game profile

Gloomhaven

Persistent dungeon crawler, branching campaign

BGG · boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/174430

Gloomhaven is a heavy game (weight 8/10). The decision tree is among the deepest in the hobby (9/10), with meaningful long-term planning every turn. Decisions come at a steady pace (7/10) — engaged without being exhausting. Players are constantly affecting each other's plans (interaction 8/10). Direct attacks are minimal (1/10) — the friction comes from contention, not aggression. Some negotiation matters (negotiation 5/10).

Of every game in our catalog, Gloomhaven is closest to Arkham Horror: The Card Game (91% profile match) but scores lower on theme (8 vs. 10).

WeightDepthDensityInteractionConflictNegotiationInputOutputCatch-upThemeEngineNarrative
Solo7/10
Fiddly9/10
Players
2P3P1P4P5+P

The 12-axis profile

Every score is on a 0–10 scale. The rubric and methodology behind these numbers is documented in the README.

Thinking

how much brainwork?
Weight
8
Depth
9
Density
7

Gloomhaven is a heavy game (weight 8/10). The decision tree is among the deepest in the hobby (9/10), with meaningful long-term planning every turn. Decisions come at a steady pace (7/10) — engaged without being exhausting.

Interaction

how multiplayer is the multiplayer?
Interaction
8
Conflict
1
Negotiation
5

Players are constantly affecting each other's plans (interaction 8/10). Direct attacks are minimal (1/10) — the friction comes from contention, not aggression. Some negotiation matters (negotiation 5/10).

Luck

where does luck live?
Input
6
Output
7
Catch-up
4

Output randomness is significant (7/10) — dice, reveals, or end-of-turn surprises can upend plans. Catch-up is moderate (4/10).

Experience

how does it feel?
Theme
8
Engine
6
Narrative
10

The theme is well-integrated (8/10). There's a clear engine-building feel (engine 6/10). And the game tells a story (narrative 10/10) — sessions have arc and consequences.

Output randomness is significant (7/10) — dice, reveals, or end-of-turn surprises can upend plans. Catch-up is moderate (4/10).

The theme is well-integrated (8/10). There's a clear engine-building feel (engine 6/10). And the game tells a story (narrative 10/10) — sessions have arc and consequences.

Games like Gloomhaven

Ranked by weighted Euclidean distance across the 12-axis profile, using the default research-weighted lens. Click any game to see its full profile.

1Arkham Horror: The Card GameHeavy · Co-op91%similar2ISS VanguardHeavy · Co-op89%similar3FrosthavenHeavy · Co-op86%similar4Arydia: The Paths We Dare TreadHeavy · Co-op85%similar5Sleeping Gods: Distant SkiesHeavy · Co-op85%similar6Frostpunk: The Board GameHeavy · Co-op84%similar

Frequently asked

Answers derived directly from Gloomhaven's 12-axis profile.

Is Gloomhaven good solo?
Gloomhaven works well solo (solo 7/10), though the multiplayer is where the design shines.
What player count is Gloomhaven best at?
Gloomhaven is at its best at 2P, 3P; with 1P, 4P also strong; 5+P is the weakest count.
Is Gloomhaven a heavy game?
Yes — Gloomhaven is a heavy game (weight 8/10). Expect a serious rules teach and a multi-hour first session.
How much luck is there in Gloomhaven?
Gloomhaven has significant output randomness (7/10) — dice, reveals, or end-of-turn surprises can swing the outcome after your decisions.
Is Gloomhaven confrontational?
Gloomhaven is interactive (8/10) but not aggressive (conflict 1/10) — the contention is over shared resources, not direct attacks.

Want to overlay Gloomhaven against a candidate game and see exactly where they diverge? Open it in the lens →