Gloomhaven

2017

Venture into Gloomhaven, a tactical combat game where every decision shapes your story. Engage in cooperative play, enhance abilities, and explore a persistent, evolving world.

120
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

14+

Medium Heavy

About the game

Gloomhaven is a wildly popular and highly immersive board game that combines elements of strategy, role-playing, and cooperative gameplay into a fully fleshed-out fantasy world. This game takes its players on an epic adventure through a dark and mysterious universe, filled with unique challenges and thrilling battles.

The game’s setting is the eponymous city of Gloomhaven, a sprawling, gloomy metropolis teetering on the edge of the unknown. This gritty world is fraught with peril and intrigue, beckoning brave adventurers to explore its myriad dungeons, battle its fearsome creatures, and unveil its hidden secrets. Players will navigate through a series of scenarios, each representing a unique location within the game’s expansive world.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

In the popular board game Gloomhaven, there are several components that make up the game. Each component plays a different role and interacts with the game in unique ways. Below is a detailed list of each component and its function.

Character Miniatures and Character Mats

Each player controls their own character, represented by a detailed miniature figure. The corresponding character mat serves as a dashboard to manage the character’s abilities, items, and health.

Monster Standees and Monster Stat Sheets

Monsters in Gloomhaven are represented by standees, each corresponding to a specific monster type. The monster stat sheets provide information such as the monster’s health, movement, attack strength, and special abilities.

Map Tiles

These are used to create the board that players will navigate during each scenario. The map tiles vary in size and depict different types of terrain, which can impact movement and combat.

Scenario Book

The scenario book outlines the specific rules and objectives for each game scenario, including the layout of map tiles, the types and numbers of monsters, and the rewards for completing the scenario.

Ability Cards

These cards represent the skills and abilities of a character. They are used to determine a character’s actions on their turn, as well as the order of play.

Attack Modifier Cards

These cards are drawn after an attack to modify the result, adding an element of luck to combat. They can result in bonus damage, missed attacks, or other effects.

Item Cards

Item cards represent equipment and consumable items that characters can acquire and use. These can enhance a character’s abilities or provide new options during play.

Monster Ability Cards

These cards dictate the actions of monsters on their turn, ensuring varied and unpredictable behavior.

Condition Tokens

These tokens are used to track temporary effects on characters and monsters, such as poison or stun.

Damage Tokens

Damage tokens are used to track the amount of damage a character or monster has taken.

Scenario Tokens

Scenario tokens are used to represent various scenario-specific elements and objectives, such as traps, treasure, or quest goals.

In Gloomhaven, all of these components interact to create a dynamic and immersive tactical combat and exploration game. The scenarios, characters, and monsters combine to create a unique adventure in every session.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Gloomhaven is a complex cooperative board game that requires careful setup. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your game is set up correctly.

Step 1: Set Up the Map Board and Scenario Book

Open the scenario book to the scenario you’re playing. Position the map board in the middle of the table. Depending on the scenario, you’ll place different overlay tiles as indicated in the scenario book. These could include obstacles, traps, or treasure chests.

Step 2: Organize the Monster Stat Sleeves and Cards

Identify which monsters are in the scenario and find their corresponding monster stat sleeves and cards. Place the stat sleeves in a visible place and shuffle the monster ability cards, placing them face down.

Step 3: Prepare the Monster Standees

Find the monster standees indicated in your scenario. The number of monsters will depend on the number of players and the scenario level. Place each standee on its corresponding monster stat sleeve.

Step 4: Prepare Player Materials

Each player should choose a character and take the corresponding character mat, character ability cards, and character tokens. Shuffle your character’s ability cards and place them face down. Set your hit point dial to your character’s maximum hit points.

Step 5: Set Up Initial Resources

On the table, place the damage tokens, condition tokens, and money tokens within reach of all players. Also, each character starts the game with a number of gold coins and equipment cards, as indicated on their character mat.

Step 6: Set Up Player Positions

Place your character token on a hex on the map that is denoted as a starting position. The scenario book will indicate where these positions are.

Step 7: Prepare the Attack Modifier Deck

Shuffle the attack modifier deck and place it face down. This deck will be used to modify attack results during the game.

Step 8: Random Elements

Some scenarios include random dungeon elements. These are drawn from the random dungeon deck, and placed as indicated in the scenario book.

Step 9: Begin Play

Once everything is set up, play begins with the first round. Players will choose two ability cards from their hand and then play proceeds clockwise from the first player.

Remember, Gloomhaven is a game of strategy and cooperation. Players must work together to complete the scenario objectives. Good luck and enjoy the game!

Game flow Round and round we go

Gloomhaven is a cooperative game that combines tactical combat with role-playing elements. The game is set in a persistent and ever-changing world and players will take on the role of wandering adventurers with unique abilities and personal motives.

