The game has been designed to be accessible for GMs while acknowledging its complexity. Chapters are organized by situations like combat and social interactions, providing guidelines for utilizing elements effectively. A comprehensive GM chapter aids in planning encounters, and a bestiary includes stats for monsters at all campaign levels. Antagonists are managed similarly to player mercenaries without ability decks, with guidelines for their actions and initiatives. The introductory adventure offers detailed scene setups and NPC reactions, along with tips for maintaining game flow if players encounter challenges.
We plan to sell individual game components while offering a deluxe version with a unique storage box containing all cards and decks for one GM and four players. Other items will likely be packaged in tuck boxes. Modifier card decks, class ability cards, and ancestry cards will be bundled for easier access without overwhelming retailers with SKUs. Additionally, we intend to release game supplements to support the RPG line beyond its initial launch.
We recognize that powerful items available early in a campaign can disrupt game balance. In Gloomhaven, while shops may offer rare items, lower-level mercenaries cannot purchase them. We mitigate purchases through a mix of item cost, rarity, and the mercenary company's level, rather than relying on a prosperity level.
The game encourages mixing ancestries but suggests caution with classes. With 16 unique classes, having two players in the same class might cause spotlight issues. If players choose the same class, it's recommended to create a second character of a different class and avoid having both characters on the same missions.
The Gloomhaven RPG provides comprehensive details about the game and its history, including spoilers for Gloomhaven 2e. It features a "canon" ending set six months before the RPG's events, expands on established lore from other games like Jaws of the Lion and Frosthaven, and covers locations beyond Gloomhaven, including the valrath lands and eastern continents.
We are developing guidelines for community-created content and web tools. While our main focus is on books and the starter set, we will provide more updates on community tools soon.
More explanation and highlights can be found in our Backerkit Community Page.
You can also explore more details of our RPG in our Designer Diaries series.
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Join us as we recap our incredible experience at GAMA Expo 2025! From showcasing the highly anticipated Gloomhaven: Second Edition to forming partnerships and engaging with the gaming community, this year's expo was a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration. Also find out which conventions we'll be attending next.