Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion cover
2020BGG rank #12

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

by Isaac Childres · Cephalofair Games

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Players1–4
Time30–120m
ComplexityMedium-Heavy
Age14+

About the game

What is Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion?

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a standalone game that takes place before the events of Gloomhaven. The game includes four new characters — Valrath Red Guard (tank, crowd control), Inox Hatchet (ranged damage), Human Voidwarden (support, mind control), and Quatryl Demolitionist (melee damage, obstacle manipulation) — that can also be used in the original Gloomhaven game. The game also includes 16 monster types (including seven new standard monsters and three new bosses) and a new campaign with 25 scenarios that invites the heroes to investigate a case of mysterious disappearances within the city. Is it the work of Vermlings, or is something far more sinister going on? Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is aimed at a more casual audience to get people into the gameplay more quickly. All of the hard-to-organize cardboard map tiles have been removed, and instead players will play on the scenario book itself, which features new artwork unique to each scenario. The last barrier to entry — i.e., learning the game — has also been lowered through a simplified rule set and a five-scenario tutorial that will ease new players into the experience.

How it plays

Mechanics

Action QueueAction RetrievalCampaign / Battle Card DrivenCommunication LimitsCooperative GameCritical Hits and FailuresDeck ConstructionGrid MovementHand ManagementHexagon GridLine of SightMulti-Use CardsOnce-Per-Game AbilitiesPlayer EliminationRole PlayingScenario / Mission / Campaign GameSimultaneous Action SelectionSolo / Solitaire GameVariable Player Powers

On the shelf

Categories

AdventureExplorationFantasyFightingMiniatures

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?