Gloomhaven FAQ

What is Gloomhaven?

Gloomhaven is a board game, known as a cooperative dungeon-crawler, designed by Issac Childres.

In this game, players take on the role of adventurers, exploring dungeons, fighting monsters, and completing quests.

The game is known for its immersive storyline, deep strategy, and endless replayability.

Why is Gloomhaven so popular?

Gloomhaven has gained immense popularity due to its unique and innovative gameplay experience.

It offers a rich and complex world for players to explore, with a wide variety of characters, enemies, and scenarios.

The game also presents players with meaningful choices, strategic decision-making, and a sense of camaraderie as they work together to overcome challenges.

How do I play Gloomhaven?

Playing Gloomhaven involves a few key steps. First, you’ll select a character to play as, each with their own unique abilities and playstyle.

Then, you’ll choose a scenario to embark on, with different scenarios offering different challenges and rewards.

Once you’ve set up the scenario, you’ll take turns with your fellow players, revealing monster actions, making decisions, and resolving battles.

Throughout the game, you’ll earn experience, collect new equipment, and uncover the story of Gloomhaven.

Can I play Gloomhaven solo?

Yes, you can definitely play Gloomhaven solo! The game offers a solo mode that allows you to control multiple characters and play the game entirely on your own.

This is a great way to dive into the world of Gloomhaven and experience the game at your own pace. However, playing with a group of friends can also be a highly rewarding experience!

How long does a game of Gloomhaven typically last?

A game of Gloomhaven can vary in length depending on several factors, such as the scenario being played, the number of players, and their familiarity with the game.

On average, a game can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours per player, but it is not uncommon for sessions to last longer, especially during more challenging scenarios.

Can I play Gloomhaven with children?

Gloomhaven is designed for players aged 12 and up, and it does contain complex rules and gameplay mechanics.

However, younger players can still enjoy the game with the guidance of an adult or older sibling.

Parents should assess their child’s interest, attention span, and ability to grasp complex concepts before introducing them to Gloomhaven.

Is Gloomhaven suitable for casual gamers?

Gloomhaven is a game that caters more towards experienced gamers or those who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay.

It may not be suitable for casual gamers who prefer lighter, more accessible games.

That being said, Gloomhaven offers a rewarding and immersive experience for those who are willing to invest the time and effort into mastering its mechanics.

What makes Gloomhaven different from other board games?

Gloomhaven stands out from other board games due to its combination of legacy-style gameplay and cooperative dungeon-crawling.

The game features an evolving storyline, with your choices and actions affecting future scenarios.

Additionally, Gloomhaven features a modular board that changes and grows as you progress through the game, providing a dynamic and unpredictable experience.

Where can I buy Gloomhaven?

Gloomhaven can be purchased from various retailers, both online and offline.

Popular online platforms like Amazon, BoardGameGeek, and the official Gloomhaven website are great places to start your search.

You can also check with your local board game store to see if they carry a copy of Gloomhaven.

Is Gloomhaven worth the investment?

The decision to invest in Gloomhaven ultimately depends on your personal preferences and gaming style.

If you enjoy immersive and challenging board games that offer high replayability, deep strategy, and a cooperative experience, then Gloomhaven is likely worth the investment.

However, it’s important to consider the length and complexity of the game, as well as the commitment required to fully enjoy and explore everything it has to offer.

Every time I retire a character, I gain an extra perk that I can use for all my future characters. This perk keeps growing as I retire more characters. For example, when I retire my second character, my next character would get two additional perks. It’s important to note that this perk applies to individual players. If I’m controlling multiple characters in a campaign, like when playing solo, each character is considered a separate player for this bonus.

The “b” sides of the “L” and “D” tiles in the game have a misprint. Their art is rotated by 180 degrees compared to the puzzle piece connections in the scenario book and random dungeon deck. When setting up these tiles, make sure the puzzle connection orientation is correct and don’t rely on the art for reference.

I want to point out a few mistakes and discrepancies in the rule book. This information is crucial for a smooth game experience, so bear with me. First off, there are some errors in the component counts mentioned in the front of the rule book. It states that there are 28 “1” damage counters, 240 monster standees, and 3 sealed envelopes. This is not accurate. Please make a note of these corrections.

Next, I noticed a typo in the special conditions for opening envelopes. The second item should be titled “The Drake’s Command” instead of “The Drake’s Request”. It’s important to get this right. When you successfully complete this objective, you will earn the global achievement called “The Drake Aided.” Keep in mind that opening the envelope and obtaining the achievement is optional, but once you do it, it becomes a permanent part of your game.

I’m going to tell you about the curse deck. It’s divided into two decks, each with 10 cards. One deck is for adding curse cards to the players’ attack modifier decks, and the other deck is for adding curse cards to the monsters’ attack modifier deck. This means that no attack modifier deck can have more than 10 curse cards. When a curse card is taken out of a player’s attack modifier deck, it goes back into the player curse card deck. And when a curse card is taken out of the monster attack modifier deck, it goes back into the monster curse card deck. If curses are given out at the start of a scenario, they should be divided evenly among those affected. The players will have to decide what to do in any unclear situations.

Rules for Players

Can I Choose X or Y at the Start of the Round?

Hey there! Let me break it down for you in simpler terms.

Can I Play A Card Just For The Experience?

So here’s the deal: if a card says “Attack,” you have to actually attack an enemy to earn experience. But if a card has both “Attack” and “Move,” you can just move without attacking and still gain experience. Now, if you see a big experience symbol all by itself on a card, it’s not tied to any specific ability. You can earn experience by performing any action that has that symbol.

Can I Choose Not To Gain The Experience From Using An Action?

Unfortunately, no. Experience is something you can’t skip out on. It’s mandatory!

If I Am Level 9, Can I Still Earn Experience?

Good question! Even though you won’t get any long-term benefits from it, you can still keep track of your experience at level 9. It’s a way to see how well you’re doing in the scenario. So go ahead and earn that experience, champ!

Can I Choose to Skip Certain Parts of an Action and What Happens if I Do?

When I’m playing the game, I have the option to skip certain parts of an action. However, there are a few things I need to keep in mind:

• I must perform any effects that have a negative impact, such as reducing my hit points, losing cards, or applying a negative condition to myself or one of my allies. I can’t choose to skip these effects.
• If I have any infusions that are not connected to a specific ability, those cannot be skipped. However, if the infusions are gained from modifier cards, they are considered part of the attack and can be skipped.
• XP granting abilities, whether they are standalone or connected to another ability, cannot be skipped. If it’s a standalone XP granting ability, I must perform at least one other ability in order to gain the XP.

