If you're a fan of board games but find the strategic elements of conquering lands or managing economic engines a bit dry, you're in luck. There's a vibrant world of role-playing board games (RPGs) that offer the thrill of exploration and adventure, all while maintaining a deep strategic core. These games transport you into fantastical realms where you can embody different characters, tackling quests and challenges either competitively or cooperatively. Here's a curated list of the best RPG board games that promise endless hours of fun in 2025 and beyond.
Top Role-Playing Board Games at a Glance
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Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion
6See it at Amazon!
WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil
1See it at Amazon!
The Witcher: Old World
3See it at Amazon!
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
6See it at Amazon!
HeroQuest
4See it at Amazon!
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
2See it at Amazon!
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
2See it at Amazon!
This War of Mine: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon!
Descent: Legends of the Dark
3See it at Amazon!
Mice & Mystics
1See it at Amazon!
Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon
5See it at Amazon!
Don't have time for reading blurbs? Scroll sideways to see all the games featured on the list above.
Gloomhaven / Jaws of The Lion / Frosthaven
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Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion
6See it at Amazon!
Let's dive into the acclaimed Gloomhaven series, often hailed as the pinnacle of board gaming, especially in the RPG genre. In Gloomhaven, you step into the boots of various adventurers, navigating a complex campaign where characters can retire or meet their demise. The game's tactical combat system revolves around building a deck of multi-use ability cards, creating a thrilling tension as your deck depletes. While the original Gloomhaven is currently out of stock, its prequel, Jaws of the Lion, offers a similar experience in a more accessible and affordable format. Meanwhile, Frosthaven (see it at Amazon) elevates the experience with an explorable town you can develop and inhabit. These games are also excellent for solo play, perfect for when you're without a gaming group.
Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil
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WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil
1See it at Amazon!
The term "role-playing" in board games can be broad, but the cooperative adventure system of Dungeons & Dragons board games perfectly blends the two. Each box contains a stack of tiles you draw randomly to build the dungeon, filled with traps and monsters that follow simple flowchart routines. This dynamic setup creates a sense of exploring a mysterious labyrinth controlled by a dungeon master. The included narrative campaign is engaging, and Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, stands out as a top choice. For those interested in traditional D&D gameplay, check out our beginner's guide to Dungeons and Dragons.
The Witcher: Old World
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The Witcher: Old World
3See it at Amazon!
The Witcher: Old World takes us into the world of the acclaimed video game series, set years before the events of the novels and games. Players assume the roles of Witchers, competing to hunt monsters and earn glory and coin. The game's deck-building mechanics allow you to create powerful card combos and strategies, enhancing your abilities to tackle increasingly formidable foes. There's also a solo mode for those who wish to explore this rich fantasy world alone. For more details, see our The Witcher: Old World board game review.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
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Star Wars: Imperial Assault
6See it at Amazon!
For sci-fi enthusiasts, Star Wars: Imperial Assault offers a thrilling RPG experience. Set post the original Star Wars film, one player commands the Empire while others control a team of Rebel operatives. The tactical combat system is robust enough for standalone scenarios, but the real allure is the campaign mode, weaving battles into a cinematic narrative. You'll fight alongside iconic characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, with numerous expansion packs featuring other famous figures. For more Star Wars-themed games, check out our guide to the best Star Wars board games.
HeroQuest
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HeroQuest
4See it at Amazon!
A nostalgic favorite, HeroQuest, originally released in 1989, has been revamped with improved miniatures. This dungeon-crawling game offers a true RPG experience with a game master guiding the narrative. Players explore dungeons, fight monsters, and collect treasure, all while upgrading their heroes. Its family-friendly rules and tactical depth make it a standout choice. After completing the base campaign, numerous expansions offer additional adventures.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
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Arkham Horror: The Card Game
2See it at Amazon!
Horror-themed RPGs can be challenging to balance with tactical gameplay, but Arkham Horror: The Card Game excels. Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's works, players collaborate to solve mysteries linked to alien worlds. The game's horror is derived from its challenging difficulty and dark narratives, enhanced by ongoing expansions. Strategic deck-building and managing the chaos bag's probabilities add depth, making it one of the best trading card games available.
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
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The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
2See it at Amazon!
Set in Tolkien's iconic Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth lets players feel part of the epic fantasy world without treading on the original narrative. Heroes build card decks to represent their abilities, supported by innovative mechanics like tile scale-flipping for exploration and an app that enhances the narrative with mysteries. For more on this game, see our review of The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying board game.
This War of Mine: The Board Game
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This War of Mine: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon!
This War of Mine offers a unique RPG experience set in a war-torn city. Players manage a group of survivors, scavenging during the day and defending their hideout at night. The game's mechanics focus on resource gathering and base-building, supported by a narrative book that highlights the harsh realities of living in a conflict zone. It's a powerful and personal experience, putting you in charge of your survivors' fate.
Descent: Legends of the Dark
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Descent: Legends of the Dark
3See it at Amazon!
Descent: Legends of the Dark stands out with its stunning visuals and production quality, featuring detailed miniatures and 3D terrain. The game's engine is equally impressive, with a mobile app guiding players through quests and narratives. Your party's journey is enriched by inter-scenario links, allowing you to use treasures to unlock new powers and equipment. For more details, see our Descent: Legends of the Dark review.
Mice & Mystics
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Mice & Mystics
1See it at Amazon!
Mice & Mystics is perfect for younger players and families, offering a whimsical adventure where players are transformed into mice to save a fantasy kingdom. The game's simple mechanics and engaging story make it accessible and enjoyable for all ages, as players navigate challenges and thwart evil.
Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon
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Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon
5See it at Amazon!
Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon focuses on storytelling, blending Celtic legends with Arthurian lore to create a rich, challenging world. Players must manage resources and navigate a branching narrative campaign, supported by well-crafted text. The game's depth allows for multiple playthroughs with different outcomes, making it a compelling choice for RPG enthusiasts.
How Do RPG Board Games Relate to Tabletop RPGs and Video Game RPGs?
-------------------------------------------------------------------The term "role-playing game" (RPG) originated with Dungeons & Dragons, the first published ruleset to formalize the practice of narrative storytelling using miniature wargame rules. These games, often called "pen-and-paper RPGs," emphasize creativity and imagination, allowing players to inhabit characters in fantastical worlds. However, many players also enjoy the strategic elements like skill checks and character advancement. The need for a Game Master in these games led to the development of board and video game RPGs, where the board, cards, or computer takes on the role of the Game Master, providing a structured world for players to explore and conquer.
While video game RPGs have established sub-genres like JRPGs and Rogue-likes, board game RPGs are often referred to as adventure or quest games. This distinction may stem from the more tangible nature of board games, which can slightly distance players from the action. The cross-pollination between these genres is significant, with many games inspiring adaptations across different platforms, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected experiences.
