Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs

Cephalofair Games, Albi, CMON Global Limited · Board game · 2024
1 · best 1 Solo 20 min Weight 3.3/5
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs is the mini‑Gloomhaven you need to try! If you love solo campaigns, strategy, and miniatures, you’ll enjoy the action and narrative punch in 20 minutes.

Highlights
  • Short, engaging campaign
  • Tactical hex grid combat
  • Fun skill progression
  • Detailed miniatures
Keep in mind
  • Solo only
  • Limited double‑sided cards
  • Table‑based damage requires focus
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs brings the epic depth and strategy of Gloomhaven into a compact solo format for players who want a rich adventure without the bulk. The story starts after the events of Gloomhaven and Forgotten Circles, where reclusive Aesther Hail, a heroine who saved the city, casts a spell on her lab door: anyone who opens it shrinks. Your character, a wannabe hero, ends up the size of a mouse and must navigate a miniature, dangerous world to convince Hail to restore them. Each scenario is represented by a single card that pits a mercenary against a handful of enemies. Combat uses double‑sided action cards (each card can be used twice) and a die with a modifier table that evolves as you level up. Players manage a small hand, move on a hex grid, and make tactical decisions that can lead to critical hits or devastating failures. The campaign unfolds in sequential scenarios, letting you choose the order of missions and watch the story unfold based on your choices. The game blends engaging storytelling, detailed miniatures, and a progression system that rewards experimentation and strategy. If you love Gloomhaven’s vibe but want something shorter and solo‑focused, Buttons & Bugs is the perfect pick for testing skill and creativity in 20‑minute scenarios.

The experience is smooth, with simple mechanics that are deep in choice: you can upgrade skill cards, tweak the damage table, and even customize scenario order. Fun comes from the tension of each decision, the risk of failure, and the joy of seeing your character grow. In short, Buttons & Bugs is a mini‑Gloomhaven that preserves the series’ essence while being lighter and more accessible.

For campaign fans, the solo play is flawless: you control everything from movement to combat without needing teammates. If you’re after a game that mixes strategy, narrative, and miniatures in a compact package, this title will surprise you. Get ready for epic mini‑adventures where each card can change the story’s direction and every move counts.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Category: DIZED Tutorial Category: Dungeon Crawler Components: Dice with Icons Components: Miniatures Creatures: Monsters Crowdfunding: BackerKit Game: Gloomhaven Misc: Forteller Audio Narration Misc: Made by Panda Players: Solitaire Only Games
Publisher Cephalofair Games, Albi, CMON Global Limited, Feuerland Spiele, Galápagos Jogos, Gémklub, HIT Games, Lord of Boards
Designer Joe Klipfel, Nikki Valens
Artist Mofei Wang, Yanis Cardin
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a session last?
Each scenario takes about 20 minutes, perfect for quick play.
How many players are required?
It’s a solo game, designed for one player.
What’s the game’s complexity?
Medium – involves cards, dice, and hex grid movement, but the tutorial is very helpful.
What components come with the game?
Miniatures, double‑sided action cards, icon dice, hex board, and progress markers.
Is there an expansion or multiplayer mode?
No expansion or multiplayer mode; it’s focused on solo play.
Do I need prior Gloomhaven experience?
Not required, but familiarity helps with the lore.
How does level progression work?
Winning scenarios lets you level up, unlock new cards, and upgrade the damage table.