Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a standalone cooperative fantasy campaign board game of tactical combat for 1–4 players, ages 14 and up. Set before the events of Gloomhaven, it takes you through a 25-scenario campaign featuring four unique mercenaries, mysterious disappearances and a guided five-scenario tutorial. No original Gloomhaven game is required.
Game details at a glance
- Players: 1–4, including solo play
- Recommended age: 14+
- Playing time: 1–2 hours
- Game type: cooperative fantasy campaign and tactical combat
- Publisher: Cephalofair Games
- Campaign: 25 scenarios, including a five-scenario tutorial
- Standalone: no other game is required
How do you play?
Choose from four distinct mercenaries and work together through a prequel campaign filled with tactical battles, choices and challenges. The introductory scenarios teach the rules gradually, supported by a learn-to-play guide. Play directly on illustrated scenario-book pages rather than assembling cardboard map tiles.
Game highlights
- Learn as you play: a five-scenario tutorial introduces the game step by step.
- Four distinct characters: choose different combat and support roles; these heroes can also be used in the original Gloomhaven.
- 16 monster types: including seven new standard monsters and three new bosses.
- Scenario-book maps: illustrated play surfaces keep the adventure on the page instead of separate map tiles.
Meet the four characters
- Valrath Red Guard: tank and crowd control.
- Inox Hatchet: ranged damage.
- Human Voidwarden: support and mind control.
- Quatryl Demolitionist: melee damage and obstacle manipulation.
Who is Jaws of the Lion for?
Choose Jaws of the Lion if you want a cooperative fantasy campaign to explore solo or with a group of up to four players. It offers a guided introduction to Gloomhaven's tactical gameplay, making it an approachable starting point for newcomers who want to learn through play.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Gloomhaven to play Jaws of the Lion?
No. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a complete standalone game set before the events of the original Gloomhaven.
Can you play Jaws of the Lion solo?
Yes. The game supports 1–4 players, so you can play solo or cooperatively with others.
How long does a game take?
Cephalofair Games lists a playing time of 1–2 hours. The campaign is played across multiple scenarios rather than completed in one sitting.
Is Jaws of the Lion suitable for beginners?
It is designed as a more approachable entry into Gloomhaven, with a learn-to-play guide and a five-scenario tutorial that introduces the rules gradually. The recommended age is 14+.
How many scenarios are in Jaws of the Lion?
The campaign contains 25 scenarios, including a five-scenario tutorial.
Can I use the characters in the original Gloomhaven?
Yes. The Valrath Red Guard, Inox Hatchet, Human Voidwarden and Quatryl Demolitionist can also be used in the original Gloomhaven game.
Does Jaws of the Lion use cardboard map tiles?
Instead of assembling cardboard map tiles, players use the scenario book itself, with artwork unique to each scenario.
Awards and recognition
- 2021 Kennerspiel des Jahres Recommended
- 2021 International Gamers Award Two-player Nominee
- 2020 Guldbrikken Best Expert Game Winner
- 2020 Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year Winner and Nominee
- 2020 Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game Winner and Nominee
- 2020 Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game Nominee
- 2020 Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game Winner and Nominee
- 2020 Dragon Awards Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game Nominee