The (Forbidden) Stars Align In Chaosium's Old Ones Origins Boardgame

Chaosium has announced Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones Origins, a new asymmetric strategy board game that will bring the cosmic horrors of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos to the tabletop when it launches on Gamefound.

Designed by Samuel W. Bailey, one of the original designers behind the critically acclaimed Forbidden Stars, Old Ones Origins is a strategy game for two to four players in which each player commands a faction devoted to one of the legendary Great Old Ones. Rather than controlling investigators struggling to survive impossible odds, players take on the role of the Mythos' most terrifying powers as they battle for supremacy at the dawn of time.

Each faction offers its own unique units, abilities and strategic approach, encouraging players to master different playstyles while adapting to the ever-changing battlefield. Victory depends on careful planning, tactical manoeuvring and making the most of each faction's distinctive strengths.

While set firmly within the Call of Cthulhu universe, Old Ones Origins is described as an enhanced reimplementation of Forbidden Stars. Originally released in 2015, Forbidden Stars earned Golden Geek Award nominations for both Best Strategy Board Game and Best Thematic Board Game, becoming highly regarded for its combination of deep strategic gameplay and asymmetric faction design.

Players will command armies dedicated to legendary entities from the Mythos, fielding highly detailed miniatures ranging from faction-specific troops to towering avatars representing the Old Ones themselves.

The game was showcased during Gamefound Summer Feast 2026, and its Gamefound campaign page is now live for followers. Fans who sign up ahead of launch will receive exclusive previews, campaign updates and development news. Chaosium has also confirmed that supporters who both follow the campaign before launch and back the project during the crowdfunding campaign will unlock a Gamefound-exclusive Conflict Marker miniature.

Samuel W. Bailey says the project gave him the opportunity to revisit ideas first explored during the development of Forbidden Stars.

"With Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones Origins, I can't wait for players to wage war as eldritch gods. After working on Forbidden Stars, I wanted to take what I learned and apply it to a new tabletop game. I'm excited for players around the world to explore its factions, strategies, and the Cthulhu Mythos setting."

No launch date for the Gamefound campaign has yet been announced, but interested players can already follow the project to receive updates and secure the exclusive campaign rewards once crowdfunding begins.

Images courtesy of Chaosium