In Lords of Waterdeep, a strategy board game for 2-5 players, you take on the role of one of the masked Lords of Waterdeep, secret rulers of the city. Through your agents, you recruit adventurers to go on quests on your behalf, earning rewards and increasing your influence over the city. Expand the city by purchasing new buildings that open up new actions on the board, and hinder – or help – the other lords by playing intrigue cards to enact your carefully laid plans.

During the course of play, you may gain points or resources by completing quests, constructing buildings, playing intrigue cards, or having other players use the buildings you have constructed. After eight rounds, the player with the most points wins.