nick’s webstore). You can make everything from the plastics with a little kitbashing, but the metals just have that certain “something” that a mono-pose sculpt brings to the table (vs the rather static poses you get with multi-part plastics).
Upgrade spells. Seems to be the most important thing at the beginning. I’ll have to read up on Frostgrave, I’ve been prepping for Rangers of Shadow Deep because I thought only a few scenarios were solo-friendly in Frostgrave. Although I could always run two Frostgrave bands.
I just got the book, did not have time to read through, so not sure which wizard to pick. But by watching this slaughter I guess Necromancer would be a good choice so that he can bring back all those killed thugs 🙂
perhaps even control those deadly skeletons running around.
The Kromlech Frostgrave turned out pretty great and it was a fine, fine playthrough. I play Rangers with my son on Tabletop Simulator, but have never played Frostgrave. The solo play is very helpful if I want to teach it to my pint-sized gaming group, to have some cooperative play for the little vandals. Thanks
Looks like and entertaining single player system. Wondering which to get this or Rangers……
I didn’t realise how similar to Rangers of Shadowdeep the rule mechanics were. No surprise really I suppose. Thanks for the vid guys!
Solo rules look great will have to get a copy of second addition.
Looks very interesting.
Never tried playing Frostgrave solo, max give it a go
I never thought I would enjoy watching an hour long video on how to play with yourself… I definitely have to try Frostgrave !
Think this is th only way im going to get a forstgrave game anytime soon. Thanks for the lets play it helps learn the game watching others play.
Cracking stuff. Great little scenario and a splendid looking table.
Can you improve cast ability for all spells, or just improve individual spells?
I’d improve something like Elemental Ball or whatever it was. If you can improve success rate for both Wizard and casters, surely that’s better? Leave fight attributes to the items…
individual spells, so each level only makes it one better, but because the Acolyte is based off the wizard it also improves their chance to cast.
XP is capped at 300 per scenario, so you could possibly bump several in one session but you’re not allowed to dump them all into the same category at the same time so it levels it out
I didnt realise you play Frostgrave solo, I must have been living under a rock. Table looks great, what mat is that?
Great giveaway guys played a lot of frost grace first edition and archipelago. Love to show the kids second edition ?
looks like a great game
Nice run through there team. I like the “one roll” for combat and damage, seems streamlined.
XP seems to be greatest for successful spells, so levelling up the ease at which you can cast would be the route I would go.
The game looks very fun, but Justin can’t win a role to save his Wizards team. lol
Nice solo rules. Need to get version 2
Solo play looks pretty fun! I’m gonna have to give this a try!
Nice playthrough and nice looking scenery. Interesting choice of colours for the buildings; good to see something different than the usual grey, stone buildings in the snow.
I do agree with Justin, there’s nothing wrong with playing with yourself.
Every video I watch on Frostgrave is making me more and more intrigued by it.
Particularly when something has an ability for solo or co op play. It just gives a lot more opportunity to get stuck in.
Just need to figure out whether I can really start another war game..
Rule 1 for Frostgrave: Always bring some kind of healing
Rule 2 for Frostgrave: Have a plan to deal magic damage.
And a reminder for Justin (probably way too late): You can only give soldiers equipment of the same sort they’re already using. So a Thug (having an ordinary hand weapon) can’t wield a magic two-handed weapon. Have your wizard do it, if you don’t have any soldiers carrying big things.
Rule 1 for Frostgrave: Always bring some kind of healing
Rule 2 for Frostgrave: Have a plan to deal magic damage.
And a reminder for Justin (probably way too late): You can only give soldiers equipment of the same sort they’re already using. So a Thug (having an ordinary hand weapon) can’t wield a magic two-handed weapon. Have your wizard do it, if you don’t have any soldiers carrying big things. (Then again, there is no such thing as “disengage” either, you’re stuck in combat until you win and manage to run away)
Also, raising Fight is always a good idea. Helps both when some hoodlum tries to mug you, and when some cheeky bastard takes a shot. Health is another good contender, since it can be sacrificed to get away a spell when you roll “almost”
Interesting Video, I own the 1st edition books but have never played a game. After watching the first 15 minutes of the game, I too thought it was too easy and that Justin would just walk away with the win. BOOOOOOOM on come the zombies, Wraiths and even an undead troll and down goes Justin’s thugs and thieves. The 2nd half of the game, very impressive and enjoying the rules much more now!
Thanks for the lets play! Such an awesome game and system.
Gerry is definitely the high-roler here, lol. Poor Justin.
Give +1 to spellcasting, man!
Love the solo aspect of Frostgrave.
