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Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven

Cephalofair Games · 2017
1–460–120 min14+ yrs3.9/5 complexity8.5 BGG#4 BGG105 KCo-opStrategy
short answer

How do you play Gloomhaven?

The primary objective in Gloomhaven is cooperative: players work together to complete various scenarios, defeat monsters, and overcome challenges presented in the campaign book. Each scenario has specific victory conditions that players must meet to progress the overarching narrative and unlock new content. Character progression, including leveling up and unlocking new abilities, is also a key objective.

To find the best price for Gloomhaven, howtoplay.ro compares deals from Romanian shops every day.

FromRON 744· 5 shops
All-time low-12% vs 90-day avg
Gloomhaven box art
official art · Cephalofair Games
the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
🧩
01

Setup

Players choose two ability cards from their hand to play face down, determining their initiative for the round.

The rules, step by step

Setup
At the beginning of each round, players select two ability cards from their hand to play face down. The initiative value on one of these cards determines the player's turn order for the round. Players also manage their character's equipment, items, and track their health and experience points. The game board is set up according to the chosen scenario, with various map tiles, monster standees, and objective tokens.
Objective
The primary objective in Gloomhaven is cooperative: players work together to complete various scenarios, defeat monsters, and overcome challenges presented in the campaign book. Each scenario has specific victory conditions that players must meet to progress the overarching narrative and unlock new content. Character progression, including leveling up and unlocking new abilities, is also a key objective.
On your turn
During a round, players reveal their two chosen ability cards. The initiative value of one of these cards dictates when the player acts in the round. On their turn, a player must perform one action from the top half of one chosen card and one action from the bottom half of the other chosen card. Players cannot use both top actions or both bottom actions. If a player cannot or chooses not to use an action from a card, they can perform a default attack 2 or move 2 action instead. Played cards go to a discard pile, lost cards are removed from the game for the current scenario, and burned cards are placed in a burn pile.
Scoring
Gloomhaven does not feature a traditional scoring system where players compete for points. Instead, success is measured by the completion of scenarios, which often involves defeating all enemies or achieving specific objectives. Character progression, including gaining experience, leveling up, and unlocking new abilities and items, serves as the primary reward and indicator of progress throughout the campaign.
Game end
A scenario concludes when players successfully achieve the specific objective outlined in the scenario book. Alternatively, a scenario ends if all player characters become exhausted, resulting in a loss. Exhaustion occurs when a player runs out of cards in their hand and discard pile, or if their health drops to zero. The overall campaign ends when players complete the final scenario of the main storyline.
Tips
Gloomhaven offers deep character customization through unique ability cards and upgrade stickers, allowing players to tailor their heroes to specific playstyles. The game features a rich, branching narrative with numerous side quests and events that can be explored, though some players find the sheer volume of content and side quests can lead to feeling overwhelmed or 'bogged down.' The game uses a card-based combat system instead of dice, where players draw modifier cards to determine attack outcomes, adding a strategic element to combat. Effective communication and planning between players are crucial for success, especially when dealing with the AI-driven monster actions.
game anatomy
Complexity3.9 / 5
BGG rating8.5 / 10
Vibe
Co-opStrategy
Language dependence
Extensive text — heavy translation needed
Play time
60–120 min
Players
1–4
Recommended age
14+ yrs
BGG rank
#4
from Trișache · verified

Frequently asked questions

Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective in Gloomhaven is cooperative: players work together to complete various scenarios, defeat monsters, and overcome challenges presented in the campaign book. Each scenario has specific victory conditions that players must meet to progress the overarching narrative and unlock new content. Character progression, including leveling up and unlocking new abilities, is also a key objective.
Q2How do you set up the game?
At the beginning of each round, players select two ability cards from their hand to play face down. The initiative value on one of these cards determines the player's turn order for the round. Players also manage their character's equipment, items, and track their health and experience points. The game board is set up according to the chosen scenario, with various map tiles, monster standees, and objective tokens.
Q3How does a turn work?
During a round, players reveal their two chosen ability cards. The initiative value of one of these cards dictates when the player acts in the round. On their turn, a player must perform one action from the top half of one chosen card and one action from the bottom half of the other chosen card. Players cannot use both top actions or both bottom actions. If a player cannot or chooses not to use an action from a card, they can perform a default attack 2 or move 2 action instead. Played cards go to a discard pile, lost cards are removed from the game for the current scenario, and burned cards are placed in a burn pile.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Gloomhaven does not feature a traditional scoring system where players compete for points. Instead, success is measured by the completion of scenarios, which often involves defeating all enemies or achieving specific objectives. Character progression, including gaining experience, leveling up, and unlocking new abilities and items, serves as the primary reward and indicator of progress throughout the campaign.
Q5When and how does the game end?
A scenario concludes when players successfully achieve the specific objective outlined in the scenario book. Alternatively, a scenario ends if all player characters become exhausted, resulting in a loss. Exhaustion occurs when a player runs out of cards in their hand and discard pile, or if their health drops to zero. The overall campaign ends when players complete the final scenario of the main storyline.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Gloomhaven offers deep character customization through unique ability cards and upgrade stickers, allowing players to tailor their heroes to specific playstyles. The game features a rich, branching narrative with numerous side quests and events that can be explored, though some players find the sheer volume of content and side quests can lead to feeling overwhelmed or 'bogged down.' The game uses a card-based combat system instead of dice, where players draw modifier cards to determine attack outcomes, adding a strategic element to combat. Effective communication and planning between players are crucial for success, especially when dealing with the AI-driven monster actions.
Q7How much does Gloomhaven cost?
Gloomhaven costs between 744 and 999 RON across Romanian stores.
Q8Where can I buy Gloomhaven cheapest?
The lowest price for Gloomhaven right now is 744 RON at ozone.ro. The Prices tab lists every store currently tracking it.
Q9How do you play Gloomhaven?
Gloomhaven is a adventure game, for 1–4 players, taking ~60–120 minutes, featuring action queue. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Gloomhaven — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Gloomhaven support?
Gloomhaven is played by 1–4 players.
6 shops

All prices

All-time low-12% vs 90-day avgHow we compute this
6 shops · sorted by priceupdated today
ozone.roCHEAPESTaffiliateeasyboxFANbox
Joc de societate Gloomhaven (2nd Edition) - Strategie
free over RON 170
RON 744
Pionul.roStandardeasybox
Gloomhaven (Second Edition)
free over RON 250
RON 899
KritEnglish edition, fifth printing
Gloomhaven 2nd Edition (EN)
free over RON 190
RON 949
Red Goblineasybox
Gloomhaven 2nd Edition
free over RON 150
RON 999
The Guild HallEnglish edition, fifth printingGLS Locker
Gloomhaven 2nd Edition - EN
shipping RON 25
RON 999
The Guild HallEnglish edition, fifth printingGLS Locker
Gloomhaven - EN
RON 799
Buyout of stock
07
ozone.roCHECKED 30 DAYS AGOaffiliateeasyboxFANbox
Joc de societate Gloomhaven (2nd Edition) - Strategie
RON 827
Buyout of stock
08
Regatul JocurilorStandardeasyboxCultural voucher
Gloomhaven (Second Edition) (2025 English Edition)
RON 899
Buyout of stock
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Second-hand · from €57 · 7 listings · 68% below avg new price
🚚 Free shipping over RON 170

Price history

See price by edition

Price trend over the last 90 days: minimum 299 lei, maximum 999 lei, now 299 lei.

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