Over three decades ago, HeroQuest burst onto the scene as one of the pioneering dungeon-crawling board games, capturing the essence of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. It allowed players to step into the shoes of iconic characters such as the mighty Barbarian and the spell-slinging Elf, enabling groups to embark on heroic adventures right at their kitchen table. Unlike traditional TTRPGs that might consume an entire afternoon, HeroQuest condensed the excitement into sessions lasting just a couple of hours. The game's iconic box, brimming with numerous plastic miniatures and a multi-quest storyline, quickly cultivated a dedicated fanbase. This passion endured over the years, culminating in a triumphant return through Hasbro's HasLab crowdfunding platform, much to the delight of both new and veteran fans.
Today, enthusiasts have a wealth of HeroQuest content to explore, including the new release and its expansions. This buyer's guide is designed to assist you in planning your adventures and defeating the nefarious Zargon.
HeroQuest Game System
HeroQuest Game System
5See it at AmazonMSRP:$134.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 14 new quests65+ miniatures (31 monsters, 4 heroes, 15 furniture pieces, 19 skull pieces, 4 rats, 21 doors)GameboardGame Master screen93 cards
The cornerstone of your HeroQuest experience is the HeroQuest Game System. This is the essential starting point, as all subsequent expansions build upon it. Without this core set, you won't be able to enjoy the additional content.
HeroQuest First Light
HeroQuest First Light Board Game
1See it at TargetMSRP:$49.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 10 unique questsGame system rulebookDouble-sided gameboardGame Master’s screen5 miniatures1 pad of character sheets6 combat dice2 movement dice39 cardboard pieces102 cards52 plastic movers31 monster tokens15 furniture tokens41 cardboard tiles21 dungeon door tokens
For newcomers hesitant about the investment, HeroQuest: First Light offers an accessible entry point. It provides a streamlined version of the core game, reducing the number of plastic miniatures in favor of cardboard tokens to lower the cost. While it's a great starting point for new players, those who already own the core set might only consider it for its unique quests or additional hero figures. First Light is fully compatible with other HeroQuest content, making it an excellent choice for those dipping their toes into the game.
The App
MSRP: Free
For groups without a designated Game Master or solo adventurers, the official HeroQuest companion app is a game-changer. It automates the role of Zargon with fully voiced descriptions, enhancing the gaming experience. Best of all, it's free, making it an easy addition to your HeroQuest arsenal.
The Online Quests
MSRP: Free
Avalon Hill has enriched the HeroQuest universe with free downloadable quests available on HasbroPulse's website. These quests, such as the prequel "A New Beginning," add depth to the lore and provide additional adventures that utilize existing HeroQuest resources.
The Boxed Expansions
Kellar’s Keep
HeroQuest: Kellar's Keep Expansion
2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 10 new quests19 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)Sheet of cardboard tiles14 cards
Kellar's Keep, the first expansion, offers a gentle introduction to the world of HeroQuest expansions. It's a faithful rerelease of the original 90s expansion, providing a seamless continuation of the base game with familiar monster miniatures. It's perfect for those seeking more content without a significant increase in difficulty.
Return of the Witch Lord
HeroQuest: Return of The Witch Lord Quest Pack
2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 10 new quests18 miniatures (8 skeletons, 4 mummies, 4 zombies, 2 doors)Sheet of cardboard tiles14 cards
The Return of the Witch Lord brings back the undead menace, offering more of the base game's miniatures alongside new, intriguing tiles. It's a classic quest that ties together the storylines from the Game System and Kellar's Keep, forming a satisfying trilogy.
Prophecy of Telor
HeroQuest: Prophecy of Telor Quest Pack
1See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 13 new questsNew Warlock class15 miniatures (13 translucent orange enemy minis, 2 warlock character minis)Set of 6 translucent orange D6 Dice14 cards
Previously exclusive to the Mythic tier on HasLab, Prophecy of Telor now offers everyone a chance to experience its story. With translucent orange monsters, dice, and the new Warlock class, this expansion adds a thrilling demonic twist to your adventures.
