HeroQuest: Ultimate Buying Guide
Originally released over three decades ago, HeroQuest stands as one of the pioneering dungeon-crawling board games that brought the thrill and danger of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons to the kitchen table. It allowed players to step into the shoes of iconic characters such as the mighty Barbarian and the spell-slinging Elf, enabling groups to indulge in their heroic fantasies within a few hours, a stark contrast to the lengthier sessions typical of traditional TTRPGs. HeroQuest's allure was further enhanced by its extensive collection of plastic miniatures and its engaging, multi-quest narrative, fostering a dedicated fanbase that continued to champion the game. Their enthusiasm was reignited when Hasbro revived it through the HasLab crowdfunding platform, leading to a successful campaign and the game's return with new releases and expansions. Now, both new and veteran fans have a wealth of HeroQuest content to explore, perfect for those eager to band together and thwart the nefarious plans of Zargon. This buyer's guide is designed to assist you in planning your adventures and selecting the right additions to your HeroQuest collection.
HeroQuest Game System
HeroQuest Game System
See it at AmazonMSRP: $134.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 14 new quests
- 65+ miniatures (31 monsters, 4 heroes, 15 furniture pieces, 19 skull pieces, 4 rats, 21 doors)
- Gameboard
- Game Master screen
- 93 cards
The cornerstone of your HeroQuest experience, the HeroQuest Game System is essential. All additional content released so far requires this base game, as there are no standalone expansions.
HeroQuest First Light
HeroQuest First Light Board Game
See it at TargetMSRP: $49.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 10 unique quests
- Game system rulebook
- Double-sided gameboard
- Game Master’s screen
- 5 miniatures
- 1 pad of character sheets
- 6 combat dice
- 2 movement dice
- 39 cardboard pieces
- 102 cards
- 52 plastic movers
- 31 monster tokens
- 15 furniture tokens
- 41 cardboard tiles
- 21 dungeon door tokens
HeroQuest: First Light offers a more accessible entry point into the game, ideal for newcomers deterred by the main game's price. It retains the core gameplay while using cardboard tokens instead of plastic miniatures to reduce costs. For existing fans, First Light may not be necessary unless you're a completionist, eager to explore its unique quests, or looking for additional hero figures to paint. Importantly, First Light is fully compatible with all other HeroQuest content, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the game.
The App
MSRP: Free
For groups without a designated Game Master or solo adventurers, the official HeroQuest companion app for smartphones automates the role of Zargon. With fully voiced descriptions, the app enhances the gaming experience and is compatible with all expansion modules. Best of all, it's free, making it a risk-free addition to your HeroQuest arsenal.
The Online Quests
MSRP: Free
Avalon Hill has enriched the HeroQuest universe with free downloadable quests available on HasbroPulse’s website. These quests, such as the prequel "A New Beginning," add depth to the lore and backstory, offering enjoyable one-off adventures that utilize resources from various HeroQuest products.
The Boxed Expansions
Kellar’s Keep
HeroQuest: Kellar's Keep Expansion
See it at AmazonMSRP: $33.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 10 new quests
- 19 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)
- Sheet of cardboard tiles
- 14 cards
Kellar’s Keep, the first expansion for HeroQuest, is a lighter addition that closely mirrors the base game's feel. It's a faithful rerelease of the original 90s expansion, perfect for those seeking more HeroQuest without a significant increase in difficulty.
Return of the Witch Lord
HeroQuest: Return of The Witch Lord Quest Pack
See it at AmazonMSRP: $33.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 10 new quests
- 18 miniatures (8 skeletons, 4 mummies, 4 zombies, 2 doors)
- Sheet of cardboard tiles
- 14 cards
The Return of the Witch Lord expansion brings back the undead forces, offering new tiles and a sense of continuity with the base game and Kellar’s Keep. It's a classic quest that feels like the culmination of a trilogy.
Prophecy of Telor
HeroQuest: Prophecy of Telor Quest Pack
See it at AmazonMSRP: $33.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 13 new quests
- New Warlock class
- 15 miniatures (13 translucent orange enemy minis, 2 warlock character minis)
- Set of 6 translucent orange D6 Dice
- 14 cards
Previously exclusive to the Mythic tier on HasLab, Prophecy of Telor now offers everyone a chance to experience its story. The new Warlock class, with its demonic transformation ability, adds exciting new dynamics to your adventures.