By understanding these rules, I can make strategic choices during the game. Skipping certain parts of an action can have its benefits, but it’s important to weigh them against the potential negative effects. With these factors in mind, I can make the best decisions for myself and my allies. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, think carefully about what you want to skip and what consequences it may bring.

• You can make +/- X ability adjustments from modifier cards. However, you must keep the order of the abilities in the action.

Do I Have to Loot Money or Treasure Tiles in My Hex at the End of My Turn?

You don’t have a choice. If there are money or treasure tiles in your hex at the end of your turn, you must loot them.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Loot with a Loot Ability?

The rule is simple: you can loot all hexes within range X, where X is defined as “Loot X”. So, if you can attack a hex within that range, you can loot it. You can freely loot hexes, no matter if there are monsters or obstacles in the way. However, line-of-sight does come into play.

Looting Hexes: When and How?

Let’s talk about looting in the game. I know it can get a little confusing, so let me break it down for you.

First things first, looting only happens at the end of your turn. This means you can’t just pick up loot whenever you want – sorry!

Now, let’s say you stumble upon some loot, but you’re already wearing armor. No worries! You can still grab that armor from the treasure chest. In fact, you can own multiple copies of an item, so it’s no problem if you already have one. You just won’t be able to equip it until the next scenario. Even if you weren’t rocking any armor to begin with, you’ll still have to wait to equip the new armor you found.

Lastly, what happens if you loot an item you already have a copy of? Well, you just keep both copies – easy as that!

So, here’s the deal — when you get your hands on an item in this game, you instantly gain half its buy value if you decide to sell it. Plus, if the item isn’t already in the city’s stockpile, you add a copy of it there as well.

But wait, what happens if I play a card for its basic action, and the action has that ominous lose symbol?

Don’t worry, you won’t lose the card unless you activate that specific action.

Here’s another question for you — if I recover cards during my second action, can I get back the card I just played in my first action?

Totally! Once you use a card, it goes straight into the appropriate pile. So, if you lost a card with your first action, you can recover it with your second action if the card allows for it. How handy is that?

Now, let’s talk about the cards in your active area. What’s their deal?

Have you ever wondered what happens to the cards in your active area? Are they considered part of your hand or in a separate category altogether? It’s a bit perplexing, but let me explain.

When you play a card and place it in your active area, technically speaking, it is considered discarded or lost, depending on the action you used. This remains true even while the cards are in your active area. So, now you might be thinking what happens if you want to recover those cards?

If you decide to recover a discarded card by resting or using special actions to retrieve lost cards, you have two options. You can either pick up the corresponding cards from your active area or leave them right where they are. It’s entirely up to you. But keep in mind that these cards are no longer in your hand and cannot be placed in your lost pile to mitigate damage, unless you have a rule that allows you to move two discards to your lost pile.

Now, let’s address another question: what happens when I consume an element in the strong column?

Well, no matter where the element started, whenever you consume it, it always moves down to inert. This applies to all elements, regardless of their initial position.

Understanding the Timing of Elemental Infusions

Hey, I’ve got something important to tell you about how elemental infusions work. You know when you create an element during your turn? Well, here’s the deal – that element doesn’t become strong until the end of your turn. So, if you create an element and want to use it right away, you won’t be able to because it won’t become available until after your turn is over. On the flip side, if you start your turn and there’s already a strong or waning element, you can create the same one again with your first action, use the existing one with your second action, and guess what? The element will still become strong at the end of your turn, even though you just used it.

What’s the Difference Between Different Types of Attack Effects?

Do attack effects work differently depending on whether they come from a modifier card, an item card, or the ability card itself?

Nope! Regardless of where the attack effect comes from, it works exactly the same. So whether it’s an elemental infusion, a negative condition, or something else, the effect is consistent.

When Do the Effects of a Long Rest Happen?

Let’s say I decide to take a well-deserved long rest. But I’m curious – when do the effects of that rest actually kick in?

The effects of a long rest take place at initiative 99. So you gotta wait until the end of the round before you start feeling refreshed. Just a little patience!

Can I Long Rest if I Have No Cards in My Hand?

Here’s an interesting scenario for you: imagine I have no cards left in my hand, but two cards sitting in my discard pile. Can I still take a long rest, even though I know I’ll become exhausted at the start of the next round?

You bet! Even though you’re faced with impending exhaustion, you can still opt for a long rest. It’s like sacrificing yourself for the greater good – hang in there for one more round and be a meat shield! But there’s something else you might want to consider…

What Happens if I Take a Long Rest? Do My Summons Still Get to Act?

Of course! When I take a long rest, my trusty summons will still get to act in battle. They won’t miss out on their turn. They’ll position themselves on the battlefield, ready to strike, immediately before anyone who rolled initiative 99.

Can Summons Collect Loot at the End of Each Turn?

Nope, gathering loot is a job for us characters. Summons don’t get in on the end-of-turn looting action. They’re focused on fighting and supporting, without any interest in grabbing that shiny treasure.

Can I Use Move or Attack Actions for Summons with “-” Stats?

The answer to that question depends on the context. When a summon has a “-” for its move or attack stat, it means that stat is undefined. So, I can’t grant a summon with a “-” an “Attack +2” action because it’s modifying an undefined base. However, I can grant it an “Attack 2” action, which establishes a base for it to work with. The same goes for movement. Oh, and don’t forget that even summons with “-” movement can still be pushed and pulled around the battlefield.

Do I Still Get a Turn if I Choose to Take a Long Rest?

Absolutely! Even if I decide to take a long rest, I technically still have a turn for the round. It’s just that I won’t be taking any actions during that turn. I’ll be recharging and regaining my strength for the battles to come.

Hey there! Did you know that on initiative 99, you get the benefits of a long rest? It’s pretty cool, right? And guess what, it counts as a turn too! This means you can still use items or do other things that you would normally do on your turn. Well, unless you’re stunned, then you can only do the long rest stuff.

What’s the Difference Between an Attack and an Attack Action?

Okay, let me break it down for you. An attack is like, one single attack that you do to one target. You know, where you flip over one of those attack modifier cards. Easy peasy. Now, an attack action is a little different. It’s when you get to make multiple attacks using a specific action. Like, if your attack action is “Attack 3”, then you get to do one attack. But if it says “Attack 2, Target 3”, then you actually get to do three separate attacks. Pretty cool, huh?

If an Ability Lets Me “Kill” an Enemy, is that an Attack?