The game is played in a series of rounds, each consisting of several phases. Here is a detailed breakdown of the structure of a round in Gloomhaven:

Card Selection Phase: At the beginning of every round, each player will choose two cards from their hand. The number on the leading card will determine their initiative for this round.
Initiative Phase: Players reveal their chosen cards in order of initiative, from lowest to highest. The player with the lowest initiative goes first.
Action Phase: During their turn, a player can perform the top action of one card and the bottom action of the other in any order. Actions include attack, move, heal, and more.
Monster Turn: After all players have taken their turn, the monsters act in ascending order of their initiative values. Each type of monster performs the actions listed on their Monster ability card.
End of Round: At the end of a round, players will either discard or lose the cards they played, depending on the actions used. If a player cannot play two cards at the beginning of a round, they are considered exhausted and can no longer participate in the scenario.

Players will continue to play rounds until they have either completed the scenario objectives or all players are exhausted. The game is rich in strategy and requires players to work together to survive in the world of Gloomhaven.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

In the popular board game Gloomhaven, each player’s turn is filled with strategic decisions and actions. The game’s complexity and depth are part of its appeal. During a turn, the player can move around the board, attack enemies, use items, and perform special actions. The choices made will significantly affect the gameplay and the player’s progress.

Choosing Cards:

At the start of a player’s turn, they must choose two cards from their hand. The top action of one card and the bottom action of the other will be the player’s actions for the turn. The number in the center of the card is the initiative, deciding the turn order for the round.

Moving:

Moving around the game board is a critical action. The distance a player can move depends on the move value of the card they chose. Moving allows players to avoid attacks, reach enemies, or grab loot on the floor.

Attacking:

Attacking is how players defeat enemies. The attack value on the chosen card determines the base damage of the attack. The player then draws a card from their attack modifier deck to adjust the base damage. The result is deducted from the enemy’s health.

Using Items:

During their turn, a player can use any items they have. Items can provide a variety of benefits, such as boosting attacks, healing damage, or providing other unique effects.

Performing Special Actions:

Some cards allow players to perform special actions. These can include healing, shielding, buffing, debuffing, summoning allies, and more. These actions can significantly affect the gameplay, offering unique strategies and options.

Resting:

When a player runs out of cards, they must rest. A player may choose either a short rest at the end of a round or a long rest as their entire next turn. Both types of rest allow the player to recover discarded cards, but a long rest also restores health and lets the player choose which card to lose.

Strategic Choices:

The strategic choices made during a turn can dramatically alter the course of the game. Players must decide when to move, when to attack, which items to use, and when to rest. These decisions depend on many factors, including the player’s health, the positions of enemies, and the overall state of the game. A well-timed attack or clever use of an item can turn the tide of a round, while poor choices can lead to defeat.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

Gloomhaven is a cooperative game of tactical combat in a persistent world of shifting motives. The game ends when one of the following conditions is met:

The players successfully complete the scenario objective.
All players become exhausted, meaning they can no longer perform any actions due to lack of available cards or loss of all hit points.

Before the game ends, there are several actions players must take:

Card Management: The players should ensure they have enough cards in their hand to continue playing. In Gloomhaven, a player becomes exhausted when they are unable to draw two cards at the beginning of a round. Therefore, managing your hand size is crucial to not becoming prematurely exhausted.
Hit Point Management: Players need to keep track of their hit points. If a player’s hit points reach zero, they become exhausted and can no longer participate in the game.
Complete Scenario Objective: Each scenario in Gloomhaven has a unique objective that must be completed in order to win. Players should constantly work towards this objective throughout the game.

The victory condition of the game mainly depends on the scenario objective. It may involve killing a specific number of monsters, protecting a certain character, or reaching a particular location on the map. When the victory condition is fulfilled, the players win the game, and the scenario ends. The players then proceed to final scoring.

In Gloomhaven, there is not a traditional scoring system where players tally up points. Instead, players will earn rewards based on the completion of the scenario. These rewards can include:

Experience Points: Players earn experience points throughout the game by playing certain cards. At the end of the scenario, these points can be used to level up their character.
Gold: Players can collect gold by looting during their turn. Gold can be used between scenarios to buy items and enhancements.
Unlocking New Scenarios: Some scenarios unlock new locations and scenarios when completed. This allows players to progress in the campaign.
Character Perks: If players have completed certain achievements, they may receive perks for their character, which can be used to upgrade their character’s abilities.

In conclusion, winning a game of Gloomhaven is not just about surviving the scenario but effectively managing resources, working towards the scenario objective, and maximizing character development.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

Gloomhaven is a cooperative board game where players navigate through a series of strategic scenarios and missions. The goal is not to accumulate points, but to successfully complete the scenarios and progress through the game. However, there are several metrics by which players can measure their success. These include completing scenarios, accumulating gold and experience, and achieving personal and party goals.

