#4 on BGG
Gloomhaven
Cephalofair Games, Albi, Albi Polska · Board game · 2017
1–4 · best 3
Solo
60–120 min
Weight 3.9/5
9.1
rating
Ludopedia
8.5
rating
BGG
9.1
rating
Ludopedia
8.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you're looking for a deep, evolving fantasy adventure with friends, Gloomhaven offers an unparalleled tactical experience where your choices truly matter. It's a living, breathing world that unfolds with every session.
Highlights
- Deep, evolving narrative campaign
- Innovative tactical card combat
- Persistent world shaped by player choices
- Rich character progression and customization
Keep in mind
- Significant time commitment required
- High complexity learning curve
About the game
What you do in a play session
Gloomhaven plunges you into a persistent fantasy world where every decision shapes the future. You and your friends take on the roles of adventurers with unique skills and personal motivations, exploring forgotten ruins and menacing dungeons. Cooperation is essential to overcome challenges, as you enhance your abilities, collect treasures, and unravel a branching narrative based on your choices. It's like a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' book brought to life on the tabletop, with a world that evolves with each game session.
The heart of Gloomhaven's tactical combat is an innovative card system. Each round, you choose two cards from your hand. The initiative number on the top card determines your turn order, and each card has two distinct powers—one top and one bottom. On your turn, you decide which top power to use from one card and which bottom power to use from the other. This mechanic requires careful planning, as used cards are temporarily, and sometimes permanently, lost. If you take too long to clear a dungeon, you might end up exhausted and forced to retreat, adding a layer of tension and strategy to your adventure. Get ready for a game that rewards strategy and adaptability at every turn!
The heart of Gloomhaven's tactical combat is an innovative card system. Each round, you choose two cards from your hand. The initiative number on the top card determines your turn order, and each card has two distinct powers—one top and one bottom. On your turn, you decide which top power to use from one card and which bottom power to use from the other. This mechanic requires careful planning, as used cards are temporarily, and sometimes permanently, lost. If you take too long to clear a dungeon, you might end up exhausted and forced to retreat, adding a layer of tension and strategy to your adventure. Get ready for a game that rewards strategy and adaptability at every turn!
Expansions
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Gloomhaven - How To Play - Start Here!
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Circles Guide/Deep Dive!
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5 Quick Strategy Tips for Gloomhaven - TCbH's Cardboard Academy
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Community Custom Classes - Episode 1
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DIY Gloomhaven & Frosthaven Dungeon Terrain
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Gloomhaven - How-to-Play - Monster's Turn
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Gloomhaven - Ultimate set up guide
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Gloomhaven Top 10 Most Overpowered Items
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Monster movement and focus rules guide
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Best Class Pairings for Gloomhaven
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Gloomhaven Min/Maxing vs Casual Play
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Gloomhaven Tier List
Rules manual
Official PDF file
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Cephalofair Games, Albi, Albi Polska, Arclight Games, Feuerland Spiele, Galápagos Jogos
Designer
Isaac Childres
Artist
Alexandr Elichev, Alvaro Nebot, Josh T. McDowell, Lucile Mathieu
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
105,229owners
22,470wishlist
1,163want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Gloomhaven?
Gloomhaven is designed for 1 to 4 players. It truly shines with a consistent group, but the solo experience is also highly praised!
What is the average playtime for a game of Gloomhaven?
Prepare for longer sessions! Each scenario can last from 60 to 120 minutes, but remember it's a campaign game, so the 'game' is the sum of many sessions.
Is Gloomhaven a complex game?
Yes, it has significant complexity (BGG weight of 3.92/5). The rules are robust, and the card system demands a lot of strategic planning, but the payoff is huge!
Do I need a lot of space to play Gloomhaven?
Absolutely! Gloomhaven takes up a lot of table space. There are many cards, modular map components, and miniatures, so prepare a generous surface for your adventure.
Who is Gloomhaven recommended for?
It's ideal for experienced players who love campaign games, tactical combat, exploration, and a narrative that unfolds with their choices. If you're looking for an immersive, long-term experience, you've found your game!
What comes in the Gloomhaven box?
The box is massive and packed! It includes detailed miniatures, hundreds of cards, modular map tiles, monster standees, a scenario book, a world map, and many other components for your epic journey.
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