Hey there! Let’s talk about some important rules when it comes to the abilities in the game. First things first, it’s crucial to understand that not every ability is considered an attack. If an ability doesn’t explicitly say “attack,” then it’s not an attack.

What if I use an element to turn an attack action into a kill action?

Good question! If you consume an element and only trigger the kill effect, the word “instead” negates the attack, meaning it’s no longer classified as an attack. Pretty neat, huh?

If I defeat an enemy with my attack damage, can I still use the attack’s effects like curse or push?

No, unfortunately. Any additional effects that come with the attack are always applied after the damage. So if you manage to take out an enemy with your damage, there won’t be any left to subject to being pushed onto a trap or cursed.

Do I have to use the full amount of push or pull?

Nope! You have some flexibility there. You don’t have to push or pull the full amount specified in the ability if it doesn’t suit your needs. You can adjust it to fit the situation better.

When it comes to using push or pull abilities in a game, you have a choice – you can decide not to use them at all, or you can go all in and use the full push or pull effect. There is one exception to this rule though. If there are obstacles or other figures blocking your path, you might have to choose a different direction, even if there is an unobstructed path available. However, it’s worth noting that you can push or pull enemies through other enemy figures, as long as they don’t end up in the same hex.

Remember, if you have multiple push or pull effects happening at the same time (like when using attack modifier cards), you can choose to apply or not apply each effect separately. For example, let’s say your ability lets you “push 1,” and your attack modifier card also lets you “push 1.” In this case, you could decide to push 0, 1, or 2 spaces because these are considered separate effects.

Can I Use Push or Pull Abilities on My Allies?

So, here’s the thing – you can’t target allies at all, even if your ability isn’t an Attack. They’re off-limits.

But what about flying monsters? Can you push them into traps?

Well, you can push them, but that won’t actually trigger the traps. So they get a free pass.

If an enemy dies from trap damage, who gets credit for the kill?

Good question! The credit goes to the person who springs the trap, not the one who set it up. So choose your trap locations wisely.

What if an enemy dies from a wound?

And what if I end my turn on a hex with hazardous terrain? Do I take extra damage?

Don’t worry, you’re safe. You only take damage when you step into the hex. So you can rest easy on those hazardous tiles.

Oh, and just one more thing – when exactly does retaliate trigger?

When an attack occurs, the retaliate ability kicks in only after all the attack effects have been applied. However, if the figure retaliating is eliminated as a result of the attack, retaliate does not trigger because the figure is removed from the board before it has a chance to retaliate. Similarly, if the retaliating figure is pushed out of the range where it can retaliate, the ability does not activate. On the other hand, if the figure is pulled into the range where it can retaliate, then the retaliate ability would trigger.

Does Retaliation Target Specific Figures? Can Monsters Retaliate Against Me If I’m Invisible?

Retaliation does not target specific figures, so it is not affected by invisibility. This means that even if you are invisible, monsters can still retaliate against you.

Can I Accidentally Hit My Allies with Area Attacks?

No, you don’t harm allies with your attacks unless the ability specifies that you do. Your area effect abilities show you which hexes you can target with your attacks, and you can never target your allies with attacks. So, in general, your allies are safe from your abilities. However, certain classes like the Cragheart have abilities that explicitly state that allies may suffer damage or negative conditions in specific situations. But don’t worry, these cases are clearly mentioned on the ability cards.

Now, let’s talk about line-of-sight rules. Line-of-sight is essential for all attacks, including every hex of an area attack. It’s also necessary for other abilities that mention a range, like looting (which technically has a range). However, abilities that don’t specify a range don’t require line-of-sight.

Lastly, can you target empty hexes with an area attack? Yes, you can! You are allowed to target empty hexes as long as they fall within the area of effect for your attack.

So, here’s the deal. While you might think you have to directly target a specific hex when using an area attack, that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, you can target an empty hex as long as it falls within the attack’s range and there are enemies within the attack area that you can see. Yeah, it can even be a wall!

But hey, are there any rules about line of sight or adjacency when it comes to melee area attacks?

Well, the only thing you need to worry about is having line of sight on the figure you want to attack. As long as you can see it, you’re good to go. Oh, and as for adjacency? Nah, not relevant here. As long as the hex is in the shape shown on the card, you can go ahead and unleash your attack.

Here’s a brain twister for you: what if my area of effect isn’t symmetrical and I want to use the mirror image?

Guess what? You totally can! So, not only can you rotate the area of effect, but you can also use the mirror image of it. Get creative and unleash some serious havoc!

How Does Add Target Interact With Area Attacks?

I want to talk about how Add Target works when combined with area attacks. It’s fascinating to consider how this feature behaves in battle, and it’s important for you to understand its implications.

When you use the Add Target effect, it always adds one more target to your attack that is within the attack’s range. This additional target cannot be an enemy that has already been targeted by the attack. It’s like a rule that prevents you from hitting the same enemy multiple times with a single attack ability.

Now, let’s delve into how Add Target functions in the context of area attacks. Imagine you have an area attack ability, which means it affects a certain area or group of enemies. With the Add Target effect, you have the option to select one enemy within the attack’s range but outside of the area. This means that all the enemies within the area are already being attacked, and if you use the Add Target feature, you can hit an additional enemy outside of that area.

Isn’t it interesting? This combination of Add Target and area attacks allows you to strategically choose which enemy to hit, maximizing the effectiveness of your attack. It’s like a tactical decision that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

So, remember this when you encounter a situation where you have an area attack ability and the Add Target effect. You can pick an enemy within range but outside the area to get hit by your attack. By making use of this unique feature, you can surprise your opponents and gain a significant advantage in combat.

When an attack targets multiple entities, the aftermath, such as conditions and other effects, would also affect the additional target(s). Each time the Add Target effect is used, it adds another target to the attack. However, if an attack ability already targets everything within a specified range, the Add Target effect would have no effect since all possible targets are already included.

If I only take one point of damage from an attack but have multiple abilities (from ability cards or items) that grant me shield when taking damage, do I have to use all of them?

No, you have the choice to choose which shield bonus to apply in this situation. Once the damage is reduced to zero, it is no longer considered a source of damage, so you are not obligated to use any additional bonuses.

What exactly is considered using an item?

When can I use an item? Can I use it while moving or using another ability?

You can use an item whenever you want, as long as you follow the instructions on the item card. If it says “on your turn,” you can use it at any time during your turn, including while moving or after taking actions. The only exception is if the item affects an attack, in which case you must use it before drawing the attack modifier.

Is there a limit to how many items I can use in a turn or during the same ability?