In terms of scoring, it’s crucial to understand the following:

Experience Points (XP): Players earn experience points throughout the game by using certain abilities on their action cards. The XP value is indicated on the cards themselves. In addition, bonus XP can be earned by successfully completing a scenario – this value is based on the scenario level.
Gold: Gold is accumulated by looting treasure tiles during a scenario or by selling items between scenarios. The value of gold tokens is determined by the scenario level.
Checkmarks: Players gain checkmarks by completing battle goals, which are assigned at the beginning of each scenario. For every three checkmarks, a player improves their character by adding a new perk to their ability deck.
Scenario Completion: Successfully completing a scenario is a key goal in Gloomhaven, allowing the party to progress through the game’s storyline.
Personal Goals: Each player has a personal goal, which is a secret objective that they aim to complete. Achieving this goal allows the player to retire their character and unlock new content.

At the end of a campaign, players can compare their scores using the following method:

Add up all the experience points earned.
Add the total amount of gold acquired (divided by 2).
Add the total number of checkmarks earned (multiplied by 5).
Add the number of scenarios completed (multiplied by 10).
Add a bonus for achieving the personal goal (varies).

If there is a tie in the final scores, the tiebreakers are, in order:

The player who achieved their personal goal first.
The player with the most experience points.
The player with the most gold.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Gloomhaven is a richly complex game with a number of unique rules and exceptions that are integral to its gameplay. Here are a few that may need special attention or clarification:

1. Monster Focus:

In Gloomhaven, determining a monster’s focus can sometimes be confusing. The general rule is that a monster will focus on the character it can reach using the least amount of movement. However, if multiple characters are equidistant, the monster will target the character with the lowest initiative.

2. Conditions:

Conditions in Gloomhaven persist from round to round until they are removed by a specific action or the end of the battle. However, the Stun condition is an exception. It is removed at the end of the next turn of the character or monster it was applied to, regardless of any other factors.

3. Summoning Rules:

Summoned creatures act on their summoner’s initiative and perform a basic ‘Move +0, Attack +0’ action, in the absence of any other commands. They also don’t have a hand of cards or an attack modifier deck. Instead, they draw from their summoner’s attack modifier deck.

4. Scenario Completion:

The scenario is considered complete when the goal of the scenario has been achieved, as stated in the scenario book. Players do not need to finish off all the monsters in the room once the objective is complete, unless the scenario book specifically states otherwise.

5. Loot Rules:

Players can only loot at the end of their turn, or if they use a loot action on their turn. Any gold or treasure not looted during the scenario is not collected at the end.

6. Leveling Up:

When a character levels up, they can choose a new ability card from the pool of those available. But remember, the total number of cards a player can have in their hand at any one time does not increase with level. They must choose which cards to keep and which to remove from their active pool.

7. Resting:

Resting is the primary way players get cards back into their hand. During a short rest, the player must randomly lose a card from their discard pile but they regain all other discarded cards. During a long rest, the player can choose which card to lose but must also skip their entire next turn.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Gloomhaven is a complex and immersive board game that requires strategic planning and cooperation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to optimize your gameplay, there are several considerations to keep in mind.

Advanced Strategies:

Efficient Use of Cards: Instead of using your most powerful cards at the beginning, save them for crucial moments. You lose a card permanently each time you use a powerful move, so use them sparingly.
Coordinate with Teammates: Gloomhaven is a cooperative game. Always plan and coordinate your moves with your team. This can help you to defeat enemies more efficiently.
Manage Your Resources: Keep a close eye on your health, cards, and items. Knowing when to rest and recover resources is critical to your survival.

Beginner Tips:

Understand Card Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with the card mechanics. Each card has a top and bottom action. You can choose one action from each card during your turn.
Learn to Retreat: It’s not always necessary to fight every enemy. Sometimes, retreating is a better option. It can save your resources for more important battles.
Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Each enemy has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Learning these can help you to defeat them more efficiently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Overusing Powerful Cards: Avoid using your powerful cards too early in the game. This can leave you without any powerful moves during critical moments.
Not Coordinating with Teammates: Failure to coordinate with your teammates can result in inefficient attacks and wasted resources.
Misjudging Enemy Strengths: Never underestimate your enemies. Always assess their strengths and plan your moves accordingly.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Plan Your Turns: Always plan your turns ahead of time. This can help you to make more efficient moves and conserve resources.
Use Items Wisely: Items can be a game-changer. Use them wisely to gain an advantage over your enemies.
Understand Your Character: Each character has a unique set of abilities. Understanding your character’s abilities can help you to play more effectively.