A few weeks ago on XLBS; myself, Ben, John and Gerry was talking about video game experiences that have been translated over to the tabletop. How video gamers like myself would prefer an extension on to the tabletop, rather than a "board game experience" of the same game with physical components.

Soldiers of the Sun Expansion // Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game

One game in mind which Ben mentions which does the universe justice is Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game. Looking to head out to the Hunter's Lodge and take challenge after challenge with volatile enemy machinery, the game brings a challenge to players looking to take down the beasts of Horizon Zero Dawn with tactic, finesse and wit - like the video game however creating a new experience not centred around the journeys of the protagonist, Aloy in the video game series.

Originally on Kickstarter from Steamforged Games, Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game was a huge success. And now that the base game is in retail stores worldwide along with new enemies in the form of expansions. Two new expansions will be heading to our tabletop before the close of the year, expanding to new tribes and new lands to explore the extensive world of Horizon Zero Dawn further on the table.

The Soldiers of the Sun expansion will take players into the lands of Sundom. Although this area may sound warm and serene, players are merely walking out of the frying pan and into the fire. Meeting the new tribespeople, the Carja who have developed and evolved in technology - adding a new style for a hunting ground of new terrain.

Going out on the hunt with the Carja Noble and Carja Rogue, players will be provided with a new set of skills, abilities, weapons and equipment to take on the beasties that reside in the overlit lands of Sundom.

Behemoth // Soldiers of the Sun Expansion

Along with broadheads and Tramplers included in the box, players will get the chance to take on the armour-stacked Behemoth - the biggest transportation machine in the game. These massive mechanical beasts take quite the brute force approach and will knock your hunter off their feet and into the next land if you're not careful.

Forge & Hammer Expansion // Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game

The other expansion coming to the tabletop for Horizon Zero Dawn is The Forge & Hammer expansion, exploring the territory of The Claim, focussing on the Oseram tribe - masters of tinkering and metalwork crafting.

In this expansion, players will get the chance to upgrade their equipment to the max being provided with a new skill of Mixology to take down the new enemies that lurk in this region.

Although there may not be a gargantuan unit in this expansion box, The Forge & Hammer expansion adds new mechanics and a new mix that will breathe fresh life into the game.

Included in the box, players will get the chance to meet Chargers, Lancehorns, Glinthawks and Ravagers.

All expansion boxes come with necessary miniatures as opposed to standees to paint and fill your tabletop with the colour and glory from the game world.

The new major expansions will be headed to our tabletops on December 3rd this year. Perfect for Christmas gifts for those already established hunters that have taken down a Thunderjaw or two!

Will you be headed into the new regions of Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game?