Uncover the Ultimate RPG Board Games in 2025

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. But if you crave exploration and adventure, role-playing board games are your answer. These games, similar to pen-and-paper RPGs, place you in fantastical settings where you cooperate or compete to overcome challenges. However, they retain the strategic depth expected of a board game. Here are our top picks for the best RPG board games, promising countless hours of fun.

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 RPG elements are exceptional. Players take on adventurer roles, collaborating through a complex campaign. The tactical combat system, using 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. Frosthaven (the sequel) expands the gameplay by introducing a town to explore and develop. Both are excellent solo options.

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, blends role-playing and board game elements seamlessly. Random tile placement creates dynamic dungeons filled with traps and monsters, mimicking a dungeon master's control. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout.

The Witcher: Old World

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at AmazonThis acclaimed board game adaptation of the popular video game series precedes the events of The Witcher games and novels. Players become Witchers, hunting monsters and competing for fame and fortune. The deck-building mechanics enhance strategic gameplay, with a solo mode available.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi fans, this game offers a thrilling alternative to fantasy settings. One player controls the Empire, while others team up as Rebel operatives to fight against the Emperor. The tactical combat system supports both individual scenarios and a compelling campaign.

HeroQuest

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonA classic dungeon-crawling game, now updated with improved miniatures. One player acts as the game master, revealing the dungeon as players explore, fight monsters, and collect treasure. It offers a strong role-playing experience with family-friendly rules and strategic depth.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonThis horror game successfully blends role-playing and strategic decision-making. Players collaborate to solve Lovecraftian mysteries, facing challenging difficulty and bleak narratives. Deck-building is crucial for character improvement.

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 participate in Tolkien's world without altering the original narrative. Deck-building is central, complemented by innovative elements like tile flipping and app-supported mysteries.

This War of Mine: The Board Game

### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonThis unique game portrays the struggle for survival in a war-torn city. Players scavenge for resources, barricade their hideout, and evade hostile encounters. Resource management and base-building mechanics are interwoven with a narrative text, creating a powerful experience.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonThis game stands out for its exceptional visual presentation, featuring detailed miniatures and 3D terrain. The mobile app supports the quests, narrative, and inter-scenario links.

Mice & Mystics

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonThis game is ideal for younger players, offering a whimsical adventure with simple mechanics. Players become mice on a quest to save a kingdom.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonThis game prioritizes narrative, blending Celtic and Arthurian legends. Resource management and a vast branching campaign are key features.

RPG Board Games: A Comparison

The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, evolving from wargame rules. Pen-and-paper RPGs emphasize creative storytelling, but also include strategic elements. Board games and video games adapted this concept, with the game itself or a computer taking on the role of the game master. While "role-playing" is a common video game genre term, board games often use labels like "adventure" or "quest" instead. The lines between these mediums are blurred, with significant cross-pollination and adaptations across platforms.