Fury of Dracula 5th Edition: What's New and Is It Worth Buying?
Fury of Dracula 5th Edition is the 2026 Avalon Hill release of the 1987 hidden-movement classic for 2 to 5 players, and it costs $69.95 AUD at Hobby Collectors Australia. It keeps the rules of the third and fourth editions and adds Jonathan Harker as a playable hunter, a quick-play variant and fully new artwork.
By the team at Hobby Collectors Australia, Fairfield NSW. Last updated 14 October 2026.
Our take: this is a game for a group that wants one long, tense night rather than a quick filler. One player becomes the Count, everyone else hunts him, and the best moments come from someone guessing wrong at exactly the wrong time. If that sounds like your table, read on for how the five editions compare and what the new one actually changes.
What is Fury of Dracula?
Fury of Dracula is a one-versus-many deduction game based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, Dracula. One player secretly moves Dracula around a map of Europe, leaving a trail of hidden locations and encounters. Up to four other players are hunters who share information, plan routes and try to corner him.
Dracula wins by pushing his influence track to space 13, which he does by creating new vampires and beating the hunters. The hunters win by finding and destroying him first. Turns are split into day and night phases, and the hunters get two actions each round, so every route you pick costs you something.
How has Fury of Dracula changed across its five editions?
Fury of Dracula has been through five editions in under 40 years, with four different publishers. The core idea, a hidden Dracula against a team of hunters, has stayed the same since the original.
| Edition | Year | Publisher | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1987 | Games Workshop | Original design by Stephen Hand, published as The Fury of Dracula for 2 to 4 players (Dracula plus up to three hunters), with plastic figures. A limited edition with metal miniatures was also made. |
| 2nd | 2006 | Fantasy Flight Games | Title drops "The". Mina Harker is added as a fourth hunter, and the player count rises to 2 to 5. Rules were revised. |
| 3rd | 2015 | Fantasy Flight Games | New artwork and rules that were streamlined to feel more intuitive and thematic. |
| 4th | 2019 | WizKids | Picked up by WizKids after Fantasy Flight's licence with Games Workshop ended in 2017. Core gameplay stayed consistent with the third edition. |
| 5th | 2026 | Avalon Hill (Hasbro) | Same core gameplay as the third and fourth editions, plus Jonathan Harker as a hunter, a quick-play variant and updated art. |
In short, the biggest rules shifts happened between the first and third editions. From the third edition on, the changes have been about presentation, access and roster rather than a rebuild of the game.
What's new in Fury of Dracula Fifth Edition?
- Jonathan Harker is a playable hunter. He joins Mina Harker, Van Helsing, Lord Godalming and Dr John Seward, so the hunter roster grows from four to five. One review (Everything Edinburgh) notes that Harker was previously an ally card rather than a character you could play, and that he deals extra damage when he strikes Dracula.
- A quick-play variant. This is a faster way to play, which is useful for a first game or a shorter session.
- All-new artwork. The board, cards and components all have new illustrations.
- The same proven rules. The publisher says core gameplay is consistent with the third and fourth editions, so rules knowledge carries over.
What's in the Fury of Dracula Fifth Edition box?
- Game board and a reference map
- 6 character sheets
- 6 detailed figures (Count Dracula and five hunters)
- 245 game cards
- 86 cardboard tokens
- A How to Play guide and a Rules Reference
Nothing else is needed to play. Card sleeves are optional if you want to protect the cards, and we stock TCG accessories if you do.
Is the Fifth Edition worth buying if you already own an older edition?
If you own the third or fourth edition
The core gameplay is the same, so this is an upgrade in presentation and options rather than a new game. Buy it if you want Jonathan Harker as a hunter, the quick-play variant and the new art. If your current copy plays well and you're happy with it, you won't be missing a rules overhaul.
If you own the first or second edition
The rules have changed more over that gap than they have since 2015, so the Fifth Edition will feel noticeably more streamlined. If you're attached to the original figures and feel, keep your copy and treat this as a modern table-ready version.
If you've never owned Fury of Dracula
This is the easiest edition to start with. The Fifth Edition is the current edition, and it comes with a How to Play guide and a quicker mode for newcomers.
How long does Fury of Dracula take, and who is it for?
Fury of Dracula plays 2 to 5 players, is rated ages 14 and up, and runs about 2 to 3 hours for a standard game. The quick-play variant is the way to shorten that when you're teaching new players.
It suits groups who enjoy hidden-movement and deduction games like Scotland Yard, and people who like a one-against-the-table dynamic. It's less suited to a casual drop-in night, since the game rewards a group that sticks with it for the full session. If you're still working out what kind of board game suits your group, our board game starter guide sorts games by group size and vibe.
Looking for more horror on the table afterwards? Try Betrayal at House on the Hill (3rd Edition), or for a mystery you solve with physical evidence, see our guide to Hunt A Killer: Lakeside Slaughter.
When can you come in and try Fury of Dracula?
A full game takes 2 to 3 hours, so pick a session with room to finish. We're open Monday to Friday 2pm to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Our suggested time for a long game is Sunday from 11am: you can play right through to the 5pm close, and it doesn't clash with our Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday card events. Message us on Discord beforehand so we can have a copy ready to go.
Where can you buy Fury of Dracula in Fairfield and Western Sydney?
Fury of Dracula (Fifth Edition) (2026) – Avalon Hill Board Game is $69.95 AUD. It's brand new and factory sealed, ships Australia-wide, and can be picked up from our Fairfield store.
We're a physical hobby store in Western Sydney, so you can come in and ask us about the game before you buy. Check our events page and join our Discord to see what's on in store. You can also browse the full board games collection or the 2+ player games.
Fury of Dracula FAQ
What's new in Fury of Dracula Fifth Edition?
The Fifth Edition adds Jonathan Harker as a playable hunter, a quick-play variant and new artwork. Core gameplay is the same as the third and fourth editions.
Is the Fifth Edition different from the Third and Fourth Editions?
The rules are consistent with the third and fourth editions, so it is mainly an upgrade in presentation, roster and options. The new hunter, the quick-play variant and the new art are the main differences.
How many players and how long does Fury of Dracula take?
Fury of Dracula plays 2 to 5 players, is rated ages 14 and up, and takes about 2 to 3 hours. One player is Dracula and up to four players are hunters.
Is Fury of Dracula good for beginners?
It can be, with the right group. The box includes a How to Play guide, and the Fifth Edition adds a quick-play variant for newer players. It is a long game rated 14 and up, so it works best for players comfortable with deduction and hidden-movement games.
Is Fury of Dracula based on the novel Dracula?
Yes. The game is inspired by Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, and it features characters from the story including Mina Harker, Van Helsing, Lord Godalming, Dr John Seward and Jonathan Harker.
Where can I buy Fury of Dracula in Australia?
Hobby Collectors Australia stocks Fury of Dracula (Fifth Edition) for $69.95 AUD. We ship Australia-wide, and you can pick it up from our store in Fairfield, NSW.
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Hobby Collectors Australia
Shop 2, 20–26 Ware St, Fairfield NSW 2165
Monday to Friday 2pm–9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am–5pm, closed public holidays
Email: info@hobbycollectorsaustralia.com.au
Discord: discord.gg/cBu6CN8R9a