The Best RPG Board Games Worth Playing in 2025
Explore and Conquer: Top Role-Playing Board Games for 2025 and Beyond
Many modern board games focus on strategic resource management or economic optimization. However, if you crave the thrill of exploration and adventure, role-playing board games offer a captivating alternative. These games immerse you in fantastical settings, allowing you to collaborate or compete with fellow players to overcome challenges and quests. While steeped in narrative, they also offer satisfying strategic depth. Here are some of the best RPG board games currently available:
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 consistently ranks among the best board games. Jaws of the Lion, a prequel to the original, offers a streamlined, more accessible experience while retaining the compelling tactical combat and evolving roster of adventurers. The sequel, Frosthaven, expands the gameplay by introducing a town to explore and develop. Both titles provide excellent solo play options.
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, features randomly generated dungeons using tile placement. The unpredictable placement of traps and monsters creates dynamic gameplay, evoking the feel of a dungeon master-led experience. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout choice within this series.
The Witcher: Old World
### The Witcher: Old World
3See it at AmazonThis board game adaptation of the popular video game series sets players as Witchers competing for coin and glory. The deck-building mechanics and strategic combat offer a compelling experience, both in multiplayer and solo modes.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi fans, Imperial Assault provides a thrilling tactical combat experience. One player commands the Empire, while others collaborate as Rebel operatives to thwart Imperial rule. The campaign mode links battles into a cinematic narrative, featuring iconic characters and numerous expansion packs.
HeroQuest
### HeroQuest
4See it at AmazonThis classic dungeon-crawling game returns with updated miniatures. The game master controls the dungeon's secrets and monsters, while players explore, battle, and loot treasure. It provides a strong role-playing experience with family-friendly rules and strategic depth.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game
2See it at AmazonThis horror-themed game, loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft's works, challenges players to solve mysteries linked to cosmic horrors. The challenging difficulty, bleak narratives, and deck-building mechanics combine to create a compelling and strategic experience.
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. The deck-building mechanics, innovative tile system, and app-supported mysteries offer a unique and engaging 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, focusing on survival in a war-torn city. Players must scavenge resources, barricade their hideout, and evade dangers to keep their group alive. The narrative-driven gameplay provides a poignant and impactful experience.
Descent: Legends of the Dark
### Descent: Legends of the Dark
3See it at AmazonThis game boasts impressive production value with detailed miniatures and 3D terrain. The app-supported campaign guides players through quests, allowing them to collect treasures and gain new abilities.
Mice & Mystics
### Mice & Mystics
1See it at AmazonThis game offers a whimsical adventure suitable for all ages. Players control mice on a quest to save a fantasy kingdom, featuring simple mechanics and engaging storytelling.
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 rich and challenging campaign. The strategic resource management and branching narrative create a deeply immersive experience.
RPG Board Games: A Broader Perspective
The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, evolving from experimental narrative storytelling using wargame rules. These games, often called "pen-and-paper RPGs," emphasize creative storytelling and character development. The strategic elements of skill checks and character advancement led to the development of board and video game RPGs. While "role-playing" is a well-established term in video game RPGs, board games often use terms like "adventure" or "quest" games. The lines between these genres blur significantly, with cross-adaptation and inspiration being common.