Spirit Queen’s Torment
HeroQuest: Spirit Queen's Torment Quest Pack
See it at AmazonMSRP: $33.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 14 new quests
- New Bard class
- 15 miniatures (14 translucent teal enemy minis, 1 bard character mini)
- Set of 6 translucent teal D6 Dice
- 15 cards
Spirit Queen’s Torment introduces the Bard class, allowing players to explore new magical abilities and face dark magics in the Wyvern Keep. This expansion, like Prophecy of Telor, was once a Mythic tier exclusive and now offers a premium experience.
Against the Ogre Horde
Heroquest: Against The Ogre Horde Quest Pack
See it at AmazonMSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 10 new quests
- New Druids class
- 28 miniatures
- 2 sheets of cardboard tiles
- 29 cards
For those who relish combat, Against the Ogre Horde offers a thrilling experience with its large number of enemies and detailed miniatures. It's a remastered classic that caters to modern tastes and is perfect for homebrew quests.
The Mage in the Mirror
HeroQuest: The Mage of The Mirror Quest Pack
See it at AmazonMSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 10 new quests
- 33 miniatures
- Sheet of cardboard tiles
- 35 cards
The Mage in the Mirror takes players into the Realm of Reflection, offering classic high fantasy quests. It introduces new elements for the Elf class and sets the stage for the story that continues in Rise of the Dread Moon.
Rise of the Dread Moon
HeroQuest Rise of The Dread Moon Quest Pack
See it at AmazonMSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 10 new quests
- New Knight class
- 29 miniatures
- Sheet of cardboard tiles
- 58 cards
Rise of the Dread Moon continues the story from The Mage in the Mirror, introducing new mechanics and the Knight class. It's ideal for fans who enjoy crafting their own quests and offers a rich narrative experience.
The Frozen Horror
HeroQuest: The Frozen Horror Quest Pack
See it at AmazonMSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 10 new quests
- 23 miniatures
- Sheet of cardboard tiles
- 35 cards
- 6 combat dice
- 2 movement dice
- 1 pad of character sheets
The Frozen Horror expansion is tailored for Barbarian fans, featuring a new miniature and icy-themed enemies. It starts with solo quests before transitioning to group adventures, offering a unique gameplay experience.
Jungles of Delthrak
HeroQuest Jungles of Delthrak Quest Pack
See it at AmazonMSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)
- Ages: 14+
- Contents:
- Quest book with 16 new quests
- 29 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)
- 39 cardboard pieces
- 36 cards
Jungles of Delthrak takes players into a lush, dangerous environment to retrieve a powerful artifact. It introduces the Berserker and Explorer classes, offering a wealth of new quests and enemies.
Character Packs
Hero Collection: Rogue Heir of Elethorn
HeroQuest Hero Collection: The Rogue Heir of Elethorn Figures
See it at AmazonMSRP: $14.99 USD
- Contents:
- New Rogue class
- 2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Rogue)
- 13 cards (12 game cards, 1 story card)
The Rogue Heir of Elethorn character pack adds a sneaky, dagger-wielding Rogue to your party, complete with unique skills and miniatures. While it lacks additional quests, it's a valuable addition for fans of the class.
Hero Collection: Path of the Wandering Monk
HeroQuest Hero Collection: Path of The Wandering Monk Figures
See it at AmazonMSRP: $14.99 USD
- Contents:
- New Monk class
- 2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Monk)
- 8 game cards
- 1 scroll prop
The Path of the Wandering Monk introduces a versatile Monk class that harnesses the elements for unique abilities. While it doesn't include quests, the Monk's utility and combat prowess make it a compelling addition to any HeroQuest party.
The End
Hasbro and Avalon Hill continue to support HeroQuest, ensuring that both new and returning players can enjoy dungeon-diving adventures. While the game may be lighter on mechanics for seasoned gamers, the community offers a wealth of custom rules and quests to enhance the experience. HeroQuest remains a beloved classic in the board gaming world, with a bright future ahead.
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