Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, designed by Isaac Childres and published by Cephalofair Games in 2020, is a standalone cooperative dungeon crawler. Designed for 1-4 players, aged 14 and up, with a playtime of 30-120 minutes, it delivers tactical combat and strategic decision-making in a more accessible format than the original Gloomhaven. This review evaluates gameplay, components, and overall experience.
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion Overview
Players take the roles of a mercenary group navigating 25 prequel scenarios in a dark fantasy city. They investigate mysterious disappearances while managing combat, abilities, and resources.
| Designer | Isaac Childres |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Cephalofair Games |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Age Range | 14+ |
| Playing Time | 30–120 min |
| Game Type / Category | Strategy, Thematic, Cooperative, Adventure, Dungeon Crawler |
| Complexity Rating | 3.63 / 5 |
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion Components
The game comes in a compact, organized box with everything required for the campaign.
- 4 plastic player miniatures
- Matching character decks and sheets
- 16 monster standees including 3 bosses
- Tokens for stats, obstacles, and scenery
- Scenario flipbook with ready-made maps
- Sticker sheet and city map (decorative)
- Storage trays for organized components
Materials are solid, with thick cardboard for tokens and durable miniatures. The scenario book paper is standard weight, so careful handling is recommended.
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion Pros and Cons
- Pros: Streamlined setup compared to Gloomhaven, tutorial scenarios ease learning, compact box with organized components, engaging tactical combat engine, multiple character options for varied play.
- Cons: Scenario book paper is fragile, campaign story is linear, cannot pool gold for items, steep learning curve for newcomers, some rules require memory and attention.
How to Play Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Setup
Select characters and place miniatures on starting scenario. Each player receives a character deck, hand of cards, and player board. Lay out tokens for monsters, obstacles, and loot.
Turn Structure
Players simultaneously select two cards from their deck. Each card has an upper and lower action. Execute actions and resolve initiative order. Monsters act according to their behavior cards.
Progression
After each scenario, players spend gold on items and upgrade their decks with new ability cards. Cards lost during play permanently reduce options, creating tension and strategic choices.
Winning
Complete scenario objectives while surviving encounters. Campaign advances as players solve the city’s mystery through 25 interconnected scenarios.
Where to Buy Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
| Platform | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon | $39.11 |
| Best Buy | $39.99 |
| Walmart | $39.32 |
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion Game Mechanics
The game uses a card-driven tactical combat system. Each character has a unique deck representing possible actions. Players must choose two cards per turn, balancing attack, movement, and support.
Initiative determines action order, adding risk and timing decisions. Monsters follow behavior decks, creating predictable yet challenging encounters. Deck management is key, as losing cards permanently reduces options.
Unique elements include scenario flipbook maps, multiple new characters with distinct abilities, and cooperative decision-making with limited resources. Every choice impacts survival and efficiency.
Who Should Play Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Ideal for players who enjoy tactical, cooperative dungeon crawlers. Best with 2–4 players who appreciate strategic combat and character progression. Similar to games like Ark Nova in planning and decision-making, but focused on combat scenarios. Recommended for groups seeking shorter, more accessible sessions than full Gloomhaven.
FAQ
Is Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion good for beginners?
The game simplifies the original Gloomhaven with tutorial scenarios and a scenario flipbook, but new players may still find the card management and strategic choices challenging.
How long does Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion take to play?
Average playtime ranges from 30 to 120 minutes depending on scenario complexity and player familiarity. Campaign completion can take multiple sessions.
What’s the best player count for Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion?
The game supports 1–4 players. Two or three players generally provide balanced tactical engagement and character interaction without slowing down turns.
Is Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion worth buying?
If you enjoy tactical, cooperative campaigns and want a more accessible version of Gloomhaven, this standalone game provides engaging mechanics and replayability at a lower time and space commitment.
What games are similar to Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion?
Games with similar tactical card-driven combat include Frosthaven, Ark Nova, and Spirit Island. Jaws of the Lion is shorter and easier to learn than full Gloomhaven.
