—
rating
Ludopedia
7.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
Gloomholdin’ is the compact adventure that lets you feel like a Gloomhaven hero without the big board.
Highlights
- Compact card game
- Own independent campaign
- Hexagonal grid movement
Keep in mind
- No board needed
- Short playtime, 20‑30 min
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Gloomholdin’ is the compact, portable spin‑off of Gloomhaven, but with a twist of freedom: 18 cards, no table required, and everything that fits in your hand. The game keeps the epic exploration and combat vibe, but trims the scope to 20‑30 minute sessions, ideal for a quick meet‑up without sacrificing strategic depth. You still smell the gunpowder and hear the monsters roar, as Gloomhaven’s classic artwork and creature names appear, yet the game’s own story prevents any campaign spoilers. The campaign‑by‑cards mechanic lets each playthrough be unique: you choose the scenario, missions, and battle cards, and the outcome shapes the next round. Hexagonal grid movement offers a more fluid map with extra directions of advance and retreat. Conflict resolution by card adds tension—critical hits can flip the tide, while failures can be costly. Hand management forces you to plan each turn, deciding which cards to play, discard, or hold for later. For story lovers, integrated storytelling lets your choices shape the plot and the characters’ fate. Though cooperative, it also supports solo play with its own rules, keeping the challenge alive. If you’re a 1‑ or 2‑player, crave a quick yet strategic adventure, Gloomholdin’ is the perfect pick. Just print the cards, shuffle, and dive into a tale of terror and heroism without a big board.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
2
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
(Web published)
Designer
Joe Klipfel
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime?
Between 20 and 30 minutes, great for quick sessions.
How many players is it for?
Designed for 1 or 2 players, but can be played as a two‑player game.
What are the game components?
18 cards, initiative tokens, and a small rulebook.
Does it need a board or table?
No, everything fits in your hand, though you can play on a flat surface if you prefer.
Can it be played solo?
Yes, there are solo rules that keep the challenge and story alive.
How are conflicts resolved?
By playing cards that determine hits, misses, and critical effects during combat.
Does it use the same storyline as Gloomhaven?
No, it has its own storyline, so it won’t spoil the original campaign.
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