Gloomhaven Gold Edition is a tactical RPG available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Players lead teams of mercenaries through a dark fantasy world filled with dangerous quests, where decisions shape the outcome of campaigns and individual character arcs.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around card-based combat that demands careful planning and resource management. Each turn, mercenaries select two ability cards and resolve actions from the top of one and the bottom of the other, creating layered strategies across hex-grid battlefields. With 21 unique mercenaries available, each brings distinct playstyles supported by more than 1100 combinable abilities. Combat pits parties against 60 different enemies and bosses that follow predictable yet challenging patterns, forcing players to adapt positioning, conditions, and elemental interactions.
Exploration takes players through dungeons, forests, and caves where every scenario presents new objectives and hazards. A branching narrative tracks lasting consequences from choices made during quests and city events, influencing available missions and character development. Progression comes from experience gained in completed scenarios, unlocking stronger cards and items while mercenaries retire or advance based on their personal goals.
Game Modes
Single-player runs allow full control over a party of up to four mercenaries, handling all decisions without external input. Online co-op supports two to four players with cross-platform support, letting groups tackle the same scenarios together in real time. The experience splits across two separate campaigns that together deliver more than 300 unique scenarios. The base campaign forms the foundation, while the Jaws of the Lion content adds its own storyline with fresh missions and threats.
The Solo Scenarios: Mercenary Challenges provide 17 dedicated missions, each restricted to one specific mercenary and designed to test individual strengths with tailored rewards. These modes emphasize strategic depth over speed, rewarding repeated attempts and optimized decks.
Story and Progression
Mercenaries accept contracts from city officials or more questionable patrons, completing objectives that advance the overarching plot. Road and city events between scenarios introduce moral dilemmas and random outcomes that alter future options. Character retirement mechanics encourage rotating through the roster, as each mercenary pursues unique long-term goals that unlock additional content upon completion.
Jaws of the Lion expands the roster with four additional classes: the Hatchet, Demolitionist, Red Guard, and Voidwarden. These join the existing mercenaries for both the original campaign and the new 25 missions, which introduce 10 dedicated enemies and bosses tied to a darker storyline involving ancient horrors.
Is It Worth Playing?
Gloomhaven Gold Edition suits players who enjoy deliberate, high-stakes tactical combat and campaign-driven progression in a co-operative or solo format. The card system creates meaningful choices every round, and the volume of scenarios supports dozens of hours across multiple playthroughs. Those seeking fast action or light narrative may find the deliberate pace and complex ruleset demanding, while fans of strategic dungeon crawling and party management will appreciate the depth and replayability offered by the combined campaigns and solo challenges. The package delivers the complete experience without requiring additional purchases.