Justin just has no luck with the dice. Or should it be that Gerry has more luck with dice? 😀
perfect. i will be taking time out and playing this solo on boxing day
a great game video guys.
Solo play is great for games like this… helps when you only have a few people to play against to keep things fresh
how much work / sets went into all that scenery?
took a solid two weeks to build, clean and paint it all. It was one set of city ruins, the Silent Tower, Haunted Houses and Cemetery and then two of each of the three resin sets they do. It filled a 6 x 4, you only need a 3 x 3 to play. There is a Vlog up about it
this is a great way to learn how to play the game
Will have to give solo mode a try
Once again, you’ve peaked my interest. Times like these solo rules are perhaps ah must!
What do you mean “solo rules?”
I’ll have you know I play every miniatures game solo from time to time!
class table
Well that was an excellent lets play to watch over Xmas Dinner Gerry really is a silent member of our club in when he is playing for himself roles low, but roles high for monsters. Think I’m with Gerry and would have gone for another spell for wizard, as does that not mean the apprentice gets it?
Fight my chilly friends, fight
Would love to get into this game. Once I heard you can play as a necromancer. I was in like Flynn. Love a good necromancer!
Solo rules and isolation, time to break out my terrain and minis. I might even get a game in over the Winter break. Seems appropriate.
Thats was a good introduction to the game and enjoyable to watch.
I’d lean into improving the money-making, saves-the-day spells. Push down the target number for the Fleet Feet spell.
Any game with solo rules is a plus in my book.
Wish the troll had turned up sooner! Intrigued by the solo mode, think I’m now officially sold!
great looking game
Wow there is solo rules? Awesome!
great watch for when we re having a shit TV schedule over xmas. its bad enough with covid forced isolation and 2020 as a whole now even the TV sucker punches us.
I tried the Withering fumes scenario a few times with a soothsayer. Bad combo, the scenario was so difficult haha. Could just be my rotten luck though
interesting. so the way to go is solo but face to face just seems more realistic and social. solo rules seems to be lacking either in logic or strategy so something is amiss.
Solo mode looks good.
Hmm, never really looked much into this game before, but it sure is tempting me now that I see more of it!
This scenario is (perhaps unsurprisingly) very similar to the first scenario from Rangers of Shadow Deep. If people think that this looks interesting, and they haven’t checked out Rangers yet, they definitely should.
what a joyous moment when Justin finally clicked how the combat rolls worked 🙂
I’m surprised that more games companies haven’t released solo play rules this year.
This looks fun. I like how the combat results are decided on one opposed roll, instead of having to roll multiple times. It makes the game run quite quickly.
To answer Justin’s question: For a first Wizard level up I would probably improve my spellcasting. Focus on what you (should be) good at.
I’m sure a wizard schooled in Queensbury rules is going to work out fine!
Thanks for showing the solo play version guys
Tried solo rules for a few systems over this lockdown. Definitely have to give this one a go.
Love the solo aspect. Can’t wait until Stargrave!
I really like games with Solo rules. Need to get the rules
This game looks cool, and also solo rules for quarantine gaming? Count me in.
Any game you can play solo gets a second look from me, given the ubiquitous level 4 lockdown.
This is the game that will nudge me into creating my first OTT project – most likely terrain building.
Well you succeeded in getting me to buy Perilous Dark
I don’t know when or if I’ll ever get to play this particular game, but that table set up is just inspired.
Just ran the first scenario from The Dark Alchemy campaign. Was good fun.
I didn’t realise that this had a solo play option! Nice looking table and a shame that zombie troll didn’t get onto the board earlier.
Easy to play it solo when you literally have a “living” rulebook next to you ;-P
Quarantine & curfew?
Ah! Bring it on!
Wait, I need the rules 1st.
I’d heard that Frostgrave worked well for Solo play and it seems that the scenarios are interesting and challenging if this playthrough is anything to go by. Thanks.
That terrain looks incredible!
I have been primarily a solitaire wargamer for my entire life. Always on the hunt for new ways to play. I purchased Frostgrave as a possible source of new techniques. Am excited about seeing how the solo rules enhance basic Frostgrave. I love the obvious love and smarts built into the Frostgrave world.
Pretty good game, but Justin did have some bad rolls and Gerry’s rolling of crits was amazing!
Play throughs are always appreciated.
Ah man, solo play has been such a godsend with how the last year turned out
Enjoyed that. Going to have to pick up perilous dark, maybe try and work into my Rangers game.
Nice video!
This is intriguing, I was considering Rangers of Shadow Deep for friends when lockdown lifts but maybe this could work instead (or as well?!)
Oh hey, solo rules. My interest just went up several notches. 🙂