CMON Stranger Things Upside Down Board Game Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Stranger Things Upside Down Board Game is a cooperative strategy game where 2 to 4 players take on the roles of the kids from Hawkins, Indiana. The objective is to work together to stop the operatives of the Hawkins National Laboratory and the threats from the Upside Down. Players must clear stacks of tokens before time runs out to save Hawkins.

Image 1.1: The game box for the Stranger Things Upside Down Board Game, featuring characters from the show above and creatures from the Upside Down below.

2. Components

The game includes the following components:

• 11 Highly Detailed Miniatures
• 1 Eleven Tracker
• 2 Patrol Standees
• 2 Plastic Stands
• 1 Double-Sided Game Board
• 6 Character Dashboards
• 1 Rulebook
• 77 Tokens
• 131 Cards
• 4 Fear Trackers

Image 2.1: Miniatures of the main child characters from Stranger Things, including Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas.

Image 2.2: Miniatures of adult characters from Stranger Things, such as Joyce Byers and Chief Hopper.

Image 2.3: Miniatures of creatures from the Upside Down, including the Demogorgon and Demodogs.

Image 2.4: Various game cards, including item cards and character cards, used during gameplay.

3. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your game:

1. Choose a Season: Select either Season 1 or Season 2 and place the corresponding side of the double-sided game board in the center of your play area.
2. Place Character Dashboards: Each player selects a character and takes their corresponding dashboard.
3. Distribute Miniatures: Place the character miniatures on their designated starting locations on the board.
4. Prepare Decks: Shuffle the various card decks (e.g., Action cards, Scene cards, Ally cards, Item cards) and place them in their designated areas on the board or nearby.
5. Arrange Tokens: Place tokens (e.g., Fear tokens, Demogorgon tokens) in their respective areas.
6. Set up Eleven Tracker: Place the Eleven Tracker and Patrol Standees as indicated by the chosen season's rules.

Image 3.1: The game board laid out with various components, including character dashboards, cards, and tokens, ready for play.

4. Gameplay Overview

In Stranger Things: Upside Down, players collaborate to achieve the game's objective, which typically involves rescuing Will Byers and closing portals to the Upside Down. The game progresses through rounds, with players taking turns to perform actions, manage fear, and confront threats. Success depends on strategic planning and effective teamwork.

5. Detailed Rules

5.1 Character Actions

Each character has unique abilities and actions they can perform on their turn. These actions are crucial for moving around Hawkins, collecting items, recruiting allies, and confronting creatures from the Upside Down. Refer to your character dashboard for specific action details.

5.2 Movement

Characters move between locations on the game board. Movement costs action points, and certain locations may have special rules or effects. The double-sided board represents different areas of Hawkins and the Upside Down, each with distinct pathways and challenges.

5.3 Combat and Threats

Players will encounter various threats, including the Demogorgon and Demodogs. Combat is resolved using dice rolls and character abilities. Clearing token stacks is a primary method of dealing with these threats and progressing through the game.

5.4 Fear Track

The Fear Track represents the psychological toll on the characters. Gaining too much fear can lead to negative consequences for the team. Managing fear is a critical aspect of the game's cooperative strategy.

6. Game End

The game ends when players either successfully complete the objectives of the chosen season (e.g., rescuing Will, closing portals) or fail to do so before time runs out or too many negative events occur. The specific win and loss conditions are detailed in the rulebook for each season.

7. Game Variations: Seasons 1 & 2

The game features a double-sided game board, allowing players to experience the events of both Season 1 and Season 2 of Stranger Things. Each season offers unique challenges, objectives, and thematic elements, providing varied gameplay experiences.

8. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your game components:

• Store the game in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep components organized in their designated trays or bags to prevent loss or damage.
• Handle cards and miniatures with care to avoid bending, tearing, or breaking.
• Clean surfaces with a soft, dry cloth if necessary. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

9. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during gameplay:

• Rule Clarification: Refer to the official rulebook for detailed explanations of game mechanics and specific scenarios.
• Missing Components: Check all packaging thoroughly. If components are genuinely missing, contact CMON customer support.
• Gameplay Difficulty: Ensure all rules are being followed correctly. Cooperative games can be challenging; review strategies with your team.

10. Specifications

11. Support

For further assistance, rule clarifications, or inquiries regarding missing components, please visit the official CMON website or contact their customer support. Specific warranty information may be available through the retailer or on the manufacturer's website.