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Defenders GuideHarry Potter Defenders RPG Game, unofficial

An unofficial guide to the MinaLima board game

Harry Potter Defenders RPG Game Guide

Harry Potter: Defenders of Hogwarts is a deck-building board game from MinaLima, the studio behind the Harry Potter film graphics. One player runs the Dark Arts; up to four others play the Hogwarts houses and race to collect two Defence Shields. It is a tabletop game — not a video game, not a TTRPG.

  • 2–5 players
  • 90 min
  • Ages 13+
  • Ships Oct 2026
  • From £58
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Original ink sketch of a castle map with house pawns in the Great Hall and Dark Arts pawns at the gate
The official campaign video from MinaLima. Watch on YouTube (MinaLima Design)

New to the game? Start here

Your Defenders of Hogwarts Journey

  1. 1 Beginner Guide Set up and play your first game step by step, including a sample first turn.
  2. 2 Full Rules Every rule in one place: turns, movement, stunning, items and how each side wins.
  3. 3 Editions & Price The Defender, The Guardian or The Collector — what each costs and when it ships.
  4. 4 Is It Worth It? Who the game suits, its weak spots, and how it compares with Hogwarts Battle.

What is Defenders of Hogwarts?

Defenders of Hogwarts is a board game set during an attack on Hogwarts. One player takes the Dark Arts side and works to help Voldemort's forces infiltrate the castle. Every other player picks a house, moves pawns around a map of the castle, and builds up a deck of cards as the game goes on.

Each house is racing the others: the first to collect two Defence Shields wins. The Dark Arts Player wins by taking three Progress Tokens and landing pawns on a secret location. Every time a house refills its hand, the Dark Arts clock moves forward.

PublisherMinaLima
DesignerDavid Waterman
Players2–5
Play time90 min
Age13+
ComplexityLight (1.3)
LanguageEnglish
BGG ID471198
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Everything About Defenders of Hogwarts

Defenders of Hogwarts Rules

The rulebook in plain English: the two sides, the House Player turn and what a Defence Shield costs.

  • Sides One Dark Arts Player against one to four House Players.
  • Turn Choose Explore, Learn or Replenish, then take free actions.
  • Shield Library Book + Parchment Scroll + Dark Detector or D.A. Coin.
  • Win First house to two shields wins; the Dark Arts has its own goal.

Open the full guide: Defenders of Hogwarts Rules

How to Play Defenders of Hogwarts

A first-game walkthrough for tables opening the box for the first time.

  1. 1 Give the Dark Arts seat to whoever knows the rules best.
  2. 2 Pick houses and lay out the boards, shields and tokens.
  3. 3 Head for two of your three Location Card areas.
  4. 4 Climb the Loyalty Track for the Dark Detector and D.A. Coins.
  5. 5 Replenish only when it is worth moving the Dark Arts clock.

Open the full guide: How to Play Defenders of Hogwarts

Defenders of Hogwarts FAQ

Is Harry Potter: Defenders of Hogwarts an RPG or a video game?

Neither. Defenders of Hogwarts is a physical deck-building board game by MinaLima. There is no game master and no character sheet.

How many players can play Defenders of Hogwarts?

Two to five: one Dark Arts Player and one to four House Players. It plays best with three or more.

How much does Defenders of Hogwarts cost?

£58, £115 or £280 depending on the edition, plus shipping, through the Hive late pledge (as of 13 October 2026).

When does Defenders of Hogwarts ship?

Standard editions are scheduled for October 2026. The Collector's Box follows in March 2027.

Can I buy Defenders of Hogwarts in shops?

Not yet, as of 13 October 2026. A limited release in House of MinaLima stores and Harry Potter Shops is promised for autumn 2026, with game shops in 2027.

Ready to Defend Hogwarts?

Learn the rules before the box arrives, pick the right edition, and order while the late pledge is still open.

Read the rules Order via Hive