15 Best Role Playing Games Reviewed for 2025
Looking for epic role playing games? We've got you covered with thrilling adventures and hilarious anecdotes from our game nights.
Ever had a weekend where you and your buddies become heroes, villains, or detectives? We have, and it’s a blast! When picking the best ‘role playing’ board games, we focus on engaging stories, complex characters, and satisfying gameplay. These games aren’t just about rolling dice; they’re about crafting epic tales and challenging your wits. From mystical lands to galactic intrigue, the excitement is endless. So get ready to jump into a world where imagination isn’t just encouraged—it’s required! Join us as we explore the 15 best role playing based board games that will have you hooked from turn one.
On this list:
- Gloomhaven
- Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of Ashardalon
- Mice and Mystics
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark
- Star Wars: Imperial Assault
- Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate
- Mansions of Madness
- Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
- Arkham Horror
- Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
- Kingdom Death: Monster
- Nemesis
- T.I.M.E Stories
- The 7th Continent
- Cthulhu: Death May Die
15 Gloomhaven
When we played Gloomhaven, it felt like being in an epic fantasy novel. It has a great story, customizable characters, and lots of scenarios. It’s perfect for players who love role playing and investing time in long, detailed campaigns. Trust us, this game will suck you in and hold you for hours. The characters grow, and so does your attachment to them. Just be warned: this game is a beast, so clear your weekend schedule!
14 Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of Ashardalon
This is for folks who enjoy role playing but don’t want to commit to a full D&D campaign. It features dungeon-crawling action and cooperative gameplay that feels like D&D, minus the prep time. We loved its quick setup and the thrill of battling dragons. It’s a great option for new players who want to dip their toes into the role playing pool without diving in headfirst.
13 Mice and Mystics
Ever wanted to role play as a brave mouse? Well, in Mice and Mystics, you can! We had a blast scurrying through dungeons and facing off against insects. The story is charming, and it’s easy for new players to pick up. It’s our go-to game for a family-friendly role playing experience.
12 Descent: Journeys in the Dark
Descent gives role playing a board game twist with its epic quests and combat. The cooperative play makes it feel like you’re in a fantasy novel. It’s perfect for groups who want to work together while exploring dark dungeons. Our games often ended with us on the edge of our seats, cheering as we slayed the final boss.
11 Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Star Wars fans, this one’s for you! We got to role play as iconic heroes and villains in the Star Wars universe. The campaign is engaging, and the game’s miniatures add a fantastic touch. It’s our top pick for anyone who dreams of lightsabers and blaster battles. May the force be with you as you embark on this adventure!
10 Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate
Role playing games are often about surprising twists, and Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate delivers in spades. It starts as a cooperative adventure but the plot thickens with a surprise traitor. This keeps everyone on their toes and makes for a laugh-out-loud good time. We love seeing our friends’ faces when the twist is revealed. It’s a thrilling experience every time.
9 Mansions of Madness
For a spooky role playing time, Mansions of Madness is our haunt of choice. With its creepy atmosphere and app-driven gameplay, it felt like we were starring in our very own horror film. The mysteries are immersive, and it kept us guessing until the very end. Just remember to keep the lights on; this one’s a bit of a nail-biter!
8 Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
If you fancy yourselves detectives, then this is your role playing game. We spent hours investigating cases, gathering clues, and staring at the ceiling while pondering over twists. The writing is stellar, and it challenged us to think like the great detective himself. It’s a great fit for those who enjoy stories and solving mysteries.
7 Arkham Horror
Arkham Horror brings Lovecraftian horror to the table. We immersed ourselves in the eerie world, battling monsters and trying to maintain our sanity. It’s a challenging game, but that’s what makes the victories so sweet. We recommend it for players who love a good challenge and don’t mind losing a few times before tasting victory.
6 Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Pandemic Legacy combines a pandemic-fighting theme with evolving gameplay across sessions. Each game session will change elements based on previous outcomes. Our group felt like a team of elite scientists, battling to save the world. The ongoing storyline is gripping, and it’s perfect for fans of role playing who enjoy a bit of change with each playthrough.
5 Kingdom Death: Monster
An epic, albeit expensive, journey that’s known for its intense difficulty and sprawling campaign. Role playing fans will appreciate the character development and survival elements. When we played, it challenged us in every way possible. This game is for those who like a challenge and storytelling depth. Just be prepared for some tough moments!
4 Nemesis
If you’ve ever wanted to role play in space, Nemesis offers the tension-filled odyssey of surviving an alien infested ship. The board game shines with its atmosphere and suspenseful moments, reminiscent of classic sci-fi movies. We loved its unpredictability, and it’s a hit for those who enjoy cooperative games with a twist. Every game session is different!
3 T.I.M.E Stories
T.I.M.E Stories provides a time-traveling board game adventure with distinct scenarios for role playing fans. We had fun jumping between timelines, solving mind-bending puzzles. Each expansion tells a unique story, making it endlessly replayable. This pick is perfect for explorers who like fresh challenges with a dose of devious intrigue.
2 The 7th Continent
Embark on a vast exploration of a mysterious land in The 7th Continent. Role playing enthusiasts will enjoy the expansive world and choice-driven narrative. We felt like real explorers, forging through the depths of this massive game. Each choice creates a unique journey, and it’s fantastic for players who relish an open-world experience.
1 Cthulhu: Death May Die
We crowned Cthulhu: Death May Die as the best because it offers unforgettable role playing fun with its over-the-top action and story-driven missions. We enjoyed the epic confrontations against the elder gods themselves. Its accessible but deep gameplay made every moment exhilarating. This is the perfect choice for those who want action-packed sessions without losing depth.
