If you're a fan of board games but find the strategic and economic themes a bit dry, the world of role-playing board games offers a thrilling alternative. These games invite you to step into the shoes of characters in fantastical settings, where you'll embark on epic quests and face challenging adventures, all while enjoying the strategic depth that board games are known for. Here are our top recommendations for the best RPG board games that promise endless hours of entertainment in 2025 and beyond.
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 AmazonDon't have time for reading blurbs? Scroll sideways to see all the games featured on the list above.
Gloomhaven / Jaws of The Lion / Frosthaven
### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion
6See it at AmazonLet's dive into the crown jewel of RPG board games: the Gloomhaven series. Widely acclaimed as one of the best board games ever created, it plunges you into the roles of adventurers navigating a labyrinthine campaign. The original game is currently out of stock, but its prequel, Jaws of the Lion, offers a streamlined yet equally engaging experience at a more affordable price. For those seeking even more depth, Frosthaven (see it at Amazon) introduces a dynamic town-building element, enhancing the adventure with community management. These games are also perfect for solo play, offering a rich experience even without a group.
Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil
### WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil
1See it at AmazonFor fans of cooperative adventures, the Dungeons & Dragons board game series is a must-play. Each box contains a vast array of tiles to build random dungeons, filled with traps and monsters governed by simple yet dynamic rules. This creates an ever-changing labyrinth that feels alive, much like having a dungeon master guiding your journey. Temple of Elemental Evil stands out by adapting one of D&D's most iconic scenarios, providing a thrilling narrative campaign that captures the essence of classic D&D gameplay.
Check out our beginner's guide to Dungeons and Dragons if you're interested in classic D&D gameplay instead.
The Witcher: Old World
### The Witcher: Old World
3See it at AmazonThe Witcher: Old World transports you into the world of Witchers before the events of the famous video games and novels. Players assume the roles of different Witchers, competing in a deck-building game that emphasizes strategic card combos to tackle increasingly formidable monsters. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, this game offers a deep dive into a rich fantasy world, complete with its own unique challenges and rewards. See our The Witcher: Old World board game review for more information.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
6See it at AmazonIf sci-fi is more your speed, Star Wars: Imperial Assault offers an engaging role-playing experience set in the iconic Star Wars universe. One player takes on the role of the Empire, while others control a team of Rebel operatives working to thwart their plans. The game's tactical combat system is robust enough for standalone scenarios, but its real strength lies in the interconnected campaign that weaves individual battles into a larger, cinematic narrative. Expansion packs bring in more beloved characters, enhancing the immersive experience.
You can check out our guide to the best Star Wars board games overall for more like this one.
HeroQuest
### HeroQuest
4See it at AmazonHeroQuest, a classic from 1989, has been revitalized with new miniatures and an RPG-on-a-board approach. One player acts as the Game Master, guiding the others through a dungeon filled with secrets and monsters. This game balances narrative depth with family-friendly rules, making it an excellent entry point into the world of RPG board games. With numerous expansions available, HeroQuest offers endless adventures and hero progression.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game
2See it at AmazonFor those drawn to horror and mystery, Arkham Horror: The Card Game delivers a chilling experience inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's works. Players collaborate to unravel haunting mysteries and confront otherworldly threats, with the game's difficulty and dark narratives enhancing the horror element. Strategic deck-building is key, as players must navigate the chaos bag's statistical challenges to progress. This game is a standout in the realm of trading card games.
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
### The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
2See it at AmazonSet in the beloved world of Middle-earth, this game lets players explore Tolkien's universe without treading on the original narrative. Players build decks to represent their heroes' abilities, engaging in both overground and underground exploration through innovative mechanics. The game's app enhances the experience with mysteries and narrative-driven clues, making it a standout adaptation of Tolkien's epic tales.
You can also check out our review of The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying board game, which we also loved.
This War of Mine: The Board Game
### This War of Mine: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonThis War of Mine offers a unique take on the RPG genre, focusing on survival in a war-torn city. Players manage resources and defend against threats, navigating a narrative that highlights the grim realities of conflict. The game's mechanics and storyline create a deeply personal experience, challenging players to make tough decisions to keep their group alive.
Descent: Legends of the Dark
### Descent: Legends of the Dark
3See it at AmazonDescent: Legends of the Dark stands out with its stunning miniatures and detailed terrain, bringing the game world to life on your tabletop. The game's app guides players through a series of quests linked by a compelling narrative, allowing for character progression and strategic depth. See our Descent: Legends of the Dark review for more info.
Mice & Mystics
### Mice & Mystics
1See it at AmazonMice & Mystics is perfect for younger players and families, offering a whimsical adventure where players are transformed into mice to save a kingdom. The game's simple mechanics and engaging story make it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages, ensuring a fun-filled experience for everyone involved.
Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon
### Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon
5See it at AmazonTainted Grail The Fall of Avalon focuses on storytelling, blending Celtic legends with Arthurian lore to create a rich, immersive world. Players must manage resources and navigate a branching narrative campaign that offers multiple playthroughs with different outcomes. This game is perfect for those who love deep, engaging stories and strategic gameplay.
How Do RPG Board Games Relate to Tabletop RPGs and Video Game RPGs?
“Role-playing game” (RPG for short) originated with Dungeons & Dragons, the first published ruleset that structured narrative, character-based storytelling using miniature wargame rules. These games, known as "pen-and-paper RPGs," emphasize creativity and imagination, allowing players to explore limitless scenarios. However, the strategic elements and character progression also appealed to many, leading to the development of board and video game RPGs. These adaptations use either physical components or digital programming to create immersive worlds, satisfying players' desires for both narrative and strategic gameplay.
While video games have established sub-genres like JRPGs and Rogue-likes, board games often fall under the umbrella of adventure or quest games. Despite the terminology, the cross-pollination between tabletop, board, and video game RPGs is significant, with each medium influencing and adapting content from the others, creating a rich tapestry of gaming experiences.
