Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs
- Designer Joe Klipfel , Nikki Valens
- Publisher Cephalofair Games , Albi , CMON Global Limited , Feuerland Spiele , Galápagos Jogos
- Illustration Yanis Cardin , Mofei Wang
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play a miniaturized hero navigating a dangerous new realm after a magical mishap. The game features a campaign structure with scenarios driven by single cards. Each scenario pits your mercenary against enemies on a hex grid using a hand of four double-sided cards. Combat uses dice and modifier tables, offering tactical depth in short 20-minute sessions.
Who Is This Game For?
Buttons & Bugs is a solo midweight game for players aged 10 and up, ideal for Gloomhaven fans seeking a compact experience. It suits those who enjoy quick, tactical solo play with some prior experience in campaign or card games, but remains accessible.
How It Works
Core mechanics include Campaign / Battle Card Driven, Hand Management, and Grid Movement on a Hexagon Grid. Each scenario is a single card representing one mercenary versus multiple enemies with simplified AI. You use your double-sided cards twice before discarding. Attacks are resolved with dice and modifier tables that improve as your character levels up throughout the campaign.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Joe Klipfel and Nikki Valens, Buttons & Bugs continues the story after Gloomhaven and Forgotten Circles. It was nominated for the 2024 Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game award. This title offers a condensed solo campaign within the Gloomhaven family, making complex gameplay accessible in a short time.
Awards
2024
Pro
- Compact solo campaign with about 20 minutes playtime
- Familiar setting within the Gloomhaven universe
- Mechanics: Campaign / Battle Card Driven, Hand Management, Hexagon Grid Movement
- Nominated for 2024 Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game
Contra
- Only playable solo
- Requires some prior experience with campaign or card games
- Short playtime may not suit longer game sessions
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the Gloomhaven universe after the events of Gloomhaven and Forgotten Circles, the game takes place in a miniature world full of monsters and dangers tied to the character Hail, who protects the city from disasters.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Plan your card use carefully and anticipate enemy moves to progress efficiently through the campaign.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs is designed exclusively for solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts around 20 minutes, enabling quick solo sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
It is considered a midweight game suitable for players familiar with campaign or card games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Buttons & Bugs offers a condensed solo experience in the Gloomhaven universe with simplified mechanics and a short duration.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 10 and moderate complexity, it is better suited for experienced players rather than young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The game combines Campaign / Battle Card Driven with Hand Management and Hexagon Grid Movement.
Fazit
Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs is a recommended solo campaign for fans of Gloomhaven and tactical quick-play games. Its short playtime suits players looking for focused sessions but requires some genre familiarity.
