Dive into Adventure: Top Role-Playing Board Games for 2025 and Beyond

Many modern board games focus on strategic resource management or economic optimization. But if you crave exploration and adventure, role-playing board games offer a captivating alternative. These games transport you to fantastical settings where you collaborate or compete with others to overcome challenges. While steeped in narrative, they retain significant strategic depth. Here are some of the best RPG board games available:

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

(For a quick overview, scroll horizontally to see all games listed above.)

Gloomhaven Series: Jaws of the Lion and Frosthaven

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at Amazon

The Gloomhaven series is widely considered a top-tier board game, and its role-playing elements are exceptional. Players take on adventurer roles, collaborating through a complex campaign. The tactical combat system, utilizing a deck-building mechanic, creates intense scenarios. While the original is currently unavailable, Jaws of the Lion (a prequel) provides a similar experience in a more accessible format. Frosthaven (the sequel) 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 Amazon

This cooperative adventure series, based on the popular tabletop RPG, masterfully blends role-playing and board game mechanics. Random tile placement generates unique dungeon layouts, each filled with random traps and monsters. This dynamic system creates a sense of exploration reminiscent of a dungeon master-led game. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout title in the series.

The Witcher: Old World

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at Amazon

This acclaimed adaptation of the popular video game series sets players as Witchers competing for fame and fortune. The deck-building mechanic allows for strategic customization, enhancing the competitive aspect. A solo mode is also available for those wanting a single-player experience.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at Amazon

For sci-fi fans, this game offers a compelling alternative to fantasy settings. One player controls the Empire, while others team up as Rebel operatives. The engaging tactical combat system supports both individual scenarios and a larger campaign, incorporating iconic characters from the Star Wars universe.

HeroQuest

### HeroQuest

4See it at Amazon

A classic dungeon crawler, now re-released with updated miniatures. One player acts as the game master, revealing the dungeon and its challenges as players explore. This offers a close approximation of a traditional role-playing experience, blending narrative, character progression, and tactical gameplay.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at Amazon

This Lovecraftian horror game features cooperative gameplay, challenging players with mysterious events and terrifying creatures. The deck-building mechanic allows for strategic character development, while the narrative and difficulty contribute to the game's horror elements.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth

### The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

2See it at Amazon

Set in Middle-earth, this game lets players participate in the iconic fantasy world without interfering with the established narratives. Deck-building mechanics are combined with innovative elements, including tile-flipping for above-ground and underground exploration, and an app-supported mystery-solving aspect.

This War of Mine: The Board Game

### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon

This game offers a unique and powerful setting, focusing on the struggle for survival in a war-torn city. Players must scavenge resources, fortify their shelter, and protect themselves from various threats. The narrative elements create a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at Amazon

Descent stands out for its impressive production value, featuring detailed miniatures and three-dimensional terrain. The gameplay is supported by a mobile app, providing quests and a connected narrative experience.

Mice & Mystics

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at Amazon

This game is designed to be accessible to younger players, offering a charming story and simpler mechanics. Players take on the roles of mice on a quest to save their kingdom.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

5See it at Amazon

Tainted Grail prioritizes narrative, offering a rich and branching campaign supported by extensive written content. The strategic elements revolve around resource management and survival within a challenging world.

RPG Board Games: A Broader Perspective

The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, evolving from wargame rules to encompass narrative-driven character experiences. Pen-and-paper RPGs emphasize creative freedom, but also involve strategic rule manipulation and character progression. The need for a game master led to the development of board games and video games that automate this role, providing strategic challenges and character advancement within pre-defined worlds. While video games have established subgenres like JRPGs, board games lack a similar standardized term, often categorized as adventure or quest games. Regardless of terminology, the cross-pollination between these mediums is significant, with ongoing adaptations and inspirations flowing between pen-and-paper, board, and video game RPGs.