Dobby The House Elf

Dobby The House Elf

Board Game

2019, Expansion for Base-game, Card Game

WISE
82%

WISE Score

The most loyal house-elf in card form, helping you clean up the Classroom in the Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle deck-builder.

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

If you're deep into Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle, Dobby is a top-tier Ally. He helps you get rid of the 'junk' cards in the Classroom so better spells can rotate in. It’s not a standalone game, so don't buy this expecting a full afternoon of entertainment—it’s a power-up for a game you probably already love.

In the world of deck-builders, 'cycling' the market is a pro-level move. Dobby makes that accessible for younger players. He’s wholesome, he’s helpful, and he’s a piece of cardboard, so you don't have to worry about him asking for your credit card or showing your kid a weird algorithm.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8 to 99. If your kid can handle the reading and basic math of the base game, they can handle Dobby.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Dobby is the patron saint of selfless loyalty. As an 'Ally' card in a cooperative game, he encourages players to help the group rather than play selfishly.

Imaginative
74

The ability to 'banish' a card from the Classroom perfectly mirrors Dobby's helpful, cleaning-up nature, though the mechanic itself is standard for deck-builders.

Safe
100

It is a physical promo card for a tabletop game. No digital risks, no hidden monetization, and the artwork is consistent with the family-friendly films.

Enriching
82

Teaches 'deck thinning' and market manipulation—essential strategic concepts in card games that translate to broader logic and probability skills.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Strategic depth added by his ability to 'banish' (remove) unwanted cards from the market, preventing the game state from stalling.
  • Cooperative focus ensures players are working together to defeat villains rather than competing against each other.
  • Thematic consistency for Harry Potter fans who want to see Dobby's specific brand of helpfulness reflected in the game mechanics.
  • Rare collector's item status makes it a fun 'treasure' for kids who are deep into the hobby.

What to Watch For

  • This is a promo card, not a standalone game. You absolutely need the base game, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle, to use it.
  • Because it was a limited release at GenCon 2019, you'll likely be paying inflated secondary market prices on eBay or specialized game sites.

Conversation Starters

  • "Dobby's ability is to 'banish' a card. Why is it sometimes better to get rid of a card than to keep it in the game?"
  • "Dobby spent his life trying to protect Harry, even when Harry didn't want him to. Is there a time you tried to help someone and they didn't realize it?"
  • "If you could have any magical Ally from the books on your team, who would it be and what power would they have?"

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