If I apply poison to my attack, does it immediately give me +1 on the attack?

Nope! When it comes to attacks in the game, any additional effects are only applied after the damage is figured out. The only exception is PIERCE, which happens at the same time as the damage.

What happens if I have both the Wound and Poison conditions and then get healed?

Both of those conditions get cleared, but you don’t actually regain any lost health.

Can Wound and Poison be cured with a long rest or by drinking a potion?

Yep! Both of these count as healing effects, so they work just like any other ability that heals.

If a healing ability specifies a range, can I use it on myself?

How do the healing modifier cards work?

Whenever a “Heal” attack modifier card is drawn, the figure who flipped it gets healed for the amount shown on the card. This healing can also get rid of Wound and Poison conditions, just like any other heal.

If I Get Stunned Before I Get A Chance To Play My Cards, Do I Need To Discard Them Or Can I Recover And Rest Fully?

When I get stunned, I have to discard my cards, and there’s no getting them back.

If I Have Advantage Or Disadvantage, How Can I Figure Out Which Attack Modifier Card Is Better Or Worse If There Are Effects Beyond The Usual +/- Modifiers? How Do I Know If It’s Unclear?

All additional effects like negative conditions, elements, and healing have a positive value that is not defined.

So, here’s how we determine which one is better in these cases:

• +1 vs +2: +2 is better
• +1 Stun vs +1: +1 Stun is better
• +0 Stun vs +2: It’s not clear
• +1 Stun vs +1 Fire: It’s not clear
• +0 Muddle vs +2 Stun: It’s not clear

Can You Cause Damage After Playing the “No Damage” Card?

Nope. If you use this card, your attack won’t hurt the enemy, no matter what.

What Does “Next Turn” Mean When a Condition Lasts Until Then?

When it’s my next turn, that’s what we mean by “next turn.” So, let’s say I begin a turn and the condition kicks in, by the end of that turn, the condition is gone. Now, if a monster stuns me on its turn, then on my next turn (whether it’s in the current round or the next round), I’ll have the stun effect. But don’t worry, it’ll disappear by the end of that turn. But what if I manage to stun myself on my own turn? Well, I’ll suffer the effects right away, and then I’ll have to deal with them on my next turn in the next round before the effect wears off. Keep in mind, this rule applies to monsters too.

Can I Choose to End Positive Conditions Like Strengthen and Invisible on Myself?

Am I Considered an Ally to Myself?

If I Draw Two ‘Heal Self’ Rolling Modifiers During the Same Attack, Will I Heal Once or Twice?

When I roll modifiers, the heals stack together to form one big heal. It’s pretty cool how that works.

So, if an ability is targeted at one figure and uses an attack to damage other figures through non-attack effects (like suffering damage), is it still considered a single target attack?

Can I use a “Move X” ability and choose to do 0 move?

If a persistent card says it triggers “at the end of your next X turns,” does it also trigger at the end of the current turn?

Should curses and blesses be removed from my modifier deck as soon as I become exhausted, so other players and monsters can use them?

According to the rules, curses and blesses stay in your modifier deck until the scenario is over.

What’s the difference between “ability +X” and “ability X” on character ability cards that grant extra actions to other figures?

“Ability +X” means that an existing ability is adjusted, while “Ability X” gives the figure a new ability.

What happens if a figure is poisoned and you use a “heal all” ability on it?

The heal ability is treated like any other heal ability, so the poison is removed, but no damage is healed.

Can you use a heal ability on a figure that is already at full health?

Can you perform an elemental infusion or gain XP, which are both printed as standalone parts of an action, without doing any other ability of the action?

No. This also applies to the lost card symbol. To actually lose the card, you must perform some ability of the action.

When a multi-target attack has a gain XP effect, do I get XP for each target?

Only if the card specifically says so.

Can a figure still perform actions prevented by immobilize and stun even if those actions are granted to the figure outside their turn?

No, you can’t. The rule book shouldn’t have the phrase “on their turn” in the condition section.

When is an ability considered a “targeted” ability?

An ability is considered “targeted” when the card explicitly says “Target” or “Attack”.

How does stun work with persistent effects and passive items?

Stun doesn’t affect persistent effects and passive items. They continue to function normally.

Can I use items outside of my turn?

You can only use items outside of your turn if it’s a reaction to an enemy action. Otherwise, you cannot use items unless it’s your turn.

Does overkill damage count for abilities that say “amount of damage inflicted”?

Yes, overkill damage does count for abilities that specify “amount of damage inflicted”.

Can you do a short rest in the last round of a scenario?

No, you cannot do a short rest in the last round of a scenario.

When obstacles attack, what initiative value do they have when resolving tie-breakers for monster focus?

Obstacles have an initiative value of 99 for resolving focus ties. This means that when there is a tie in determining which monster to focus on, the obstacle takes priority.

I’m sure you’re curious about the timing of a figure’s turn. Well, let me break it down for you. A figure’s turn begins right after the previous figure finishes their turn. It lasts until the next figure begins their turn. So, it’s like a relay race where one figure passes the baton to the next.

Now, let’s talk about what happens when a figure becomes immune to a condition that it already has. In this case, the condition is simply removed. But there’s a catch! This rule doesn’t apply to Curse and Bless. If a figure becomes immune to Curse or Bless, it won’t stop the existing curse or bless cards from affecting the game. The immunity only prevents new curse or bless cards from entering the modifier deck.

Alright, now let’s move on to monster turns. This is an essential part of the game, so pay attention. During a monster turn, the monsters take their actions following the rules laid out in the scenario and their ability cards. Each monster will perform its turn individually, one by one, activating their ability cards and making their moves.

I hope this clears up any confusion you had about these topics. Now you can confidently strategize and make wise decisions during your gameplay. Have fun and good luck!

I’m a little confused about focus. Can you explain it?

Finding a focus for a monster can sometimes be tricky, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you understand a few basic rules.

First, let’s think about whether the monster is trying to use a particular ability. If it’s not, then we can imagine that it wants to attack an enemy up close, like in a melee fight.

Once we know that, we need to figure out the shortest distance the monster has to move in order to get within attacking range of an enemy. It doesn’t matter if the monster can’t reach them with its current movement, as long as there’s a path to eventually get there. That path will still be considered the best one. So, at the end of that path, we’ll find the enemies that are both closest and within line of sight, and those will be the ones the monster focuses on.

Have you ever encountered negative hexes in a game? You may be wondering what their purpose is and how they affect gameplay. Well, let me explain it to you.

