AN INDEPENDENT FIELD GUIDE TO MINALIMA’S BOARD GAME EST. 2026
✧THE DEFENDERSF I E L D   G U I D EOfficial rulebook ↗
RULES & COMMON QUESTIONS

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Short answers. Sources attached. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.

11 questions

Is Defenders of Hogwarts a video game or an RPG?+

It is a physical board game. “Harry Potter Defenders RPG game” is wording used in online coverage; the official campaign presents it as a board game. Official description ↗

Where can I check player count and play time?+

The publisher’s rulebook lists 2–5 players, about 90 minutes and ages 13+. In a two-player game, one player takes a House and the other takes Dark Arts. Return to the introduction →

Does someone have to play Dark Arts?+

Yes. One player must take that role. Rulebook · p.8 ↗

Who takes the first turn?+

The House Player left of Dark Arts starts; play continues clockwise. Rulebook · p.10 ↗

What happens when I Replenish?+

House players discard any number, draw to five, revive and advance Dark Arts once. Dark Arts revives and draws to five without an optional discard. Read the Replenish guide →

How does the Dark Arts player win?+

Collect all three Dark Arts Progress Tokens and gather the required one, two or three pawns at the assigned location simultaneously. Read the victory overview →

Where is the setup diagram?+

Open the publisher’s diagrams directly. Our first-game checklist helps you work through them in order. Open setup references →

Is the Kickstarter edition in English?+

Yes. The official FAQ describes the Kickstarter launch as English-only, with translated editions planned later. Official FAQ ↗

Is the retail base game different?+

The official FAQ says the same base game reaches retail. Campaign tiers can include exclusive extras and different pricing. Edition comparison ↗

Does an October estimate mean my copy has shipped?+

No. An estimated delivery month is not an individual dispatch confirmation. Check your order communication and the campaign’s updates. Campaign delivery estimates ↗

Have you personally reviewed the game?+

No. This site provides source-based guides and clearly marked editorial advice. We do not publish a hands-on score. Read our editorial approach →