Top RPG Board Games to Play in 2025

If you're a fan of board games but find the strategic elements of conquering lands or building economic empires a bit dry, you might find the thrill you're looking for in role-playing board games (RPGs). These games transport you to fantastical worlds where you step into the shoes of a character, embarking on quests and adventures. While they maintain a strong narrative focus, RPG board games also offer rich strategic gameplay that keeps you engaged. Here are our top picks for the best RPG board games that promise hours of fun in 2025 and beyond.

Top Role-Playing Board Games at a Glance

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at Amazon### WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil

1See it at Amazon### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at Amazon### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at Amazon### HeroQuest

4See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at Amazon### The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

2See it at Amazon### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at Amazon### Mice & Mystics

1See it at Amazon### Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonDon't have time for reading blurbs? Scroll sideways to see all the games featured on the list above.

Gloomhaven / Jaws of The Lion / Frosthaven

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion

6See it at AmazonThe Gloomhaven series is hailed as one of the best board games ever created, particularly in the RPG genre. As you embark on a cooperative adventure, you'll navigate through a dynamic campaign where characters retire or face perilous ends. The tactical combat system revolves around a deck-building mechanic, adding layers of strategy as you manage your dwindling deck in each scenario. While the original game is currently out of stock, the prequel, Jaws of the Lion, offers a similar experience at a more accessible price. Meanwhile, Frosthaven (see it at Amazon) expands the universe with a town you can explore and develop, making these games excellent choices for solo play as well.

Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil

### WizKids Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil

1See it at AmazonThe cooperative adventure system of Dungeons & Dragons board games brings the essence of the iconic pen-and-paper RPG to the tabletop. With a dynamic dungeon created from randomly drawn tiles, each filled with traps and monsters, you'll feel like you're navigating a living labyrinth. Temple of Elemental Evil, based on a classic D&D scenario, stands out as a top pick among these engaging narrative campaigns.

Check out our beginner's guide to Dungeons and Dragons if you're interested in classic D&D gameplay instead.

The Witcher: Old World

### The Witcher: Old World

3See it at AmazonSet years before the events of the Witcher video games and novels, this board game casts players as Witchers competing for coin and glory. The deck-building mechanic encourages strategic card combos and synergies to overcome increasingly challenging foes. Whether playing solo or with others, you'll dive into a richly detailed fantasy world.

See our The Witcher: Old World board game review for more information.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

6See it at AmazonFor sci-fi enthusiasts, Imperial Assault offers a thrilling RPG experience set in the Star Wars universe. One player commands the Empire, while others control Rebel operatives in a battle against tyranny. The tactical combat system supports standalone scenarios, but the real allure lies in the campaign mode, weaving battles into a cinematic narrative alongside iconic characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

You can check out our guide to the best Star Wars board games overall for more like this one.

HeroQuest

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonA classic from 1989, HeroQuest has been revitalized with enhanced miniatures. This game offers a true RPG experience with a games master guiding the narrative as players explore dungeons, fight monsters, and collect treasure. Its family-friendly rules and tactical depth make it a timeless choice, with numerous expansions to extend the adventure.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonDrawing from H.P. Lovecraft's works, this cooperative game challenges players to solve mysteries linked to otherworldly horrors. The game's difficulty and bleak narratives create a gripping horror experience, while deck-building and strategic decision-making keep the gameplay engaging. It's also one of the best trading card games available.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

### The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

2See it at AmazonSet in Tolkien's Middle-earth, this game lets players feel part of the epic fantasy without retreading familiar stories. Heroes build card decks to represent their abilities, and innovative mechanics like tile scale-flipping enhance the exploration experience. The accompanying app adds depth with narrative-driven mysteries.

You can also check out our review of The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying board game, which we also loved.

This War of Mine: The Board Game

### This War of Mine: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonIn a stark departure from traditional RPG settings, This War of Mine places you in a war-torn city, struggling to survive. Daytime scavenging and nighttime defense against raiders create a tense, resource-management challenge, underscored by a narrative that powerfully conveys the horrors of war.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonWith stunning miniatures and detailed terrain, Descent: Legends of the Dark offers a visually impressive RPG experience. The game's app-driven quests and narrative links provide a rich, immersive adventure, complemented by a robust game engine.

See our Descent: Legends of the Dark review for more info.

Mice & Mystics

### Mice & Mystics

1See it at AmazonDesigned to appeal to younger players, Mice & Mystics tells a whimsical tale of adventurers turned into mice, battling to save a kingdom. Its simple mechanics and engaging story make it a great choice for family gaming.

Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon

### Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonTainted Grail focuses on storytelling, blending Celtic legends with Arthurian myth to create a vast, branching narrative. Resource management and strategic gameplay support the epic tale, ensuring multiple playthroughs offer new experiences.

How Do RPG Board Games Relate to Tabletop RPGs and Video Game RPGs?

The term "role-playing game" (RPG) originated with Dungeons & Dragons, which formalized the practice of narrative storytelling using wargame rules. These games, often called "pen-and-paper RPGs," emphasize creativity and imagination, allowing players to inhabit characters in fantastical worlds. However, the strategic elements and character progression also appealed to many players, leading to the development of board and video game RPGs.

In board games, the role of the Games Master is often taken by the game's mechanics or an app, while video games use programming to create immersive worlds. While video games have established sub-genres like JRPGs and Rogue-likes, board game RPGs are often referred to as adventure or quest games. The cross-pollination between these formats is significant, with many games inspiring adaptations across different media, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected experiences.