Negative hexes, also known as traps or hazardous terrain, can pose a challenge and add an element of danger to the game. These hexes are considered obstacles that players or enemies must navigate around when moving from one point to another. However, there is an exception to this rule. If there is no other option but to pass through the negative hex, it will be considered part of the path.

Let’s consider a scenario where the enemy has two possible paths to take. One path is ten steps long, but it avoids the negative hex, while the other path is only two steps long, but it goes through the negative hex. Surprisingly, the enemy will still choose the ten-step path as long as it is available. This is because monsters prefer to move through as few negative hexes as possible.

Now, what happens if the monster can move the same number of spaces to get within range of multiple enemies? In this situation, proximity becomes the deciding factor. Proximity refers to the number of hexes the monster is away from the enemies, not counting any walls or obstacles in between. The monster will prioritize the enemy that is closest in terms of proximity.

So, as you can see, negative hexes add an extra layer of strategy and decision-making to the game. Players and enemies must carefully consider their moves and take into account the potential risks and advantages of moving through or avoiding these hazardous hexes.

Next time you encounter negative hexes, remember the importance of tactically navigating around them while keeping an eye on your opponents.

So here’s the deal: if there’s only one bad guy nearby when a monster finishes its move, that’s the guy it’s gonna focus on. But if there happens to be more than one potential target within range and it can see ’em all, the monster will go for the one with the lowest initiative for the round, among those tied.

Now, there might be times when a monster just can’t decide who to focus on. To pick a target, it needs a clear path to an open hex where it can eventually move to and attack. If there’s no way for the monster to find a focus, it won’t move or attack on its turn—it’ll just do any other funky stuff the card says.

But what about the sneaky invisible characters? How do monsters handle them?

When you’re invisible, it doesn’t matter if you’re a sneaky person or a terrifying monster. Monsters can’t see you, interact with you, or attack you directly. They treat you like an obstacle, trying to get around you to reach their real targets. The only way they can affect you is through indirect effects, like if they cause something to explode and you happen to be in the area. But they’ll never intentionally focus on you. Being invisible gives you a unique advantage, whether you’re a person or a monster.

Have you ever wondered what happens when a monster can’t find its target? It’s a situation that can occur when all of its enemies are invisible or when an invisible character cleverly blocks its path. The monster becomes puzzled, unable to focus on anyone. But blocking a passageway doesn’t always guarantee that the monster will lose its focus. Some monsters have the ability to fly or jump, allowing them to bypass the obstacle posed by an invisible character. Ranged enemies, on the other hand, may still be able to attack over obstacles, depending on their range and the positions of other characters.

What Happens When a Monster Can’t Reach Its Target?

Oh boy, let me tell you something about monsters in this game. They’re clever little buggers, always trying to get as close as possible to attack their target. But here’s the thing, they’re not dumb either – they only move the bare minimum to reach a hex where they can attack. Smart, right?

Now, here’s something interesting: Will a monster move away from a character if they’re adjacent and doing a ranged attack?

You bet! These monsters know what they’re doing. As a general rule, they’ll move one hex away to avoid any disadvantages. See, they’re not just ruthless, they’re tactical too!

Okay, here’s a tricky one: If a monster ability card doesn’t say anything about attacking or moving, do they still do it?

Well, guess what? They sure do! These monsters have a whole bag of tricks up their sleeves. Even if the ability card doesn’t specify an attack or a move, they’ll still go ahead and perform that ability. Talk about resourceful!

You might be wondering, do monsters always follow their ability cards exactly? The answer is yes! Monsters are bound by the actions specified on their card for each round. No surprises or improvisation here.

But what about an ability card that shows a melee attack hex configuration for a monster that typically has range? Does that still count as a ranged attack?

No, it doesn’t. In this exceptional case, the monster would perform a melee attack instead.

And what happens if a monster is disarmed? Does it still move like it has an attack?

No, it doesn’t. Disarm negates all attack effects for a monster. When disarmed, the monster will move as if it doesn’t have an attack, prioritizing getting closer to its focus.

Lastly, if a monster has bonuses like “shield” or “retaliate” on its ability card, do those apply for the entire round?

No, bonuses don’t kick in until the monster finishes their turn based on the initiative on the ability card. The bonuses stick around until the end of the round, and then they either go back into the deck or get replaced by the next round’s ability card.

Now, let’s talk about what happens when you stun a monster. See, the bonuses aren’t just handed out automatically. The monster has to actually take a “Shield 1” action to get the Shield 1. So, if a monster is stunned on its turn, those bonuses won’t activate.

And here’s something you might be wondering: when a group of monsters activates, do they all go at the same time, or does each monster have its own separate turn? Well, each individual monster gets its own turn, one after the other.

Oh, and about consuming elements. If a monster type uses up an element because of its ability card, does that mean only the first monster to act gets the effect, or do all the monsters benefit? It’s actually all the monsters that benefit, not just the first one.

So, here’s something interesting that I’ve learned about monsters in this game. When a monster consumes an element, all monsters of that same type get a little boost when they take their turn. It’s like they’re all feeding off of that element’s power. Pretty neat, right?
But now I’ve got a question for you. Let’s say you have two different types of monsters, and they both reveal the same initiative on their ability cards. Who do you think gets to go first? Well, my friend, the answer is that the players get to decide. So it’s really up to you to figure out who takes their turn first and who has to wait their turn.

Now, let’s talk about summoning enemies. How can you tell them apart from regular enemies? After all, summoned enemies don’t drop any money tokens. Well, the game has come up with a solution for that. You can use extra scenario tokens, those gray circles, to mark the summoned enemies. That way, you won’t get confused and you can easily keep track of them. You’re welcome!

Have you ever wondered what happens to the monsters that a summoner creates when that summoner dies? Do they die too? It’s a pretty logical question to ask. But the answer might surprise you. When a summoner dies, the monsters it summoned remain in the game. They don’t just disappear. So you definitely want to think twice before taking down a summoner. You might end up unleashing a bunch of angry monsters!

Okay, here’s a really interesting scenario. Let’s say you’re fighting a boss, and that boss is immune to curses. But what do you think will happen if the boss draws a curse card? Well, I’ll tell you. The curse card affects the boss just like any other card, meaning the boss won’t be able to deal any damage. However, it’s important to note that the boss is only immune to the condition of being cursed, which is when you shuffle the curse card into the deck. So the boss can still be affected by the curse card, but it won’t suffer any harmful effects from it. Talk about a lucky boss!

Now, let’s talk about elite monsters. Are bosses considered elites? It’s a common question, and the answer is no. Bosses and elites are actually two different things. Bosses have their own rules and abilities, and they can be pretty tough to beat. So keep that in mind when you’re facing off against a big bad boss.

