Must-Try RPG Board Games for Adventure Seekers 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 offer a captivating alternative. These games, similar to pen-and-paper RPGs, immerse you in fantastical settings where you collaborate or compete to overcome challenges. However, unlike their pen-and-paper counterparts, they retain a strong strategic element. Here are our top picks for the best RPG board games, promising countless hours of enjoyment 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

Short on time? View all games listed above by scrolling horizontally.

Gloomhaven Series: Jaws of the Lion, Frosthaven

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is widely considered a top-tier board game, and a standout RPG board game. Players become adventurers, collaborating through a complex campaign. Characters retire or perish, altering the roster. A tactical combat system using a deck of multi-use ability cards creates escalating tension. While the original is currently unavailable, the prequel Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined, affordable experience. The sequel, Frosthaven, expands the gameplay by introducing a town to explore, build, and populate. Both also excel as solo games.

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, masterfully blends role-playing and board gaming. Randomly drawn tiles create a dynamic dungeon filled with traps and monsters. This creates a sense of exploring a mysterious labyrinth, similar to a Dungeon Master-led game. The included narrative campaign enhances the experience. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a particularly strong choice.

(For classic D&D gameplay, see our beginner's guide.)

The Witcher: Old World

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at AmazonThis acclaimed board game adaptation of the popular video game series is set before the events of The Witcher games and novels. Players take on the roles of Witchers, hunting monsters and competing for coin and glory. Unique Witcher styles influence deck-building, creating strategic card combinations. A solo mode allows for single-player exploration.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi enthusiasts, Star Wars: Imperial Assault offers a thrilling alternative. One player commands the Empire, while others control Rebel operatives working to overthrow the Emperor. The tactical combat system is engaging, but the game's campaign, linking battles into a cinematic narrative, is its true highlight. Numerous expansions add iconic characters.

(See our guide to the best Star Wars board games for more options.)

HeroQuest

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonThis classic dungeon-crawling game, originally released in 1989, returns with updated miniatures. The game master uses a scenario booklet, while players explore the dungeon, battling monsters and collecting treasure. It offers a true role-playing experience, incorporating mystery, narrative, and character progression. Numerous expansions provide additional adventures.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonThis Lovecraftian horror game blends challenging gameplay with bleak narratives. Players cooperate to solve mysteries linked to otherworldly beings. The difficulty and narrative create a sense of horror, while deck-building adds a strategic layer. Expansions continually expand 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 saga without altering Tolkien's narrative. Players build card decks to represent their abilities, and innovative mechanics, including tile flipping and app integration, enhance the experience.

This War of Mine: The Board Game

### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonThis game offers a unique and powerful setting, depicting the struggle for survival in a war-torn city. Players scavenge resources during the day and barricade their hideout at night. Resource management and base-building mechanics, combined with narrative text, create a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonDescent stands out for its high-quality components, including detailed miniatures and three-dimensional terrain. A mobile app guides players through quests, connecting scenarios and allowing for character progression.

Mice & Mystics

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonThis game is ideal for families, offering a whimsical adventure suitable for younger players. Simple mechanics and a charming story make it accessible and engaging for all ages.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonThis game prioritizes narrative, blending Celtic and Arthurian legends. Players must cooperate to survive, managing resources and navigating a branching narrative campaign supported by well-written text. The vast number of narrative paths ensures high replayability.

RPG Board Games: A Comparison

The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, which formalized the practice of narrative storytelling using wargame mechanics. Pen-and-paper RPGs emphasize creative potential, but also feature strategic elements like skill checks and character advancement. The need for a Game Master led to the creation of board and video game RPGs, where the board or computer takes on that role, offering strategic depth and character progression. While "role-playing" is a well-established genre term in video games, board games often use terms like "adventure" or "quest" games. Regardless of terminology, there's significant crossover between these mediums, with adaptations and inspirations flowing between pen-and-paper, board, and video game RPGs.