Objective of the Game
The main objective in Gloomhaven is to cooperatively defeat monsters, complete scenarios, and advance the campaign. Each player controls a unique character with individual abilities and works with teammates to overcome the dangers of the Gloomhaven world.
Game Setup
- Select Scenario: Start by choosing a scenario from the scenario book. Each scenario has different objectives and requirements.
- Characters: Each player selects a character, takes the character board, experience and gold tracker, and the skill card deck.
- Prepare the Room: Set up the appropriate map tiles and place them according to the scenario book instructions. Distribute monster figures, traps, and loot tokens as instructed.
- Monster Cards: Draw the appropriate type of monster cards and have them ready.
- Initiative: Each character draws two initiative cards and places one face-down to determine the turn order.
Gameplay
- Initiative: At the beginning of each round, determine the players' order based on the initiative values on their face-down cards.
- Plan Actions: Choose actions from your cards. Each card has two actions (top and bottom), and you select one from each card to perform.
- Execute Actions: Execute selected actions in order, including movement, attacks, and special effects according to your abilities.
- Monster Turns: Monsters perform actions according to instructions on their assigned cards.
- End of Round: After each round, decide whether to continue and rest to recover exhausted cards.
Handling Exhaustion and Health Points
- When a character rests, they reclaim exhausted cards. During a long rest, recover one health point; in a short rest, a card is discarded at random.
- If your health points drop to zero, you become exhausted and can no longer participate in that scenario.
Progress and Strategy
- Experience and Loot: Use the rewards obtained to improve your characters. Experience points help in leveling up, unlocking new abilities.
- Synergies and Teamwork: Since the game is cooperative, effective synergy from character abilities provides the best outcomes.
- Campaign Tracks: Keep the overall campaign in mind and consider which scenarios will provide the best progress and rewards.
Gloomhaven offers a deep, tactical gaming experience requiring foresight and the clever combination of various character abilities. With proper planning and teamwork, you can successfully navigate the mysterious world of Gloomhaven.
