HeroQuest: Ultimate Buying Guide

Over three decades ago, HeroQuest burst onto the scene as one of the pioneering dungeon-crawling board games, aiming to capture the thrill and peril of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. This game allowed players to step into the shoes of iconic characters such as the powerful Barbarian or the spell-casting Elf, enabling groups of friends to embark on heroic adventures right at their kitchen table. Unlike the lengthy sessions typical of traditional TTRPGs, HeroQuest condensed the excitement into sessions lasting just a couple of hours. Its iconic box, brimming with numerous plastic miniatures and a story spanning multiple quests, quickly cultivated a dedicated fanbase. This enthusiasm persisted over the years, culminating in a successful revival through Hasbro's HasLab crowdfunding platform, reigniting the passion of both new and veteran fans.

Today, enthusiasts have access to a wealth of HeroQuest content, including the core game and various expansions. This buyer's guide is designed to assist those eager to unite and thwart the nefarious plans of Zargon.

HeroQuest Game System

HeroQuest Game System

5See it at AmazonMSRP:$134.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 14 new quests65+ miniatures (31 monsters, 4 heroes, 15 furniture pieces, 19 skull pieces, 4 rats, 21 doors)GameboardGame Master screen93 cards

The foundation of your HeroQuest journey begins with the HeroQuest Game System. Essential for any aspiring adventurer, this core set is required to unlock the full potential of the subsequent expansions.

HeroQuest First Light

HeroQuest First Light Board Game

1See it at TargetMSRP:$49.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 unique questsGame system rulebookDouble-sided gameboardGame Master’s screen5 miniatures1 pad of character sheets6 combat dice2 movement dice39 cardboard pieces102 cards52 plastic movers31 monster tokens15 furniture tokens41 cardboard tiles21 dungeon door tokens

For those new to HeroQuest, the hefty price of the core set can be daunting. Enter HeroQuest: First Light, an entry point that offers a cost-effective way to experience the game. While it retains the core gameplay, it uses cardboard tokens instead of plastic miniatures for many elements, making it more affordable. First Light is ideal for newcomers but may not be essential for existing fans unless they're looking to explore new quests or expand their collection of hero figures. Importantly, it's fully compatible with other HeroQuest releases, making it an excellent starting point for those curious about the game.

The App

MSRP: Free

For groups without a dedicated Game Master or solo adventurers, the HeroQuest companion app is a game-changer. Available for free, it automates the role of Zargon with fully voiced descriptions, enhancing the immersive experience across all expansion modules.

The Online Quests

MSRP: Free

Avalon Hill has enriched the HeroQuest universe with free downloadable quests, such as the prequel "**A New Beginning**," accessible on **HasbroPulse’s website**. These quests offer additional lore and are a delightful bonus for fans seeking more content.

The Boxed Expansions

Kellar’s Keep

HeroQuest: Kellar's Keep Expansion

2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new quests19 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)Sheet of cardboard tiles14 cards

As the first expansion for HeroQuest, Kellar’s Keep offers a gentle introduction to the world of expansions. It's a faithful rerelease of the original 90s expansion, providing more of the same monsters and gameplay, making it an ideal choice for those seeking more adventures without a significant increase in difficulty.

Return of the Witch Lord

HeroQuest: Return of The Witch Lord Quest Pack

2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new quests18 miniatures (8 skeletons, 4 mummies, 4 zombies, 2 doors)Sheet of cardboard tiles14 cards

The Return of the Witch Lord brings back the undead menace, featuring new tiles and a continuation of the storyline from the core game and Kellar’s Keep. It's a classic quest that ties together the initial trilogy of HeroQuest adventures.

Prophecy of Telor

HeroQuest: Prophecy of Telor Quest Pack

1See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 13 new questsNew Warlock class15 miniatures (13 translucent orange enemy minis, 2 warlock character minis)Set of 6 translucent orange D6 Dice14 cards

Prophecy of Telor introduces the Warlock class and translucent orange enemies, offering a premium experience previously exclusive to the Mythic tier. The Warlock's ability to transform into a demonic form adds exciting new dynamics to party composition.

Spirit Queen’s Torment

HeroQuest: Spirit Queen's Torment Quest Pack

2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 14 new questsNew Bard class15 miniatures (14 translucent teal enemy minis, 1 bard character mini)Set of 6 translucent teal D6 Dice15 cards

Spirit Queen’s Torment mirrors Prophecy of Telor with its premium release and translucent enemies, this time in teal. It introduces the Bard class, allowing players to explore mystical locations and harness the power of song in their quests.

Against the Ogre Horde

Heroquest: Against The Ogre Horde Quest Pack

1See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new questsNew Druids class28 miniatures2 sheets of cardboard tiles29 cards

For those who relish intense battles, Against the Ogre Horde offers a remastered classic with new miniatures and a Druid class. It's perfect for fans looking to create their own epic quests.

The Mage in the Mirror

HeroQuest: The Mage of The Mirror Quest Pack

1See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new quests33 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles35 cards

The Mage in the Mirror takes players on a classic high fantasy adventure, introducing new elements for the Elf class and detailed environment pieces. It sets the stage for the story continued in Rise of the Dread Moon.

Rise of the Dread Moon

HeroQuest Rise of The Dread Moon Quest Pack

3See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new questsNew Knight class29 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles58 cards

Rise of the Dread Moon continues the narrative from The Mage in the Mirror, introducing the Knight class and new gameplay mechanics. It's a must-have for those following the storyline and for fans crafting their own quests.

The Frozen Horror

HeroQuest: The Frozen Horror Quest Pack

0See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new quests23 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles35 cards6 combat dice2 movement dice1 pad of character sheets

The Frozen Horror is a chilling adventure tailored for Barbarian fans, featuring new miniatures and solo quests before group play resumes. It's perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of combat and unique challenges.

Jungles of Delthrak

HeroQuest Jungles of Delthrak Quest Pack

0See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 16 new quests29 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)39 cardboard pieces36 cards

Jungles of Delthrak offers an exotic adventure with new enemies and the introduction of the Berserker and Explorer classes. With 16 quests, it's a valuable addition for those looking to explore new environments.

Character Packs

Hero Collection: Rogue Heir of Elethorn

HeroQuest Hero Collection: The Rogue Heir of Elethorn Figures

1See it at AmazonMSRP:$14.99 USD

Contents

New Rogue class2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Rogue)13 cards (12 game cards, 1 story card)

The Rogue Heir of Elethorn pack adds a sneaky and agile Rogue to your party, complete with unique abilities and two distinct miniatures. While it lacks dedicated quests, it enhances gameplay with new tactical options.

Hero Collection: Path of the Wandering Monk

HeroQuest Hero Collection: Path of The Wandering Monk Figures

2See it at AmazonMSRP:$14.99 USD

Contents

New Monk class2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Monk)8game cards1 scroll prop

The Path of the Wandering Monk introduces a versatile Monk class, capable of manipulating elements and excelling in unarmed combat. Like the Rogue pack, it lacks dedicated quests but brings unique gameplay mechanics to the table.

The End

With ongoing support from Hasbro and Avalon Hill, HeroQuest continues to thrive, introducing new generations to the joys of dungeon crawling. While the game may seem light on mechanics for seasoned players, the community has created a wealth of custom content to enhance the experience. HeroQuest remains a beloved classic, with a bright future ahead.