Ethan Crossfield 
If you’ve been waiting for a new, official way to experience Prythian beyond books, you’ve got a clear target date: Goliath has confirmed a strategy board game, A Court of Thorns and Roses: Fate and Favor, releasing October 6, 2026. Here’s what’s been announced so far—who you’ll play as, how the game works, and when key preorders begin.
What changed: an officially licensed ACOTAR board game is coming
A Court of Thorns and Roses has grown into a major fantasy franchise, and the next step away from the novel format is now official. Publisher Goliath, working alongside SJM, has announced A Court of Thorns and Roses: Fate and Favor, a strategy board game launching October 6, 2026. The project is positioned as a first for the franchise in the board game space, with the publisher emphasizing that the game is officially licensed and built to fit the series’ world.
Goliath also ties the announcement to the broader expansion of ACOTAR beyond bookstores, including merchandise, collectibles, and long-running adaptation chatter. While the Hulu series has not moved forward as planned, fans now have a concrete new product to look at—one designed to let them “compete for power” in Prythian rather than simply read about it.
Who it’s for: gameplay built around Prythian courts and court politics
In Fate and Favor, players take control of one of Prythian’s seven courts: Night, Day, Dawn, Winter, Summer, Spring, or Autumn. Gameplay centers on alliances, shifting loyalties, and battles for influence across the realm—an approach that leans into court politics rather than straightforward domination.
Development details also matter for franchise fans. The game was developed alongside IMG Licensing, and it includes original artwork created specifically for the project. Goliath says the artwork and components were designed to ensure familiar characters and locations feel at home in an officially licensed board game format.
The publisher further claims the core design team includes ACOTAR readers, with the stated goal of making a game that feels worthy of Sarah J. Maas’ fantasy setting. That intent is meant to show up in the systems, the presentation, and the physical components.
What comes next: release date, editions, and preorder windows
Fate and Favor is scheduled to launch on October 6, 2026. Goliath also confirmed that the game will come in three editions. The Target Exclusive Edition is highlighted for early access: preorders begin July 31. Goliath says additional information about the standard edition and the Bookseller Variant—including availability and launch timing—will be shared in the coming weeks.
For attendees, there’s also an early look planned at Gen Con before the retail release later this fall. That gives fans a chance to see the official board game in person ahead of launch.
If you’re tracking where to buy, the main confirmed timeline right now is the Target Exclusive Edition preorder start (July 31) and the overall release date (October 6, 2026). Everything else—especially exact details for the other two editions—should arrive as Goliath releases more information.
What players should know
- You’ll choose one of Prythian’s seven courts (Night, Day, Dawn, Winter, Summer, Spring, or Autumn).
- The strategy focus is alliances, influence, and court politics, not just combat.
- The game includes original artwork made specifically for this officially licensed board game.
- There are three editions, including a Target Exclusive Edition and a Bookseller Variant with exclusive packaging.
- Target Exclusive Edition preorders start July 31, ahead of the October 6, 2026 release.
| Announcement item | Confirmed detail |
|---|---|
| Game title | A Court of Thorns and Roses: Fate and Favor |
| Release date | October 6, 2026 |
| Preorder timing (Target Exclusive Edition) | Begins July 31 |
| Edition count | Three editions |
Expert View
Fate and Favor is a smart move for ACOTAR fans who want something interactive without waiting for the next major novel release. The emphasis on court politics, shifting loyalties, and original art tailored to the franchise suggests it’s designed to feel like Prythian rather than a generic fantasy board game. The only caveat is that details on the standard and Bookseller Variant are still pending, so collectors will want to watch for the follow-up information before deciding where to buy.