You’ll be happy to know that bosses and named monsters are a whole different ball game. They don’t follow the rules that apply to regular or elite monsters. So any abilities that target normal or elite monsters won’t work on them.

Now, what about obstacles with hit points? Are they considered enemies? Can they be poisoned, wounded, or anything like that?

Well, technically speaking, obstacles with hit points are considered enemies for all purposes related to abilities. But here’s the catch – they can’t be affected by any negative conditions. They’re immune to them.

Alright, let’s say a door is closed because of specific scenario rules. What happens if there are monsters in a room, but no enemies for them to attack?

When doors are closed, it’s like having walls. The monsters are still there, waiting to be revealed. They’ll still play a card at the start of each round. However, until the door is opened, they can’t focus on anything. This means they won’t move or attack, but they may use other abilities on their card, following the regular rules.

Do negative conditions from monster ability cards stack with traits of the same negative condition (for example, if a monster has a curse trait for every attack and draws an ability with a curse as well)?

What happens if a flying monster is over a stun trap and another monster tries to move over the same stun trap?

If a figure wants to end their turn in the same hex as another figure, they can’t. So, if a flying monster is in the way, it’s treated as an obstacle for the non-flying monster’s movement.

If a monster ability card lists a melee attack (like “adjacent enemies” effects) but the monster stat card specifies a range X, is the attack melee or ranged?

The attack is melee. The monster ability card takes precedence.

When a monster is controlled by a character, is it considered an ally or an enemy of other monsters while it is being controlled?

While being controlled, the monster is considered an enemy by other monsters.

Campaign

Do I Lose My Experience Points When I Level Up?

How Does My Collection of Ability Cards Work? What Can I Add to It When I Level Up?

In the game, I have a collection of ability cards that I can choose from to use during a scenario. These cards are what I play with, and the number of cards I can have in my hand is limited based on the class I’m playing. When I first start with a level 1 character, my collection consists of all level 1 cards, plus three wildcard cards. All the other cards are not available to me at this point. However, as I level up, I can add one card from my unavailable deck that matches my new level or is lower. This means that when I reach level 9, I will have added a total of eight new cards to my collection since starting at level 1.

What Does It Mean When a Perk on a Character Sheet Has Multiple Checkboxes?

I’m sure you’ve noticed those perks on your character sheet with more than one checkbox next to them. So, what’s the deal with that? Well, let me explain. If a perk has two checkboxes, it means you can actually unlock that perk two times! And the best part? Each time you unlock it, it only costs you one perk allocation. That’s a pretty sweet deal, right?

Can I Choose Not to Level Up or Gain a Perk Even When I Have the Experience or Three Check Marks?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you really didn’t want to level up or gain a perk, even though you had the necessary experience or check marks? Well, I have some news for you. Unfortunately, you don’t have a choice in the matter. If you’re in town and you have enough experience to level up, you’re automatically forced to level up. And trust me, you’ll gain all the wonderful benefits that come along with it!

The same goes for those three check marks. Once you have them, you must immediately gain a perk. There’s no way around it, my friend. But hey, perks are awesome, so it’s not such a bad thing, right?

Can I Lose a Perk if I Lose a Check Mark?

Now, this is a valid concern. Losing a check mark can be quite a bummer. But don’t worry, losing a check mark does not mean you lose a perk. Phew! Your perks are safe! Losing a check mark may limit your abilities or access to certain features, but it won’t take away any perks you’ve already earned.

So, go ahead and enjoy the perks of your character sheet without any fear. Keep those check marks secure!

Sorry, but you can’t go below a certain level when you lose something like a perk, experience, or prosperity. Let’s say you have three check marks, which is enough to get a perk. If you then lose one, nothing actually happens. You won’t lose the perk, and you won’t owe any check marks.

Can we retry a scenario right after we fail it?

Definitely! If we fail a scenario, we can still consider ourselves at that location. So, we can fully recover our hit points, cards, and everything else, then immediately retry the scenario. No need to do a road event. Alternatively, we can go back to town or try another scenario, but keep in mind that doing so might require a road event before starting the new scenario, depending on how the linking rules work.

Do we need to do a road event when traveling back to Gloomhaven from a scenario?

No, you only do a road event when traveling to a scenario, not when traveling back to Gloomhaven.

Can I Go Straight to a New Scenario and Change Characters Without Returning to Gloomhaven?

If I already have the character I want to swap in, I can go directly to a linked scenario without returning to Gloomhaven. But if I want to swap in a character I haven’t created yet, I need to go back to Gloomhaven and create it first.

What Happens to the Money and Treasure Tiles on the Ground at the End of a Scenario?

Unfortunately, any loot left on the ground is lost once the scenario is over. You have to collect it during the scenario. If you want the treasure tiles you missed, you’ll have to replay the scenario.

How Can I Keep Track of Lost Prosperity?

When you gain prosperity, make sure to write it down on the prosperity track. Remember to scratch out the note the next time you gain prosperity.

Should I Keep My Personal Quest a Secret?

There isn’t an official rule about this, so you can do whatever you prefer. Personally, I like to keep mine secret.

Which Event Rewards/Penalties Impact a Single Character and Which Affect All Characters?

If an event result starts with “Gain,” “Lose,” “Discard,” or “Consume,” then it affects all characters, but they get to distribute the outcome in any way they choose if the word “collective” is included (for instance, “Lose 10 collective gold” means the party as a whole loses 10 gold). However, if the word “each” is included, then the result impacts each character separately (for example, “Lose 10 gold each” would mean that a party of 4 would lose a total of 40 gold). The only exception to this rule is when the result involves gaining an item; in that case, only one character receives the item, and the players decide who.

If a result starts with “Start scenario with…” it affects everyone, but if it says “One starts scenario with…” it only affects one person.

There are a few cards with mistakes where the “collective” or “each” is missing (see below). As a general rule, if something is missing, assume it applies to each person.

Mistake – City Event 04: “Lose 1 check” should say “Lose 1 check each.”

Mistake – City Event 06: “Gain 5 experience” should say “Gain 5 experience each.”

Mistake – City Event 22: “Gain 1 check” should say “Gain 1 check each.”

Mistake – City Event 46: “Lose 5 gold” should say “Lose 5 gold each.”

Now, let’s talk about which treasure tile rewards or penalties affect only one person, and which affect everyone.

