Final Girl Buying Guide: Choose Your First Feature Film

Quick Answer

Start with a Feature Film that matches your favorite horror subgenre and offers a manageable learning curve. If you're unsure, choose one with a well-known killer and a setting you find exciting. Remember, you'll also need the Final Girl Core Box to play any Feature Film.

Diving into the Final Girl series is like picking a horror movie to watch: there's a slasher at a campsite, a terrifying trip into space, and even a deal with the devil. Each Feature Film box introduces a unique killer and setting, but they all share the same core mechanics. That means your first choice should be about atmosphere and theme as much as gameplay.

This guide breaks down what to consider before you buy, how to match a Feature Film to your tastes, and what to grab next. We'll also look at how miniatures can enhance your sessions without breaking the bank.

Understand the Final Girl Series Structure

The Final Girl series is a line of solo horror board games where you play as a heroine trying to survive and defeat a killer. Each 'Feature Film' box is a scenario pack that requires the Core Box to play. The Core Box contains the basic rules, dice, tokens, and other components you need for any game.

When you're choosing your first Feature Film, you're really choosing your first horror story. Do you want to face a supernatural killer in a haunted location, or a more grounded threat? The theme sets the tone for your experience, so pick one that excites you. The difficulty also varies, but the series is designed to be accessible to newcomers.

• Always own the Core Box before buying a Feature Film.
• Each Feature Film is self-contained in terms of story but uses the same core rules.

Match the Feature Film to Your Horror Preferences

The Final Girl series covers a range of horror subgenres. For example, Final Girl: Hell to Pay drops you into a shifting hellscape with a killer named Razorface who draws power from your character's afflictions. This one leans into psychological horror and a sense of inescapable dread.

If you prefer a more classic slasher vibe, you might look for a Feature Film with a traditional setting. The point is to pick a theme that you find genuinely frightening or fun. When you're invested in the story, the mechanics feel more immersive.

• Think about which horror movies you enjoy most: supernatural, psychological, or home invasion.
• Read the back of the box to get a feel for the killer's personality and the setting.

Consider the Role of Miniatures

The base game uses standees, but many players enjoy upgrading to miniatures for a more tactile experience. Miniature packs are available for specific Feature Films, such as Final Girl: Hell to Pay Miniatures, which includes a killer miniature, two Final Girl miniatures, and a vehicle miniature.

You can also buy a series pack that covers multiple films. For instance, Final Girl: Miniatures Box Series 3 includes minis for several Feature Films, including Hell to Pay. This is a cost-effective way to enhance multiple games at once.

Miniatures are purely cosmetic, so they don't affect gameplay. If you're on a budget, you can skip them and still have a great time. But if you enjoy painting or displaying your games, they add a lot of value.

• Miniature packs are optional and don't change the rules.
• Series packs can be cheaper than buying individual sets if you own several Feature Films.

Decision Rules for Your First Feature Film

• Theme First: Choose the Feature Film whose setting and killer you find most compelling. You'll play multiple times, so you want a story you enjoy revisiting. Pick the film that feels like your favorite horror movie.
• Check the Core Box Requirement: Every Feature Film requires the Final Girl Core Box. If you don't own it yet, add it to your cart first. Don't buy a Feature Film without the Core Box.
• Decide on Miniatures: Miniatures are optional. If you want them, buy the specific pack for your film or a series pack if you plan to expand. Miniatures enhance the experience but aren't necessary to play.

Feature Film and Miniature Options

• Final Girl: Hell to Pay: This Feature Film box is not playable by itself and requires the Core Box. Razorface is a killer that draws power from your 'afflictions.' If you're drawn to a personal, psychological horror story, this film offers a unique challenge that forces you to manage your character's flaws.
• Final Girl: Hell to Pay Miniatures: Enhance your games of Hell to Pay with 4 high quality miniatures. Includes 1 Killer Miniature, 2 Final Girl Miniatures, and 1 Vehicle Miniature. If you already own Hell to Pay and want to upgrade from standees, this pack gives you exactly what you need for that film.
• Final Girl: Miniatures Box Series 3: Includes miniatures for the Final Girls and Killers found in Final Girl: The Killer from Tomorrow, Hell to Pay, The Falconwood Files, The Marrek Murders, Don't Make a Sound, and Terror From Destiny. If you plan to own multiple Feature Films, this series pack offers better value than buying separate miniature sets for each film.

Who Should Buy What

Best for

• Players who love psychological horror and character-driven stories
• Solo board gamers looking for a deep, thematic experience

Not for

• Players who prefer cooperative or competitive multiplayer games
• Those who don't want to buy the Core Box and a Feature Film to start

Choosing your first Final Girl Feature Film is all about matching the story to your taste. Start with the Core Box, pick a film that excites you, and consider miniatures only if they add to your fun. With the right pick, you'll be set for many tense, thrilling solo sessions.