Grimcoven Heads to Retail

If you missed the Gamefound campaign for Awaken Realms’ latest boss-battler, Grimcoven, and have been watching with envy as backers receive their massive boxes this month, we have good news. You won’t have to wait much longer to join the pact.

Reports confirm that Grimcoven is officially heading to retail channels in Q1 2026, with major distributors like Asmodee listing a street date as early as January 30, 2026 for North America.

Here is everything you need to know before you buy.

What is Grimcoven?

Described as a “tactical boss battler set in a dark Victorian universe,” Grimcoven is a cooperative game for 1-4 players that focuses on modular boss fights rather than a long, sprawling campaign.

• The Vibe: Think Bloodborne meets high-strategy board gaming. You play as a Hunter who has signed a pact with a Coven to slay beasts.

• The Hook: As you fight, you gather Lament. This fuels your power, letting you level up mid-battle in a roguelike fashion. However, if you absorb too much Lament, you risk succumbing to the corruption and turning into a beast yourself.

• The Gameplay: It uses a smart dice-placement system. You roll dice to move, attack, and activate abilities, but you must coordinate perfectly with your teammates to take down highly intelligent Bosses that react to your every move.

The Retail Release: What to Expect

While Kickstarter/Gamefound backers are currently receiving their “Special Editions,” the retail landscape can be a little different. Here is what you need to watch out for when the game hits your local store shelves in January/February:

1. Check the Edition (Minis vs. Standees)

Awaken Realms typically produces two versions of their games:

• Standard Edition: Uses high-quality cardboard standees for the monsters.

• Special Edition: Includes high-quality plastic miniatures.

Important: Initial retail listings suggest the core box hitting shelves might be the Standard Edition (standees) to keep the price point accessible, with miniatures potentially sold as separate add-on packs or in limited “Special Edition” retail waves. Always check the back of the box before purchasing to ensure you are getting the version you want.

2. Availability

With Asmodee handling distribution in key regions, you should expect to see Grimcoven at major friendly local game stores (FLGS) and large online retailers by late January.

3. Exclusives

Remember that the Gamefound campaign likely included “Crowdfunding Exclusive” expansions or stretch goals (such as specific alternative sculpts or niche expansions) that may not be in the retail core box. However, Awaken Realms is known for releasing a very complete and polished “Core” experience that doesn’t feel like it’s missing parts.

Should You Buy It?

If you love games like Kingdom Death: Monster or Townsfolk Tussle but want something that sets up faster and can be played in a single evening (approx. 90–120 minutes), Grimcoven is a strong contender. The “boss battler” genre is crowded, but the Victorian gothic aesthetic and the “corruption” mechanic give this one a unique tactical edge.

This game is for one to four players, ages 14 and up, and plays in 120 to 180 minutes.  It will retail for $119.99.