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Highly awarded
Gloomhaven
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, RPG fans, campaign lovers, solo tacticians
Dice TowerGolden Geek
1–4120mHeavy
Check price →/pic5055631.jpg)
Award winner · 1 organizationSee buying options →
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Isaac Childres · Cephalofair Games · 2020
A standalone Gloomhaven campaign with a revolutionary learn-as-you-play tutorial. Five scenario-book pages introduce mechanics one at a time — no rulebook reading required. Four new characters and 25 scenarios at a fraction of the original's price and complexity.
Players
1–4
Time
120 min
Ages
14+
Difficulty
Heavy
Why you'll like it
- The learn-as-you-play tutorial is groundbreaking
- Standalone — no Gloomhaven needed
- Four unique character classes
- 25 scenarios provide months of play
- Half the price and a quarter of the setup of the original
How it plays
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a smaller, standalone version of Gloomhaven. Players are mercenaries exploring the city of Gloomhaven and fighting through a campaign of 25 scenarios.
Like the original, combat uses cards instead of dice, and every card has two halves. The first few scenarios teach the rules step by step, and maps are printed in a book, so setup is fast. It's the best starting point for the series.
May not be for you if…
- Still a significant time commitment per session
- Best with consistent players
- The tactical combat can feel punishing
- Less content than the full Gloomhaven
Best for
Gloomhaven-curious playerscooperative fanscampaign seekers
Awards
- 2020Golden GeekHeavy Game of the Year
- 2020Golden GeekBest Thematic Game
- 2020Golden GeekBest Cooperative Game
Appears in
Where to buy
- AmazonCheck price →
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Common questions
How long does Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion take?
Plan on about 2 hours, a bit longer for your first game.
How many people can play Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion?
It plays 1 to 4 players, including a solo mode.
What age is Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion for?
The publisher recommends ages 14 and up.
If you like Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, try
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Spirit Island
Best for: Hobby Gamers, Cooperative, Solo
1–4120mHeavy
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Award winner
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
Best for: Slay the Spire fans, roguelike lovers, solo gamers
Golden Geek
1–490mHeavy
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Exceptional consensus · 3 organizations
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Best for: Dedicated gaming groups, cooperative fans, narrative lovers
As d'OrKennerspiel des JahresGolden Geek
2–460mMedium
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