Dive into the Thrilling World of Role-Playing Board Games!

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 transport you to fantastical settings, where you collaborate or compete with others to conquer quests and challenges. While deeply immersive narratively, they also offer rich strategic depth. Here are our top picks for the best RPG board games to enjoy 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 Amazon

Gloomhaven Series: A Legacy of Adventure

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is widely considered a pinnacle of board game design. Jaws of the Lion, a prequel to the original, offers a streamlined, accessible experience while retaining the compelling tactical combat and evolving campaign. The sequel, Frosthaven, expands the gameplay with a town to explore and develop. Both are excellent choices, including for solo play.

Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil: A Classic Reimagined

### WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil

1See it at AmazonThis cooperative adventure game masterfully blends the worlds of board games and pen-and-paper RPGs. Random dungeon tile placement creates dynamic and unpredictable gameplay, mimicking the experience of a dungeon master guiding you through a mysterious labyrinth. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout in the series.

The Witcher: Old World: A Witcher's Tale

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at AmazonThis acclaimed adaptation of the popular video game series sets players as competing Witchers, hunting monsters and vying for glory. The deck-building mechanics offer strategic depth, with a solo mode available for those wishing to explore the world independently.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault: A Galactic Campaign

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi fans, Imperial Assault delivers a thrilling experience. One player commands the Empire, while others cooperate as Rebel operatives to challenge the Emperor's reign. The tactical combat and extensive campaign, featuring iconic characters, make this a captivating game.

HeroQuest: A Nostalgic Return to Adventure

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonThis classic dungeon crawler returns with updated miniatures but retains its engaging gameplay. A game master guides players through a dungeon, revealing secrets and challenges as they progress. The game offers a true role-playing experience with family-friendly rules and strategic depth.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game: A Lovecraftian Horror

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonThis game expertly blends horror and strategy. Players work together to solve mysteries linked to Lovecraftian lore, facing challenging scenarios and bleak narratives. Deck-building adds a strategic layer to the chilling gameplay.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth: An Epic Journey

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

2See it at AmazonThis adaptation of Tolkien's world seamlessly integrates narrative and gameplay. Players build decks, explore Middle-earth, and solve mysteries, all within the beloved setting.

This War of Mine: The Board Game: A Powerful Narrative

### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonThis unique game tackles the harsh realities of war. Players strive to survive in a war-torn city, scavenging resources and protecting their group. The game's narrative and mechanics offer a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

Descent: Legends of the Dark: A Visually Stunning Adventure

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonDescent boasts exceptional production value, with detailed miniatures and impressive 3D terrain. The mobile app-supported campaign offers a compelling narrative and interconnected quests.

Mice & Mystics: A Family-Friendly Adventure

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonThis game provides a whimsical and accessible entry point to the genre, perfect for families and younger players. The charming story and simple mechanics make it a crowd-pleaser.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon: A Narrative Masterpiece

### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonThis game prioritizes narrative depth, offering a sprawling campaign with multiple branching paths and a richly detailed world. The strategic elements support the immersive storytelling experience.

RPG Board Games: A Genre Overview

The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, evolving from wargame rules to encompass narrative-driven character experiences. Pen-and-paper RPGs emphasize creative storytelling, while board game and video game RPGs often incorporate strategic mechanics and automated game masters. Despite the popularity of RPG board games, the genre lacks a universally accepted term, often being categorized as adventure or quest games. The lines between these mediums blur, with frequent adaptations and cross-pollination.