Gloomhaven
- Designer Isaac Childres
- Publisher Cephalofair Games , Albi , Albi Polska , Arclight Games , Feuerland Spiele
- Illustration Alexandr Elichev , Lucile Mathieu , Josh T. McDowell , Alvaro Nebot
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play wandering adventurers in a dark fantasy world, clearing dungeons and exploring ruins within a persistent campaign. Scenarios are linked in an evolving narrative where player choices affect future outcomes. Combat is cooperative against automated monsters and uses a card-driven system to determine initiative and actions. Expect many sessions to experience the campaign’s branching story.
Who Is This Game For?
Gloomhaven targets experienced gamers (campaign/seasoned players) and is suited for groups that enjoy long, narrative cooperative campaigns. It supports solo play (1 player) and requires willingness to invest time—typical sessions are around 120 minutes. New players should allow for a steep learning curve.
How It Works
The game is campaign-based and uses Card Play Conflict Resolution with Action Queue and Action Retrieval elements: each round players choose two cards and combine a top and a bottom power; card numbers set initiative. Combat runs cooperatively against automated enemy behavior, and Communication Limits can influence coordination. Decisions after scenarios change the persistent state of the campaign.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Isaac Childres, Gloomhaven blends a narrative campaign with card-driven tactical combat and legacy-like persistent changes (as noted in German Wikipedia). It received multiple 2017 award nominations, e.g. 'Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game' (2017, nominee). Its mix of campaign narrative and innovative card mechanics sets it apart from pure tactics or RPG-style dungeon crawlers.
Awards
2017
2017
- 2017 Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game — Nominated
- 2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game — Nominated
- 2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Thematic Game — Nominated
- 2017 Cardboard Republic Striker Laurel — Nominated
Pro
- Deep campaign-driven experience with a persistent world
- Card-driven combat that determines initiative and actions
- Supports solo play (1–4 players)
- Branching scenarios and decisions increase replay potential (per Wikipedia)
Contra
- Long playtime (~120 minutes) makes short sessions difficult
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Persistence and complexity demand long-term commitment
Setting & Atmosphäre
A dark fantasy setting of dungeons, ruins and wandering adventurers; the campaign narrative evolves based on player decisions (Wikipedia notes the persistent/legacy element).
Tipp für Einsteiger
Allow extra time for your first campaign, focus on learning the card system, and discuss decisions as a group before acting.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. Gloomhaven is designed for 1–4 players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical session is listed at about 120 minutes; setup and learning may extend that time.
What prior experience do I need?
Best for experienced gamers; new players should expect a learning curve and longer play sessions.
How does this compare to similar games?
Gloomhaven combines campaign narrative and card-driven combat with persistent changes, distinguishing it from non-campaign dungeon crawlers.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to the age recommendation (14+) and complexity, it is less suited for families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The card-play system that determines both initiative and actions (Card Play Conflict Resolution with Action Queue/Action Retrieval) is central to its identity.
Fazit
Recommended for groups seeking long-term, cooperative campaign play and willing to invest time. Less suitable for casual groups or very short sessions due to length and complexity.