All the treasure you find in the game will only have an effect on the character who loots the treasure tile, except for two special cases. The first exception is the “Random Side Scenario” reward, which unlocks a new scenario for everyone playing the campaign. The second exception is the “Random Item Design” reward, which adds a set of items to the shop that anyone in the campaign can purchase.

Which abilities can be enhanced with Bless and Strengthen?

If an ability has a targeting qualification mentioned below it, like “Self” or “Affect all allies at X range”, or simply “Range X”, and it is a beneficial ability, then you can enhance it with Bless or Strengthen (assuming it has a dot). However, a “Move” ability does not count as targeting yourself.

If I play a random dungeon from the random dungeon deck, do road and city events still happen?

No, random dungeons won’t move the campaign forward. They don’t trigger any events or unlock new scenarios, affect the world of the campaign, or increase town prosperity. However, they can help your character progress by earning experience, gold, checks, and personal quests.

If a scenario requires you to have an incomplete achievement, it means you can only play that scenario in campaign mode if you haven’t completed the listed achievement yet.

If a scenario takes place in the town of Gloomhaven, both interacting with the town before and after the scenario count as separate visits. This applies to donating to the sanctuary and participating in city events. And no, you don’t have to win a scenario in order to complete it.

If I Find a “Goal” Treasure Tile in a Scenario and then Return to that Scenario, is the Treasure Tile Still There?

No, unlike numbered treasure tiles, “goal” treasure tiles are reset at the end of every scenario, so you have to find and loot them again.

If I Unlock a Character Class in a Different Way Than Through Retirement and It’s Already Unlocked, Do I Still Get the Bonus of a Random Scenario and Item Design?

Yes. No matter how you unlock a character class, if you trigger the unlock and it’s already unlocked, you still receive the bonus of a random scenario and item design.

How Are Donations to the Sanctuary and City Events Handled When Playing Scenarios in Casual Mode?

You can only make sanctuary donations and experience city events if the last scenario you played was in campaign mode.

A Personal Adventure

Let’s talk about personal quests in Gloomhaven. Have you ever wondered which scenarios are part of your journey? I can help you with that!

What’s Inside Gloomhaven?

Gloomhaven is an exciting and vast world with many scenarios to explore. All you need to do is look at the zoomed-in inset in the top right of the map. If it’s marked, then that scenario is considered to be in Gloomhaven. Remember, this applies to scenarios 58 and 86 as well!

Discovering the Dagger Forest

Now, let’s delve into the mysteries of the Dagger Forest. If you’re looking for quests in this intriguing place, keep an eye out for scenarios 3, 28, 29, 38, 43, 44, 48, 55, 56, 59, 81, and 91.

Journeying Through the Lingering Swamp

The Lingering Swamp holds its own secrets, but fear not! Some scenarios that lie within its depths include 19, 32, 45, 49, 61, 62, 68, and 79.

The Majestic Watcher Mountains

For those who seek the heights of the Watcher Mountains, scenarios 9, 13, 63, 65, 73, 76, 80, 82, and 85 await. These peaks hold thrilling adventures!

Unveiling the Copperneck Mountains

Behold the mighty Copperneck Mountains, where brave souls wander. If you dare to venture, explore scenarios 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, 33, 34, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 54, 66, and 84.

Sailing through the Misty Sea

Lastly, let’s set sail across the Misty Sea. This journey offers scenarios 17, 30, 37, 47, 64, 70, 74, and 93. Prepare to face the unknown!

What Kinds of Situations are Considered “Crypts”?

If a scenario has the word “crypt” in its title, then it falls into this category. Specifically, scenarios 4, 5, 6, 19, and 53 are considered crypts.

If I Have to Defeat a Certain Number of Creatures, Must I Deliver the Finishing Blow?

Yes, you earn credit for killing creatures even if your summoned allies land the final blow.

If I Complete the Objectives of My Personal Quest and Then Take an Action That Prevents Me from Meeting Those Objectives, Do I Still Retire?

No, you must be actively fulfilling the objectives of your personal quest at the time of retirement.

For Quest Cards 510, 513, 521, 526, and 529, I Must Satisfy a Condition and Then Unlock a Scenario. Does the Scenario Automatically Unlock Once I Satisfy the Condition, or Must I Take Another Action to Unlock It?

Once you satisfy the condition, the scenario is automatically unlocked. You don’t need to do anything else to access it.

Do I Have to Create Different Scenarios for Quest Cards 510, 521, 522, 526, 528, and 529?

Even If I’m Exhausted, Can I Still Experience Quest Card 514?

Yes, you can. It’s important to note that your own exhaustion does not count against you.

For Quest Cards 515 and 520, Do I Need to Defeat that Many Monsters of Each Type or Just that Many Monsters in Total?

You only need to defeat that many monsters in total.

What Qualifies as a Different Monster Type for Quest Card 517?

Each monster stat card, which is the large square one, represents a different monster type. So, for example, Inox Guards and Bandit Guards are considered two different monster types, and each unique boss counts as a different monster type as well.

Does Completing Random Scenarios Count for Quest Card 518?

Can My Progress Be Lost If I Lose Check Marks in Events? Will I Make Progress with Check Marks from Events or Bonuses Besides Battle Goals?

No, your progress for this quest will only be affected by achieving battle goals. Any check marks gained or lost from events or other bonuses do not contribute to your overall progress. It’s important to keep in mind that you may need to keep track of these separately in the notes section of your quest log.

Scenario

What’s the Right Order for Choices at the Start of a Scenario?

So, when I begin a scenario (after dealing with a Road Event, if there is one), I look at the scenario book. First, I set up the map tiles, prepare all the monsters for the upcoming battle, and apply any negative effects specific to that scenario. Then, I move on to the next steps.

The first step is to deal battle goals and choose one. It’s important to have a clear objective in mind. Once I’ve made my choice, I can move on to the next decisions.

Next, I decide which items I want to equip from the ones I own. But keep in mind, some items may come with a penalty -1 card that you add to your attack modifier deck. So, choose wisely! After that, I consider which ability cards I want to start with from the pool of those available to me. These cards will shape my strategy and playstyle for the upcoming battle.

If I Have to Discard Cards Due to an Event, When Does That Happen?

When it comes to events in the game, it’s best to wait until you’ve chosen your cards before deciding which ones to discard.

Can I Still Use Items During A Road Event?

If I Have A Perk That Lets Me Ignore Scenario Effects, Do I Ignore Event Card Effects Too?

No, you can’t ignore event card effects with a perk that only applies to scenario effects. Scenario effects are specific effects outlined in scenarios and will be listed in the special rules. They follow the format of “Do such and such as a scenario effect”.

