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. However, 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 fellow players 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: A Legendary Experience

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is frequently lauded as a top-tier board game. Jaws of the Lion, a prequel to the original, offers a streamlined, more affordable experience while retaining the core gameplay. Its tactical combat system, using a deck-building mechanic, creates escalating tension. The sequel, Frosthaven, expands the experience with a town to explore and develop. Both are excellent choices 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 board game mechanics with the spirit of the world's most popular pen-and-paper RPG. Random dungeon tile placement and encounters create dynamic gameplay, simulating the feeling of exploring a mysterious labyrinth. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout.

The Witcher: Old World: A Witcher's Tale

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at AmazonThis acclaimed board game adaptation of the popular video game series sets players as Witchers competing for glory and coin. The deck-building mechanics and diverse Witcher styles create strategic depth. A solo mode allows for single-player exploration.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault: A Galactic Conflict

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi fans, Imperial Assault offers a compelling alternative. One player commands the Empire, while others collaborate as Rebel operatives. The game features a captivating campaign mode linking battles into a cinematic narrative. Numerous expansions add iconic characters and scenarios.

HeroQuest: A Classic Returns

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonThis updated classic dungeon-crawler features improved miniatures but retains its engaging gameplay. A game master guides players through a dungeon, revealing challenges and treasures. It offers a strong role-playing experience with family-friendly rules and tactical depth. Expansions add further adventures.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game: A Lovecraftian Horror

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonThis game successfully blends horror and strategy. Players cooperate to solve mysteries linked to Lovecraftian lore. The challenging difficulty and bleak narratives enhance the horror elements. Deck-building mechanics provide strategic depth.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth: A Middle-earth Adventure

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

2See it at AmazonThis game immerses players in Middle-earth, allowing them to experience Tolkien's world without interfering with the established narratives. Deck-building mechanics and innovative gameplay elements, including tile flipping and app integration, enhance the experience.

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

### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonThis game presents a unique and impactful setting, focusing on survival in a war-torn city. Players must scavenge resources, barricade their hideout, and evade threats. The resource management and narrative elements create a powerful and moving experience.

Descent: Legends of the Dark: A Visually Stunning Experience

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonDescent stands out for its exceptional visual presentation, featuring finely sculpted miniatures and detailed terrain. The mobile app supports a series of quests with narrative links.

Mice & Mystics: Family Fun

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonThis game offers a whimsical adventure suitable for all ages. Simple mechanics and a charming story make it accessible and enjoyable for families.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon: A Narrative Masterpiece

### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonTainted Grail prioritizes narrative, offering a rich and branching campaign supported by compelling storytelling. Resource management and strategic elements complement the immersive story.

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 emphasized creative storytelling and character development, but also included strategic elements. Board games and video games later adapted this concept, with the game system or computer replacing the game master. While "role-playing" is a standard term in video games, board games often use terms like "adventure" or "quest" games. Despite this, there's significant cross-pollination between these mediums, with adaptations frequently occurring in both directions.