The Best RPG Board Games Worth Playing in 2025

Explore and Conquer: 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 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 others to overcome challenges and quests. While narrative-driven, they still provide ample strategic depth. Here are some top contenders for hours of immersive gameplay 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

Gloomhaven Series: Jaws of the Lion and Beyond

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is widely considered a pinnacle of board game design. Jaws of the Lion, a prequel to the original, offers a streamlined, more accessible experience while retaining the core gameplay: tactical combat with a deck-building system. The sequel, Frosthaven, expands the gameplay with an explorable and buildable town. Both are excellent choices for solo or group play.

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, creating a dynamic and unpredictable experience. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout in the series.

The Witcher: Old World

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at AmazonThis adaptation of the popular video game series sets players as Witchers competing for coin and glory. The deck-building mechanics and solo mode add to its appeal.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi fans, Imperial Assault provides a thrilling tactical experience. One player commands the Empire, while others collaborate as Rebel operatives to fight against the Emperor's forces. Its campaign mode links battles into a cinematic narrative.

HeroQuest

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonThis classic dungeon crawler returns with updated miniatures. A game master guides players through a dungeon, revealing secrets and challenges as they progress. It's a strong contender for a true role-playing experience on a board.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonThis Lovecraftian horror game challenges players to solve mysteries related to otherworldly beings. The deck-building strategy and bleak narratives create a truly immersive experience.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

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

2See it at AmazonThis adaptation of Middle-earth allows players to explore the iconic setting. The game combines deck-building with innovative mechanics, including tile flipping and app integration.

This War of Mine: The Board Game

### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonThis unique game depicts the struggle for survival in a war-torn city. Players must scavenge resources and defend their hideout, offering a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonDescent boasts exceptional production values, with detailed miniatures and 3D terrain. The app-supported campaign provides a compelling narrative experience.

Mice & Mystics

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonThis whimsical game is perfect for younger players, telling a charming story of mice on a quest to save a kingdom. Its simple mechanics and engaging narrative make it a crowd-pleaser.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonThis game prioritizes narrative, weaving a rich story based on Celtic and Arthurian legends. Its branching campaign and strategic resource management offer a deep and replayable experience.

RPG Board Games: A Broader Perspective

The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, evolving from wargame rules. Pen-and-paper RPGs emphasize creative storytelling, but many players also enjoy the strategic elements. Board games and video games adapted this concept, with the game system replacing the game master. While "role-playing" is a common term in video games, board games often use terms like "adventure" or "quest" instead. Despite the varied terminology, there's significant cross-pollination between these different forms of RPGs.