In the world of board games, there are titles that not only impress with their clever mechanics, but also with their artistic style. Glow, localized by Strohmann Games, is just such a game – a strategic adventure full of dice, companions and a unique, darkly poetic aesthetic. The Dawn expansion, released in 2025, adds new possibilities, characters and depth to this game. In this article, I will introduce you to both titles and explain why they are absolutely worthwhile for fans of atmospheric games.

Glow – The play of shadows and light

Glow is a connoisseur game for 1 to 4 players (with an expansion for up to 6) that falls somewhere between a dice game, set collection and adventure game. What immediately catches the eye is the unusual design: an almost completely black and white world with graphic accents in a watercolor look. This world has been swallowed up by darkness – and you are one of the adventurers who want to bring back the light.

Each round, you collect companion cards that offer you different bonuses and synergies. You combine these cards with dice results to trigger abilities and make progress on your journey. You have to weigh things up: Do you risk a difficult roll for powerful effects or do you play it safe?

Game mechanics in a nutshell:

• Dice roll at the start of the round
• Drafting companion cards with symbols that match the dice
• Activation of effects through matching dice results
• Travel across landscape maps where you can find bonuses, points or new opportunities

Each adventurer plays slightly differently, which gives the game a pleasant tactical depth despite its easy accessibility. It remains pleasantly fast – a game lasts around 45 minutes.

Dawn – More than just an extension

With the Dawn expansion released in 2025, Strohmann Games is taking the Glow gaming experience to a new level. Although the basic structure remains the same, decisive new elements have been added:

• Three new adventurers (the so-called Dawn Clans) with individual abilities and their own dice. This significantly changes the game style and strategy once again.
• 24 new companion cards, divided into three themed sets. These bring new tactical options, such as butterfly tiles, which provide additional points and combinations.
• Extended player group: Dawn allows games with up to 6 people – ideal for game evenings in larger groups.
• Solo mode: Those who like to play alone can now also embark on a solo adventure – with specially adapted rules.

Dawn not only does “more of the same”, but also changes the dynamics of the game through new synergies and dice distributions. Interaction increases as companions can now exert more influence on other players’ dice, and planning becomes a little more complex – without being too demanding.

Optics & atmosphere: A real work of art

One of Glow’s unique selling points is its visual concept. The combination of an almost monochrome design and sparing, deliberately used color elements creates a unique mood: melancholy, hopeful, magical. You almost feel like you are playing an animated graphic novel.

The Dawn expansion consistently picks up on this design – with new illustrations that subtly reinforce the theme of “dawn” and the return of light.

Our conclusion: For whom is Glow (and Dawn) worthwhile?

If you:

• like atmospheric games with strong artwork,
• like dice mechanics with strategic demands,
• are looking for a flexible game for solo, duo or group rounds,

…then Glow is definitely worth a look. The Dawn expansion is aimed at all those who want even more variety and game depth without the basic game feeling overloaded.

Glow is not a loud game – it whispers. But if you listen (and look) carefully, you will have an impressive gaming experience.