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. 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 complete quests. While steeped in narrative, they also provide satisfying strategic depth. Here are our top picks for the best RPG board games, promising countless hours of enjoyment 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 Frosthaven

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is renowned as a top-tier board game, and its RPG elements are exceptional. Players take on the roles of adventurers, collaborating through a complex campaign. Characters retire or perish, adding a dynamic element to the gameplay. The tactical combat system, using a deck-building mechanic, creates escalating tension. While the original is currently unavailable, Jaws of the Lion, a more accessible prequel, delivers a similar experience. Frosthaven, the sequel, expands the gameplay by introducing a town to explore, build, and populate. Both offer excellent solo play options.

Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil

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

1See it at AmazonThis cooperative adventure series, based on the popular pen-and-paper RPG, masterfully blends role-playing and board game mechanics. Randomly drawn tiles create a dynamic dungeon filled with traps and monsters, mimicking the experience of a dungeon master-led game. The included narrative campaign enhances the immersive experience. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout choice.

The Witcher: Old World

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at AmazonThis acclaimed board game adaptation of the popular video game series takes place before the events of The Witcher games and novels. Players assume the roles of Witchers, hunting monsters and competing for coin and glory. The deck-building mechanic adds strategic depth, allowing players to create powerful card combinations. A solo mode is also available.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi enthusiasts, Imperial Assault offers a thrilling alternative to fantasy settings. One player commands the Empire, while others collaborate as Rebel operatives to undermine Imperial rule. The engaging tactical combat system supports both standalone scenarios and a compelling campaign. Numerous expansion packs featuring iconic characters further enhance the gameplay.

HeroQuest

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonThis classic dungeon-crawling board game, re-released with updated miniatures, offers a traditional RPG experience. One player acts as the game master, revealing the dungeon and controlling monsters, while others play heroes exploring, battling, and collecting treasure. Its family-friendly rules and tactical gameplay make it a great choice for various age groups. Numerous expansions provide additional adventures.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonThis Lovecraftian horror game blends challenging gameplay with bleak narratives. Players work together to solve mysteries related to cosmic horrors, with a series of expansions expanding the story. Deck-building mechanics and a chaos bag introduce strategic elements and unpredictable events.

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 experience the world without interfering with Tolkien's established narrative. Deck-building mechanics, tile-flipping for exploration, 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, barricade their hideout, and navigate the dangers of a conflict zone, offering a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonThis game boasts exceptional production value, featuring detailed miniatures and 3D terrain. A supporting mobile app guides players through a series of quests with a linked narrative.

Mice & Mystics

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonThis game offers a whimsical adventure suitable for younger players, telling a story of mice on a quest to save a kingdom. Simple mechanics and engaging storytelling make it a crowd-pleaser.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

### Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonThis game prioritizes storytelling, creating a rich world based on Celtic and Arthurian legends. The branching narrative campaign, supported by well-written text, offers high replayability.

RPG Board Games: A Comparison

The term "role-playing game" originated with Dungeons & Dragons, which combined narrative storytelling with wargame mechanics. This led to the creation of both board and video game RPGs, often featuring character development and strategic gameplay. While video games have established subgenres, board games lack a similar standardized terminology, often using terms like "adventure" or "quest" games. Despite this, the cross-pollination between these different forms of RPGs is significant, with adaptations and inspirations flowing between them.