Which Effects Are Modified By Attack Modifier Cards?

Attack modifier cards only modify attacks with the “Attack” keyword. They don’t modify traps, hazardous terrain, retaliate, wound, or any effects that cause damage with the text “suffer X damage”.

Mitigating Damage from an Attack versus a Source of Damage

Hey there! So, when we talk about reducing damage from an attack, like when you have a Shield ability, we’re specifically talking about a situation where you’re up against an “Attack” action and a card is flipped to modify it. On the other hand, when we say “source of damage,” we’re talking about something that can cause damage in general. This could be an attack, a trap, some dangerous terrain, retaliation, a wound, or even suffering damage from choosing a different card to lose when you take a short rest. Basically, anything that involves the phrase “suffer X damage” falls into this category.

Understanding the Difference Between an Unoccupied Hex and an Empty Hex

Alright, let’s break this down! An unoccupied hex is a fancy way of saying that there are no figures or summons (both monsters and characters) present in that particular hex. It’s just sitting there, empty and waiting for something to happen. Now, an empty hex takes things a step further. Not only does it not have any figures or summons, but it also doesn’t have any tokens, overlays, or other stuff of any kind. The only exceptions are corridors, open doors, and pressure plates, which can still be present in an empty hex.

Your Questions About Traps in Gloomhaven

Hey there, I’m here to answer your burning questions about traps in the game of Gloomhaven! Let’s delve into the world of traps and uncover their secrets.

Can I or My Allies Activate a Trap I Set? What About Monsters?

No, once you set a trap, it becomes an impartial hazard waiting to strike anyone who stumbles upon it. You and your allies are not exempt from its treacherous grasp. Monsters are also prone to falling into your devious traps, so be sure to place them strategically!

What Happens to a Trap If I Set it on an Open Door That Closes Due to a Scenario Rule?

If you place a trap on an open door and the door unexpectedly slams shut due to a scenario rule, the trap is removed from the game board. It vanishes into thin air, leaving no trace of its existence.

How Are Walls Defined in Gloomhaven?

Walls in Gloomhaven are easy to spot. They encompass the edges of any map tile and the entire area of any partial hex along the edge. However, these edges don’t count as walls if they are covered by a corridor tile. Additionally, closed doors are considered walls. When a complete hex on a map tile coincides with the edge of the tile, a dark border indicates the presence of a wall, even though it’s not technically considered a wall until the edge.

If you place two map tiles next to each other so that the dark edges align, it’s like there’s still a wall between them. Picture it as a thin line that separates the two rooms.

Can I hit an enemy with a melee attack if they are on the other side of this wall line?

No, you can’t. Even if you’re making a melee attack at range 1, you can’t hit through walls. In fact, these two hexes are not considered adjacent at all. They are actually two hexes apart, which means you can’t reach the enemy.

If there’s a situation where the outcome is unclear and players have to decide, should they do what’s best for them or what’s worst for them?

It’s entirely up to you. That’s the whole point of making a decision. It’s assumed that you would choose what’s best for yourself, but ultimately, it’s your choice to make.

If I’m exhausted and open a new room, how does the room population work?

The room will populate based on the player count that you started the scenario with.

When will my second card be revealed if my leading card is already revealed at the start of a round?

Both your leading card and your second card will be revealed at the start of the round. Just place your leading card on top of your second card. Once everyone has chosen and revealed their cards, both of your cards will be open information.

What is the purpose of the round tracker? Do I have to complete all scenarios within 12 turns?

The round tracker is only used for specific scenarios. Unless the scenario specifically asks you to track rounds, you don’t need to worry about it.

If I Get Exhausted During a Scenario, Will I Be Penalized?

No, there is no penalty for getting exhausted. You will still earn all the rewards you would have earned if you hadn’t become exhausted. This includes completing battle goals, obtaining money and experience, receiving bonus completion experience, and any additional rewards mentioned in the scenario book, such as bonus gold or experience.

Will Becoming Exhausted Affect My Hit Points for the “Fast Healer” and “Masochist” Battle Goals?

No, becoming exhausted does not affect your hit points for the purposes of the “Fast Healer” and “Masochist” battle goals. You can still achieve these goals if your hit points were in the correct range when you became exhausted.

Do I Regain All My Hit Points After Finishing a Scenario?

Yes, you will regain all your hit points once a scenario is finished. You start each new scenario with your hit points fully restored.

Do Bless and Curse Cards Remain in My Deck After a Scenario?

Hey there! Let’s talk about something interesting today. Did you know that some cards in your deck need to be removed after finishing a scenario? Specifically, any cards with a star in the corner and cards with a negative value (“-1” and below). So, make sure to take them out at the end!

But, why do we have Bless and Curse punch board tokens?

Alright, here’s another question: what if I run out of bases for monsters?

Don’t worry, you can easily find a replacement for standee bases. The number of monsters in a scenario shouldn’t be limited by the number of bases available. Now, let’s talk about what happens when a scenario fails with the permanent death variant. In this variant, a failed scenario doesn’t end immediately. Instead, it continues until the end of the round in which it was failed. If any of the characters are still alive by that time (even if they are exhausted), they will survive.

Now, here’s an interesting possibility: can I intentionally fail a scenario to avoid death or save time?

No, technically, you can’t end the scenario early unless all the players agree and there are no monsters left on the board. In that case, you can play as many rounds as you want without any danger. It’s a way to save time if everyone is on board.

What Does the Red Starburst Symbol Mean on Monster Traps?

The red starburst symbol indicates that the trap is a damage trap. Watch out for those!

What Should I Do If I Run Out of Condition Tokens?

If you run out of condition tokens, don’t worry. They don’t limit the total usage of the condition like Curse and Bless. You can either use another token or make a note to keep track.

Items

Here’s a general rule for using items. If an item adds some effect or bonus to your attack, you have to decide whether to use it before drawing attack modifier cards.

When you start a scenario, the items you have equipped are immediately active. This means that if an item has a reaction to an enemy’s actions, it can respond right away.

Some item cards have circles that you can use to track multiple uses. These cards work just like persistent ability cards. If the situation calls for it, you must use the item in response and consume a charge. It’s important to note that if the card has a spent icon in the lower right corner, it doesn’t actually become spent until all charges are used. So, you can’t refresh it by resting or using other abilities until all the charges are gone.

If an item card doesn’t have circles to track multiple uses, then it’s up to you when to use it – it’s not mandatory. For example, if an item says “Heal X damage,” it’s the same as saying “Heal X, Self.”

These items interact with wounds and poison just like any other healing ability.