The Best RPG Board Games Worth Playing 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 perfect match. These games immerse you in fantastical settings, allowing you to cooperate or compete with others to overcome challenges. While narrative-driven, they still offer substantial strategic depth. 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 Beyond

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is frequently lauded as a top board game, and rightfully so. In Jaws of the Lion, you play adventurers, collaborating through a complex campaign. Characters retire or perish, altering the roster. The tactical combat system, utilizing a deck-building mechanic, creates escalating tension. While the original is currently unavailable, Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined, accessible experience. The sequel, Frosthaven, expands the gameplay with 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, brilliantly blends the two mediums. Randomly drawn tiles create a dynamic dungeon, filled with traps and monsters governed by simple rules. This generates a sense of exploring a mysterious labyrinth. 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 takes place before the events of The Witcher games and novels. Players take on the roles of Witchers, hunting monsters and competing for coin and glory. The deck-building mechanic allows for strategic card combinations. A solo mode is also included.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi fans, Imperial Assault offers a compelling alternative to fantasy settings. One player commands the Empire, while others control Rebel operatives working to overthrow the Emperor. The tactical combat system is engaging, and the campaign mode creates a cinematic narrative. Numerous expansions add iconic characters.

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, battle monsters, and collect treasure. It offers a strong role-playing experience with family-friendly rules and strategic depth. Numerous expansions provide additional adventures.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonThis game masterfully blends horror and strategy. Players cooperate to solve mysteries connected to Lovecraftian lore. The challenge and bleak narratives create a sense of horror, while deck-building adds strategic depth. Expansions continue the story.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

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

2See it at AmazonThis game immerses players in Middle-earth, allowing them to participate in the epic world without altering Tolkien's narrative. Deck-building mechanics are 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 must scavenge resources, barricade their hideout, and evade hostile encounters. The resource management and base-building mechanics are enhanced by narrative text, providing a powerful depiction of conflict.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonThis game excels in visual presentation, featuring detailed miniatures and 3D terrain. A mobile app guides players through quests, connecting scenarios and allowing them to use collected treasures to enhance their characters.

Mice & Mystics

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonThis game offers a whimsical adventure suitable for younger players. Simple mechanics and a charming story make it enjoyable for all ages.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonThis game prioritizes narrative, weaving Celtic and Arthurian legends into a challenging campaign. Resource management and a branching narrative create a rich and replayable experience.

RPG Board Games: A Broader Perspective

The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, evolving from narrative storytelling using wargame rules. Pen-and-paper RPGs emphasize creativity, but many players also enjoy the strategic elements. Board games and video games adapted this concept, with the game system replacing the Game Master. While "role-playing" is established in video games, board games often use terms like "adventure" or "quest" games. Despite this, there's significant cross-pollination between these game types.