Many modern board games offer deep strategic gameplay, focusing on resource management or economic optimization. But if you crave the thrill of exploration and adventure, role-playing board games are your perfect match. Like pen-and-paper RPGs, they immerse you in fantastical settings where you collaborate or compete to overcome challenges. However, they retain the strategic depth expected from a great board game.
Below are our top picks for the best RPG board games, guaranteed to provide countless hours of fun in 2025 and beyond.
Top Role-Playing Board Games at a Glance
See it at Amazon! (All Games)
Short on time? Swipe to view all games.
Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion, Frosthaven
The Gloomhaven series is renowned as a top board game, and arguably the best RPG board game. Players take on the roles of adventurers, collaborating through a sprawling campaign. Characters retire or perish, changing the roster dynamically. The tactical combat system, using a deck-building mechanic, creates intense scenarios. While the original is currently unavailable, the prequel, *Jaws of the Lion*, offers a similar experience in a more accessible format. The sequel, *Frosthaven*, expands the gameplay by introducing a town to explore, build, and manage. Both are excellent choices for solo play.
See it at Amazon!
Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil
This cooperative adventure series, based on the popular pen-and-paper RPG, masterfully blends role-playing and board game mechanics. Random tile placement creates unique dungeons filled with traps and monsters, offering dynamic gameplay. The result is a captivating experience, reminiscent of a dungeon master-led adventure. While all titles in the series are excellent, *Temple of Elemental Evil*, based on a classic D&D scenario, is a standout.
See it at Amazon!
The Witcher: Old World
This acclaimed board game adaptation of the popular video game series precedes the events of *The Witcher* games and books. Players become Witchers, hunting monsters and competing for glory. Deck-building mechanics allow for strategic character development and synergy. A solo mode is also available.
See it at Amazon!
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
A sci-fi RPG board game set after *A New Hope*, this game pits the Empire against a team of Rebel operatives. The tactical combat system is engaging, and the campaign mode offers a cinematic narrative experience featuring iconic characters. Numerous expansions add even more depth.
See it at Amazon!
HeroQuest
A classic dungeon-crawling game, now re-released with updated miniatures. One player acts as the game master, revealing the dungeon and controlling monsters, while others play heroes. This provides a true role-playing experience with mystery, narrative, and character progression. Numerous expansions offer additional adventures.
See it at Amazon!
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
This Lovecraftian horror game emphasizes cooperation and challenging difficulty. Players work together to solve mysteries linked to cosmic horrors. Deck-building and strategic probability management are key elements.
See it at Amazon!
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
Set within Tolkien's Middle-earth, this game blends deck-building with innovative mechanics, including tile-flipping for combined above-ground and underground exploration. The app enhances the narrative experience.
See it at Amazon!
This War of Mine: The Board Game
A unique and powerful RPG board game set in a war-torn city. Players manage resources, scavenge for survival, and protect their shelter from threats. The narrative elements create a poignant experience.
See it at Amazon!
Descent: Legends of the Dark
Known for its high-quality miniatures and 3D terrain, *Descent* offers a visually stunning experience. The mobile app supports a series of narrative quests with inter-scenario links.
See it at Amazon!
Mice & Mystics
A whimsical game suitable for all ages, *Mice & Mystics* tells a charming story of mice on a quest to save a kingdom. Simple mechanics and engaging adventures make it a crowd-pleaser.
See it at Amazon!
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
This game prioritizes narrative, blending Celtic and Arthurian legends. Players must collaborate to survive, managing resources and navigating a branching narrative campaign.
See it at Amazon!
RPG Board Games: A Comparison
The term "role-playing game" originated with *Dungeons & Dragons*, which combined narrative storytelling with miniature wargame rules. This led to the creation of pen-and-paper RPGs, board games, and video games, each adapting the core concept in unique ways. While "role-playing" is a well-established genre in video games, board games often use terms like "adventure" or "quest" games. Despite the varied terminology, these genres are deeply interconnected, with frequent cross-pollination and adaptations between them.
