# Smash Up: Monster Smash

Smash Up: Monster Smash is a board game for 2 players. It plays in 30–45 minutes and is meant for ages 12 and up. It is rated 7.5 out of 10 by 4 Ludoya reviewers. The cheapest copy in stock is $19.99 (United States).

- **Players:** 2
- **Playing time:** 30–45 minutes
- **Minimum age:** 12+
- **Complexity:** 2.2 out of 5
- **Year published:** 2014
- **Categories:** Fantasy, Humor, Card Game, Zombies, Science Fiction, Mythology
- **Mechanics:** Variable Player Powers, Hand Management, Take That, Area Majority / Influence
- **Ludoya rating:** 7.5 out of 10, from 4 reviews
- **Owned by:** 24 Ludoya players
- **Plays logged on Ludoya:** 1
- **Unique players:** 1

**Designers:** Paul Peterson

**Artists:** Harald Lieske

## Where to buy in United States

| Shop | Price | Link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Miniature Market | 19.99 $ | https://www.miniaturemarket.com/aeg5506.html |
| Gamers Guild AZ | 19.99 $ | https://gamersguildaz.com/products/smash-up-monster-smash |
| Ludifolie | 14.9 € | https://www.ludifolie.com/2892-smash-up-monstres-sacres.html |
| World of Board Games | 265 kr | https://www.worldofboardgames.com/smash-up-science-fiction-double-feature |
| Alphaspel | 299 kr | https://alphaspel.se/491-bradspel/44944-smash-up-monster-smash |

## Expansions

- [Smash Up: The Big Geeky Box](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-the-big-geeky-box)

## Similar games

- [Smash Up: Science Fiction Double Feature](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-science-fiction-double-feature)
- [Smash Up: It's Your Fault!](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-its-your-fault)
- [Smash Up: Awesome Level 9000](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-awesome-level-9000)
- [Smash Up: Big in Japan](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-big-in-japan)
- [Smash Up: That '70s Expansion](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-that-70s-expansion)
- [Smash Up: Pretty Pretty Smash Up](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-pretty-pretty-smash-up)
- [Smash Up: Oops, You Did It Again](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-oops-you-did-it-again)
- [Smash Up: Cease and Desist](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-cease-and-desist)
- [Smash Up: What Were We Thinking?](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-what-were-we-thinking)
- [Smash Up: Disney Edition](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-disney-edition)
- [Smash Up: Marvel](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-marvel)
- [Disney Villainous: Wicked to the Core](https://www.ludoya.com/games/disney-villainous-wicked-to-the-core)

## Rules questions

### Can I build my deck from any two factions — and can I play the same faction twice in one deck?

Each player makes a 40‑card deck by shuffling together two different 20‑card factions; you may not put two copies of the same faction in one deck, although different players can use the same faction if you have multiple sets (page 3).

### What if my starting hand has no minions — do I have to keep it?

If your opening hand contains no minions you must show it, discard it, and draw a new five‑card hand, and you must keep that second hand (page 4).

### When does a base actually score — immediately when its breakpoint is reached or only during the scoring step?

A base is scored during the active player’s Check for Scoring step after playing cards; once scoring has begun it finishes even if the total power later drops below the breakpoint (pages 5 and 7).

### If two or more players tie for first on a base, how are victory points awarded?

All players tied for the best position each get the victory points for that best position (e.g., two players tied for first both get first‑place points); tied runner‑ups mean the next position is skipped — see pages 7–8. 

### What's the difference between Specials, Talents, and Ongoing abilities, and when can I use Specials?

Specials are abilities usable at unusual times and may be played whenever applicable (even on other players’ turns); Talents are optional once‑per‑turn abilities, and Ongoing abilities remain active while the card stays in play (pages 11, 10, and 12).

### Can I play cards from my discard pile or look through discard piles?

Some cards explicitly let you play cards from your discard pile as extra plays, anyone may look through any discard pile at any time, and when you need to draw with an empty deck you shuffle your discard to form a new deck (pages 10, 12, and 5).

## Links

- [This page](https://www.ludoya.com/games/smash-up-monster-smash)
- [Smash Up: Monster Smash in the Ludoya app](https://app.ludoya.com/g/smash-up-monster-smash)
- [BoardGameGeek entry](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/160018)

_Data from Ludoya, updated 2026-09-18. Ratings, ownership and play counts are Ludoya's own._