Itching to go on an adventure but stuck at home? Explore and go on different quests through this board game list.
RPG is just the thing that adds great spice to an adventure, especially if we're thrown into a fantasy world and want to get immersed in it completely. While it may not be the Dungeons and Dragons experience you want, board games have some pretty good titles for RPGs.
Discover great narratives, go on epic adventures, and maybe even get to create your own hero while you are it, with these great RPG board games.
10. Descent: Journeys in the Dark (2nd Edition)
Would you like to play the treacherous overlord in this story? Or would you rather team up with others and become part of the party that saves us all? As the heroes it’s your duty to grow strong enough to quell the impending doom, while as the Big Bad, you have to make sure our heroes wished they left their dreams of becoming an adventurer.
What’s fun about Descent Journeys in the Dark (2nd Edition):
- RPG but not too much roleplaying, but you get all the other components of RPG in it, so if you aren’t into the whole roleplaying bit, this game is great.
- Easy start, if you want to introduce friends into RPG or if you would like to start out, the mechanics of this game are pretty easy to get by.
- Solo and Party, there’s an option to play this game alone or you can even get several people for more player interactions.
9. Role Player
Instead of coming in with a premade hero, why not create your own? Role Player allows you to create your own hero from their race, class, alignment, skills, etc… It’s a battle to create the best character out there. But your creation doesn’t stop there. As you go on your quest you can unlock new character features and even upgrade your equipment. Earn Reputation Stars the more you level up your character.
What’s fun about Role Player:
- RPG aspect focus, character creation and building are the goals of this board game.
- Can I use it in DnD? Why not use this to create your DnD character’s background? I tend to do this with other games too.
- Solo play, the rule book shows you what tier you are depending on your end game score, yes, this game is very much solo ‘able.
8. Darkest Night (Second Edition)
Darkest Night (2e) Box and Components
The kingdom has fallen due to the necromancer’s wrath, you and your companions are part of the kingdom’s last heroes. It is up to you to save what remains of the realm. Can you bring about light once again to this realm? Or will you all fall victim under the necromancer’s hands?
What’s fun about Darkest Night:
- Challenging, actually hard… this might inspire you to play it again till you actually win.
- Dark fantasy theme, hits about right.
- So many heroes, 29 to choose from.
7. Chaos in the Old World
Chaos in the Old World Logo
Play the role of a god. Each god has distinctive powers and their own legion of followers. Your goal is to use your diabolic abilities and powers to corrupt and enslave the Old World. Other gods are also out there trying to conquer the world. The desperate denizens of the Old World are also fighting back against the gods to banish all of you back to the Realm of Chaos. Who will get to rule the Old World?
What’s fun about Chaos in the Old World:
- Owning a box makes you feel like a god, I’m not sure if there will be a reprint and it’s a hard game to find.
- If you were a fan of Blood Rage, this was its predecessor.
- Best 4, get the whole experience of the game using maximum number of players, while the game can be played by 3, it’s best as 4.
6. Arcadia Quest: Inferno
In this stand-alone expansion, our story revolves around the guilds descending into a fiery abyss. Venture to the depths of the underworld and defeat the Underlord. While you and your party fight for a common goal they also have their own individual goals that may sabotage the other heroes’ quest. Dungeon crawl with us in this expansion of Arcadia Quest!
What’s fun about Arcadia Quest: Inferno:
- Stand-Alone, you don’t need the base game but it’s still compatible with it.
- Light Dungeon Crawl, if you want the RPG experience but don’t have the time to play for hours.
- Replayability, with all the different heroes we have and the possible events/outcomes that may trigger.
5. Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients
Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancient Cover Art for Rulebook
Here’s a little twist when it comes to character creation, Players get to create their heroes based on the Western Hero Archetype, such as the Law Man, Gunslinger, or Saloon Girl. Venture around the world with your party and encounter portals to the otherworld on the Plains of Targa to uncover the mystery of an ancient frozen city.
What’s fun about Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients:
- Refreshing setting, still well-into the fantasy genre but only set in the Old West.
- Mine scenario or campaign, you have the choice of having a shorter game or a full-blown session.
- 3 core games, to expand the experience
4. Mechs Vs Minions
A fan of League of Legends but want a different take on the game? Mechs vs. Minions is a co-op tabletop campaign set in the world of Runeterra (the same setting as League). Players get to take on the role of four intrepid Yordles: Corki, Tristana, Heimerdinger, and Ziggs who join forces and pilot the new mechs against an army of minions.
What’s fun about Mechs vs. Minions:
- Not exactly league, but the characters are there! And with a good game to boot!
- Game is different per mission, when you check the contents of the box it makes sense.
- Challenging co-op, the rules are easy enough but the missions can get tricky to work around, not to mention you have to think about how to program your mech and clear the objective.
3. Too Many Bones: Undertow
A stand-alone expansion of Too Many Bones, the game is a dice building RPG, meaning over the course of the game you get to build up your character and give him skills to better prepare him for the upcoming battles. Players will choose to play as one of two characters: Duster, an assassin, or Stanza, a bard.
What’s fun about Too Many Bones: Undertow:
- 1-2 players, I belong to a household where I either play alone or with one of my siblings. Due to the pandemic it made me appreciate games best played with 1 to 2 people.
- Replay value, usually I’d say there’s a lot due to the choices of characters but this game offers a lot of unexplored content in your first playthrough, so you’ll have to go back to it in your next.
- Enjoyable later, the rule book is a bit confusing to get, but once you understand it it’s a smooth ride from there.
2. Gloomhaven
This is not the first time I’ve put Gloomhaven on my list, but I feel it deserves a mention here. This game is a “Choose Your Own Adventure” style of game where players will take on the role of a wandering adventurer with their own reason for traveling to this dark corner of the world.
What’s fun about Gloomhaven:
- THAT RPG Experience, if you want to explore all/most of the aspects of RPG for board games.
- Long Game, if you want something to keep you entertained for a long time, the campaign needs to be played in several sessions.
- Big Box, Lots of content.
1. Mage Knight (Ultimate Edition)
Similar to Gloomhaven; Mage Knight is another game I cannot help but recommend again. Mage Knight puts you in control of a powerful Magic User who seeks to explore and conquer the corners of the world that is currently under control of the Atlantean Empire. Build your army and learn even more powerful spells as you travel and explore dungeons and overthrow the rules of great cities. Opposing players may be great allies, but there’s only room for one leader in this world.
What’s fun about Mage Knight (Ultimate Edition):
- Ultimate edition of a great game includes all the expansions
- Co-op but only one gets to shine, friendly competition over here is well welcomed.
- Card Management, keeps your head thinking even if you decide to play solo.
