Quick Specs
Cooperative / Adventure / Campaign / Tactical Combat
12+
~3.6/5 (Medium–Heavy)
1–4 (best at 2–4)
30–120 min per scenario (varies by group and scenario length)
Card-Driven Action Selection, Hand Management, Scenario-Based Campaign, Role Abilities, Modular Map Exploration, Cooperative Combat, Enemy AI Deck
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is the approachable gateway into the sprawling world of Gloomhaven—a tactical, card-driven adventure where your party explores a city, fights enemies, and levels up through story-driven scenarios. It keeps the same rich tactical depth but streamlines setup and rules so that players can jump into the story immediately without needing to consult a 95-page manual.
What it is
This is a cooperative dungeon-crawl style game with a campaign arc. Players control unique characters with special abilities, move through modular maps, and use a hand of ability cards to perform attacks, movements, or other actions. Each scenario has goals, enemies, and story beats, and the decisions you make carry over across scenarios—unlocking perks, items, and new abilities for future adventures.
The setup
Unlike its bigger sibling, Jaws of the Lion uses a scenario book that doubles as the map setup guide, reducing setup time dramatically. Players pick characters, set up the map as instructed, deal ability cards, and set out. Enemies have AI decks that dictate movement and attacks, so the “game master” role is built into the system.
How it plays
On your turn, you play two ability cards: one for the top action, one for the bottom. You choose the order, combining movement and attacks, tactical positioning, and cooperation with teammates. Enemy actions resolve automatically according to their AI decks, so the table can focus on strategy and coordination rather than bookkeeping. Each turn is a puzzle: maximize your damage, minimize incoming damage, and plan your positioning for future turns.
Scenarios vary in objectives—defeat all enemies, survive waves, collect items, or achieve specific goals—so tactics shift frequently. Card exhaustion adds tension: using your powerful actions comes at the cost of hand depletion, requiring careful planning and pacing.
Why the pacing works
- Early scenario: learn your character, explore the map, understand enemy AI
- Mid-scenario: enemy patterns intensify, positioning and teamwork become critical
- Late scenario: high-stakes pushes, coordinated attacks, and risk/reward decisions dominate before scenario resolution
Table feel
This is highly interactive and cooperative. Players must discuss movement, attacks, and who targets which enemies. It’s best at 2–4, where the variety of abilities and cooperative synergy really shine. Solo play is supported but requires careful planning, as the AI can punish mistakes. Setup is minimal compared to classic Gloomhaven, making it more accessible for shorter sessions.
Who it’s for
- Groups who love tactical combat and cooperative problem-solving
- Players who enjoy hand management, character progression, and scenario puzzles
- Best for campaign-style sessions or one-off tactical adventures
- You’ll like it if you want a cooperative dungeon crawl with meaningful choices and evolving characters
Less ideal for
- Not great for players who dislike medium-heavy planning or scenario-based games
- Avoid if your group wants fast, casual play without combat complexity
- Also note: although simpler than the original, there’s still a lot to track, so new players should lean on teamwork and step-by-step play
Desert Meeples Beginner Tip + Verdict
New to Jaws of the Lion? Focus on teamwork and positioning over raw damage early in scenarios. Learn your AI enemy behaviors and plan two turns ahead—many mistakes come from moving too aggressively. Don’t forget to manage card exhaustion: using your strongest abilities too early can leave you helpless later in the scenario.
Verdict: Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is the perfect bridge to the full Gloomhaven experience: tactical, cooperative, and story-rich, but far less intimidating. It’s a campaign game that teaches patience, strategy, and collaboration while keeping setup and rules manageable—ideal for new and experienced groups alike.