Spirit Queen’s Torment
HeroQuest: Spirit Queen's Torment Quest Pack
2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 14 new questsNew Bard class15 miniatures (14 translucent teal enemy minis, 1 bard character mini)Set of 6 translucent teal D6 Dice15 cards
Similar to Prophecy of Telor, Spirit Queen's Torment introduces the Bard class and translucent teal monsters and dice. This expansion delves into dark magics and mysterious locations, allowing you to live out your bardic fantasies with magical tunes that can influence the battlefield.
Against the Ogre Horde
Heroquest: Against The Ogre Horde Quest Pack
1See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 10 new questsNew Druids class28 miniatures2 sheets of cardboard tiles29 cards
For those who relish combat, Against the Ogre Horde delivers with a remastered classic module. It includes a variety of miniatures, including imposing Ogres and a massive throne, making it a great choice for fans of homebrew quests.
The Mage in the Mirror
HeroQuest: The Mage of The Mirror Quest Pack
1See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 10 new quests33 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles35 cards
The Mage in the Mirror takes you into the Realm of Reflection, where you'll face classic high fantasy challenges. It introduces new elements for the Elf class and a variety of detailed environment objects, setting the stage for the story that continues in Rise of the Dread Moon.
Rise of the Dread Moon
HeroQuest Rise of The Dread Moon Quest Pack
3See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 10 new questsNew Knight class29 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles58 cards
Continuing from The Mage in the Mirror, Rise of the Dread Moon introduces new mechanics and the Knight class. With its array of new tiles and miniatures, it's ideal for fans who enjoy crafting their own quests, though it's best experienced after playing through The Mage in the Mirror.
The Frozen Horror
HeroQuest: The Frozen Horror Quest Pack
0See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 10 new quests23 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles35 cards6 combat dice2 movement dice1 pad of character sheets
The Frozen Horror sends you into the icy wastelands, tailored especially for Barbarian fans. It includes a new Barbarian miniature and a host of unique monster sculpts, including icy blue war bears and the imposing Frozen Horror. The adventure begins with solo quests before transitioning to group play, making it a thrilling addition for those who love a challenge.
Jungles of Delthrak
HeroQuest Jungles of Delthrak Quest Pack
0See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD
1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents
Quest book w/ 16 new quests29 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)39 cardboard pieces36 cards
Venture into the Jungles of Delthrak, where you'll face poisonous snakes, menacing spiders, and ancient ruins. This quest pack introduces the Berserker and Explorer classes, offering a rich set of 16 quests that take your adventures out of the dungeons and into the lush jungle.
Character Packs
Hero Collection: Rogue Heir of Elethorn
HeroQuest Hero Collection: The Rogue Heir of Elethorn Figures
1See it at AmazonMSRP:$14.99 USD
Contents
New Rogue class2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Rogue)13 cards (12 game cards, 1 story card)
The Rogue Heir of Elethorn character pack adds the essential sneaky and agile Rogue to your party. With two different body sculpts and cards that enhance their stealth and combat abilities, this pack is a must-have for any group. The only drawback is the lack of accompanying quests to explore the character's story.
Hero Collection: Path of the Wandering Monk
HeroQuest Hero Collection: Path of The Wandering Monk Figures
2See it at AmazonMSRP:$14.99 USD
Contents
New Monk class2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Monk)8 game cards1 scroll prop
The Path of the Wandering Monk introduces a unique class that harnesses the elements. With abilities ranging from navigating traps to unleashing powerful energy blasts, the Monk adds versatility to your party. Like the Rogue pack, it lacks quests to delve deeper into the character's narrative.
The End
Hasbro and Avalon Hill continue to support HeroQuest, ensuring that new generations can experience the thrill of dungeon diving and learn from the wise Mentor. While the game may be lighter on mechanics for seasoned players, the community offers a wealth of custom rules and quests to enhance the experience. HeroQuest remains a beloved classic in the board gaming world, with a bright future ahead.
