Gloomhaven on Nintendo Switch delivers a card-driven tactical RPG experience set in a grim fantasy world. Players lead groups of mercenaries through dangerous scenarios filled with monsters and objectives that demand careful planning. The game emphasizes strategic card selection and resource management over random chance, creating tense encounters on a hex-based grid.
Gameplay
Combat revolves around a unique card system where each mercenary begins a scenario with a hand of ability cards. On every turn, two cards are chosen, and the player executes the top action from one alongside the bottom action from the other. This pairing forces trade-offs between movement, attacks, healing, or special effects. Initiative values on the cards set the turn order for the entire battlefield, including enemies whose actions follow their own card draws.
After use, cards move to a discard pile and require resting to recover. A short rest resets the hand but burns one random card permanently, while a long rest heals health at the cost of a full turn. An attack modifier deck adds variation to damage rolls without relying on dice. Players can enhance this deck through perks earned by leveling up or completing side objectives. Elemental affinities on the battlefield allow abilities to charge or consume elements for boosted effects, encouraging coordination in multiplayer sessions.
Outside combat, parties return to the city of Gloomhaven to purchase items with gold and manage reputation with local factions. Personal quests tied to each mercenary push toward retirement, which unlocks new classes and stronger starting options for future characters. The 17 available mercenaries each feature distinct playstyles supported by over 1000 unique abilities across their decks.
Game Modes
Campaign mode follows the structure of the original board game. It features a branching narrative across dozens of scenarios where choices affect story progression and available content. Scenarios must meet specific requirements to unlock, and successful completion grants rewards while advancing the overall plot. This mode supports full party progression and character retirement mechanics.
Guildmaster mode offers a digital-exclusive alternative with over 160 missions and a modified progression system. It includes built-in tutorials and divides quests into categories such as travel, jobs, and relics. Classes unlock more rapidly here, and the pace suits players who prefer quicker access to variety without strict campaign prerequisites.
Sandbox mode provides unrestricted access to all mercenaries and procedurally generated dungeons. It serves as a flexible option for testing combinations or extended play without narrative constraints. All modes accommodate solo play or online co-op for up to four participants with cross-platform support.
Core Mechanics and Progression
Scenarios scale in difficulty based on average party level, allowing flexible ordering while maintaining challenge. Loot, experience, and gold rewards fuel character growth, with new ability cards added to decks upon leveling. Reputation influences item prices and certain event outcomes, adding layers to decision-making between missions.
Enemy behavior relies on dedicated card decks rather than scripted patterns, introducing variability that rewards adaptation. Hex grid movement and line-of-sight rules make positioning critical for both offense and defense. The absence of traditional dice shifts focus entirely to card management and timing.
Is It Worth Playing?
Gloomhaven appeals strongly to players who enjoy complex tactical combat and cooperative strategy. Its card-based system creates rewarding depth once the rules click, with meaningful choices in every round. The game supports both solo campaigns and group sessions, making it versatile for different play styles.
Reception highlights the strategic satisfaction and replayability through multiple modes and character unlocks. Some find the initial learning curve steep due to the volume of systems, while others note occasional interface friction on the Switch version. Those seeking a challenging tactical RPG with persistent progression and co-op elements will find substantial content in the full campaigns and additional modes. It suits dedicated players ready for long sessions rather than quick matches.
