Dive into Adventure: The Best Role-Playing Board Games for 2025 and Beyond
Many modern board games focus on strategic resource management or economic optimization. However, if you crave exploration and adventure, role-playing board games offer a captivating alternative. Similar to pen-and-paper RPGs, these games immerse you in fantastical settings, where you collaborate or compete to overcome challenges. But unlike their pen-and-paper counterparts, they retain a strong strategic element. Here are some top contenders for the best RPG board games:
Top Role-Playing Board Games at a Glance
### 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
Gloomhaven Series: Jaws of the Lion and Frosthaven
### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion
6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is renowned as a top board game, and its role-playing elements are exceptional. Players assume the roles of adventurers, collaborating through a complex campaign. The strategic tactical combat system, involving a deck-building mechanic, creates escalating tension. While the original is currently unavailable, Jaws of the Lion (a prequel) provides a similar experience in a more accessible format. The sequel, Frosthaven, expands the gameplay by introducing a town to explore and develop. Both are also excellent solo games.
Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil
### WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil
1See it at AmazonThis cooperative adventure series, based on the popular pen-and-paper RPG, seamlessly blends role-playing with board game mechanics. Randomly generated dungeon tiles, traps, and monsters create dynamic gameplay, mimicking the experience of a dungeon master-led game. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout choice.
The Witcher: Old World
### The Witcher: Old World
3See it at AmazonThis acclaimed adaptation of the popular video game series sets players as Witchers competing for coin and glory. The deck-building mechanic offers strategic depth, allowing for unique playstyles. A solo mode is also available.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi fans, Imperial Assault offers a compelling alternative. One player commands the Empire, while others control Rebel operatives in a campaign-driven narrative. The tactical combat system supports both single scenarios and a larger story arc featuring iconic characters. Numerous expansions add further depth.
HeroQuest
### HeroQuest
4See it at AmazonA classic dungeon-crawling game, now remastered, HeroQuest provides a true role-playing experience with a game master and cooperative gameplay. The game master uses a scenario booklet to reveal the dungeon, creating mystery and narrative. Expansions offer additional adventures.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game
2See it at AmazonThis Lovecraftian horror game combines challenging gameplay with bleak narratives. Players work together to solve mysteries, with deck-building mechanics adding strategic depth. The ongoing expansions provide a rich and expanding story.
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
### The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
2See it at AmazonSet in Middle-earth, this game allows players to explore Tolkien's world without interfering with the existing narrative. Deck-building mechanics are combined with innovative ideas, such as tile flipping and app-integrated mysteries.
This War of Mine: The Board Game
### This War of Mine: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonThis unique game depicts the struggle for survival in a war-torn city. Players manage resources, barricade their hideout, and navigate the dangers of the conflict zone. The narrative elements create a powerful and moving experience.
Descent: Legends of the Dark
### Descent: Legends of the Dark
3See it at AmazonKnown for its high-quality components, Descent features detailed miniatures and 3D terrain. A mobile app drives the narrative, guiding players through quests and allowing them to upgrade their characters.
Mice & Mystics
### Mice & Mystics
1See it at AmazonThis whimsical game offers a compelling story suitable for younger players. Simple mechanics and charming themes make it enjoyable for all ages.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
5See it at AmazonThis game prioritizes narrative, weaving Celtic and Arthurian legends into a challenging campaign. Resource management and a branching narrative create a deeply immersive experience.
RPG Board Games: A Broader Perspective
The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, evolving from wargame rules to encompass narrative character-driven experiences. Pen-and-paper RPGs emphasized creativity, while board and video game adaptations incorporated strategic elements and automated game mastering functions. Despite the popularity of RPG board games, there isn't a single established term for this genre. The cross-pollination between pen-and-paper, board, and video game RPGs is significant, with adaptations and inspirations flowing between the different mediums.
