How many players can the game be played with?

Although there are 6 starter classes, the game can only be played with up to 4 people.

Is Gloomhaven also suitable for beginners or more for RPG fans?

It is a very complex game, and you need to read the instructions thoroughly. They are very long, but it gets easier over time. If you make mistakes at the beginning, it’s not a problem. With more experience, it plays very well. It can be very frustrating at first, but it gets super exciting.

Why is the price so much higher compared to the German versions? Are there English bonus contents?

This is due to the temporary unavailability and the associated delivery difficulties. Unfortunately, there are no bonus contents in English.

Is there anything else needed to play that is not included in the box? (A specific dice or similar)?

Everything is included. However, for better gameplay, it is important to find an organization/storage system. Otherwise, setup and takedown can be very time-consuming. I can only partially recommend the purchasable inlays. I helped myself with sorting aids from office supplies and am extremely satisfied. A small tip for a better gaming experience with Gloomhaven might be using dice instead of damage markers, definitely more practical! I also bought game coins. More of a nice to have, but definitely worth it in my opinion.

Are there metal figures available for Gloomhaven and if so, where?

There are no official metal figures for Gloomhaven.

Should Gloomhaven always be played with the same group, or can players change?

It is recommended to play with a fixed group for a consistent gaming experience.

Does the age recommendation of 14 years refer more to the complexity or the story?

It definitely refers to the game mechanics. You should watch an example match on YouTube; it makes things much easier. The mechanical processes can be complex and demanding.

Are there expansions or additional packs for "Gloomhaven"?

Yes, there are expansions such as "Gloomhaven: Forgotten Circles," which adds new characters, monsters, and scenarios. There is also a standalone prequel called "Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion." The latest one you can find here: Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

Components of Gloomhaven:

• 95 scenarios
• 17 playable mercenary classes
• 47 enemy types
• 13 bosses
• 1 map board
• 17 character mats
• Ability and item cards
• Various tokens (damage, status effects, money, traps, objectives)
• 1 scenario book
• 1 rulebook

Setup:

1. Scenario Selection: Choose a starting scenario or follow the campaign guide.
2. Map Board: Place the map board and scenario map tiles as instructed.
3. Character Selection: Each player chooses a mercenary, takes the corresponding character mat, mini, ability cards, and item cards.
4. Enemy Selection: Set up enemy types and place enemy standees as specified by the scenario.
5. Create Decks: Each player creates their ability deck, and enemies have their own decks as defined by the scenario.
6. Place Tokens: Set up tokens for traps, treasures, obstacles, and other scenario-specific elements.
7. Initiative Order: Determine initiative order based on character and enemy abilities.

Objective:

The goal varies per scenario but generally involves completing specific objectives such as defeating enemies, collecting items, or reaching certain locations. Players win by fulfilling the scenario's victory conditions.

Gloomhaven Gameplay:

Rounds: Gameplay consists of a series of rounds until the scenario's objectives are met.

Turn Structure
I. Card Selection: Each player selects two ability cards from their hand.
II. Initiative Determination: Each card has an initiative number; the lowest total determines turn order.
III. Actions: On their turn, players perform the top action of one card and the bottom action of the other. Actions can include movement, attacks, healing, or special abilities.
IV. Monster Actions: Monsters act according to their initiative and ability cards, following the scenario rules.

Combat:
Attack Resolution: Determine attack strength, draw attack modifier cards, and apply damage to enemies or players.
Status Effects: Apply any status effects from abilities or attacks (e.g., poison, immobilize).

End of Round:
1. Cleanup: Discard played cards, apply end-of-round effects, and check for scenario progress.
2. Resting: Players may perform a short or long rest to recover cards, losing one card permanently for the rest of the scenario.

Winning the Game:

• Win by completing the scenario objectives as specified in the scenario book.

Losing the Game:

• Lose if all characters are exhausted (run out of ability cards) or if scenario-specific loss conditions are met.

Special Rules:

• Experience and Gold: Earn experience points (XP) and gold throughout scenarios, used to level up and buy items.
• Leveling Up: Gain new ability cards and improve character stats as you level up.
• City Events: Between scenarios, players may draw city event cards that affect their characters or the city of Gloomhaven.
• Campaign Progression: Decisions and outcomes affect the ongoing story, unlocking new scenarios, characters, and items.

Optional Rules:

• Solo Scenarios: Play special solo scenarios for unique character rewards.
• House Rules: Players can add their own variations for added difficulty or unique experiences.
• Custom Campaigns: Create custom campaigns using available scenarios and characters.

These rules provide a basic framework for playing Gloomhaven, making it an immersive and strategic cooperative game. The excitement of Gloomhaven comes from its deep, evolving storyline, challenging combat, and the unique abilities and progression of each mercenary.