A lot of modern board games focus on strategy, often involving land conquest or economic optimization, which some may find unappealing. If you're drawn to exploration and adventure instead, role-playing board games are the perfect fit. These games immerse you in fantastical settings where you take on the role of a character, collaborating or competing with others to tackle quests and challenges. While they offer deep narratives, they also provide strategic depth. Here are our top recommendations for the best RPG board games, perfect for endless 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 celebrated as one of the best board games ever, particularly in the role-playing category. You step into the shoes of adventurers, navigating a complex campaign with changing characters. The tactical combat system involves building a deck of versatile ability cards, adding tension as scenarios unfold. The original is currently unavailable, but the prequel, Jaws of the Lion, offers similar gameplay at a more accessible price. Frosthaven expands the experience with a town to explore and develop. These games are also excellent for solo play.

Dungeons & Dragons: Temple of Elemental Evil

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

1See it at AmazonThis cooperative adventure series, based on the world's most famous pen-and-paper RPG, blends role-playing and board gaming seamlessly. You build dungeons with random tiles, filled with traps and monsters governed by simple flowcharts, creating a dynamic experience that feels like exploring a labyrinth controlled by a dungeon master. The included narrative campaign is engaging, with Temple of Elemental Evil standing out due to its iconic D&D scenario.

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 AmazonThis acclaimed board game adaptation of the Witcher series is set years before the video games and novels. Players assume the roles of Witchers, competing to hunt monsters and earn glory through deck-building and strategic combos. There's also a solo mode for those who wish to explore the fantasy world independently. 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, this game swaps fantasy dungeons for starship interiors and high-tech bases. Set after the first Star Wars film, one player controls the Empire while others collaborate as Rebel operatives to thwart the Emperor. The tactical combat system supports standalone scenarios, but the campaign mode links battles into a cinematic narrative, allowing interactions with iconic characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. Expansion packs offer even more famous figures.

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

HeroQuest

### HeroQuest

4See it at AmazonOriginally released in 1989, HeroQuest is a classic dungeon-crawler now updated with enhanced miniatures. Players take on hero roles, exploring dungeons under the guidance of a Game Master who controls monsters and reveals the environment. It's an excellent blend of mystery, narrative, and tactical gameplay, suitable for families. Additional expansions provide new adventures once the main campaign is complete.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

2See it at AmazonHorror-themed RPGs pose a unique challenge in board games due to the need for player control and tactical decisions. This game, inspired by H. P. Lovecraft's works, has players solving eerie mysteries linked to otherworldly beings. The horror arises from challenging gameplay and dark narratives, while strategy involves deck-building and managing probabilities with the chaos bag. 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 world without altering its narrative. Heroes build card decks to represent their abilities, supported by innovative mechanics like tile scale-flipping for exploration and an app that enhances the storytelling with mysteries and clues.

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 AmazonThis game offers a unique setting where heroism means surviving in a war-torn city. Players scavenge resources during the day and defend their hideout at night. The mechanics blend resource management and base-building with narrative elements, providing a poignant look at the realities of conflict.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

3See it at AmazonThis game stands out with its stunning miniatures and 3D terrain, creating an immersive visual experience. The game's engine, supported by a mobile app, guides players through quests with narratives and inter-scenario links, allowing progression through new powers and equipment. 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 story of adventurers turned into mice trying to save a fantasy kingdom. The game offers simple tactical mechanics and an engaging narrative, making it enjoyable for all ages.

Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon

### Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon

5See it at AmazonFocusing on storytelling, Tainted Grail combines Celtic and Arthurian legends to create a rich world filled with challenges. Players manage resources and navigate a branching narrative campaign with multiple paths, ensuring varied experiences with each playthrough.

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

The term "role-playing game" (RPG) originated with Dungeons & Dragons, the first published ruleset for narrative, character-based stories using miniature wargame rules. These games, often called "pen-and-paper RPGs," emphasize creativity and imagination, allowing players to craft unique stories. However, many players enjoy the strategic elements and character progression, leading to the development of board games and video games based on RPG concepts.

In board games, the board and cards, or a supporting app, replace the need for a Game Master, using randomness or programmed scenarios to create worlds for exploration. Video games use computer programming to achieve similar ends. While "role-playing" is a well-established term in video gaming, leading to sub-genres like JRPGs and Rogue-likes, board games often use terms like "adventure games" or "quest games."

The cross-pollination between these formats is significant, with Dungeons & Dragons inspiring both board and video game RPGs, which in turn influence each other. This interconnectedness creates a rich ecosystem of gaming experiences, each enhancing the others in unique ways.