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 offer a captivating alternative. These games immerse you in fantastical settings, allowing you to cooperate or compete with others to conquer quests and 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 Frosthaven

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is widely considered a top-tier board game, and its role-playing elements are exceptional. Players become adventurers, collaborating through a complex campaign. The tactical combat system, using a deck-building mechanic, creates intense scenarios. While the original is currently unavailable, Jaws of the Lion (a prequel) offers a streamlined, affordable experience. Frosthaven (the sequel) expands the gameplay by introducing a town to explore and develop. Both are also excellent solo games.

Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil

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

1See it at AmazonThis cooperative adventure game, based on the popular pen-and-paper RPG, masterfully blends role-playing and board game mechanics. Random dungeon tile placement, traps, and monsters create dynamic gameplay, simulating a dungeon master's control. The included campaign provides a compelling narrative experience. While many D&D board games exist, Temple of Elemental Evil stands out due to its classic scenario.

The Witcher: Old World

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at AmazonThis acclaimed adaptation of the popular video game series sets players as Witchers competing for coin and glory. Deck-building mechanics allow for strategic card combinations to enhance power. A solo mode is also available.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi fans, Imperial Assault offers a thrilling experience. One player controls the Empire, while others cooperate as Rebel operatives. The tactical combat system supports both individual scenarios and a larger campaign, featuring iconic characters from the Star Wars universe. Numerous expansion packs add even more content.

HeroQuest

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonThis classic dungeon-crawling game returns with updated miniatures. One player acts as the game master, revealing the dungeon and its challenges as players explore. It provides a strong role-playing experience with family-friendly rules and tactical gameplay. Expansions offer additional adventures.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonThis horror-themed game blends challenging gameplay with Lovecraftian narratives. Players cooperate to solve mysteries connected to otherworldly beings. Deck-building and a "chaos bag" mechanic add strategic depth and unpredictable elements.

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 adventures without altering Tolkien's established narratives. Deck-building, tile manipulation, and a supporting app enhance the gameplay.

This War of Mine: The Board Game

### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonThis unique game portrays the struggles of survival in a war-torn city. Players manage resources, secure their shelter, and navigate the dangers of a conflict zone. The narrative elements add emotional weight to the gameplay.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonThis game boasts impressive production value, with detailed miniatures and three-dimensional terrain. A mobile app guides players through quests, linking scenarios and allowing for character progression.

Mice & Mystics

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonThis game offers a whimsical adventure suitable for all ages. Players, transformed into mice, embark on a quest to save a fantasy kingdom. Simple mechanics and a captivating story make it accessible and enjoyable.

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 provide a rich and replayable experience.

RPG Board Games: Connections to Tabletop and Video Game RPGs

The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, which formalized the practice of narrative storytelling using wargame rules. This led to "pen-and-paper RPGs," emphasizing creative freedom and character development. However, the strategic elements and the need for a game master spurred the creation of board and video game adaptations. These adaptations often feature character progression and strategic mechanics, satisfying both narrative and strategic preferences. While video games have established subgenres like JRPGs and rogue-likes, board games lack a similar unified term, often being categorized as adventure or quest games. Despite this, there's significant cross-pollination between these formats, with adaptations and inspirations flowing between them.