18 Board Games like HeroQuest

Games like HeroQuest are in top-rated demand these days. While the game is great to play, people often want to try something new while maintaining the same general mechanics. That is why we have compiled a list of HeroQuest equivalent games for you to choose from.

A lot of aspects came into play when we started creating the list. The main feature that we looked for was a game with the same style. Once that was covered, we reverted to reviewing other people’s opinions before making the final choice.

Out of all games like HeroQuest, we decided to choose Descent Journeys in the Dark Second Edition as our top recommendation. It has the most similarities out of all the games we reviewed. For example, one of the players takes control of the overlord while the rest of the players are the heroes. The heroes’ task is to defeat the overlord while he controls the game’s narrative while trying to slow them down.

Top 5 Games Like HeroQuest

Our Top Pick
Descent Journeys in the Dark Second Edition

Descent Journeys in the Dark Second Edition

  • Story-driven gameplay full of excitement
  • Quite a significant upgrade from the original series
  • Not too complex to play, but still engaging

Looking at Decent Journeys in the Dark, we see many similarities, which is why we chose it as one of the best games like HeroQuest. The game can be played with 2 to 5 players and one of them takes on the role of the overlord, while the others are the heroes. The overlord controls the game’s narrative, and his goal is to use whatever is at his disposal to destroy the heroes.

While that’s happening, the heroes are sent on a campaign full of quests where the main goal is to defeat the overlord. The gameplay is story-based, and the heroes need to pass through tons of obstacles and build combinations for their heroes and skills.

The second edition of Descent Journeys in the Dark is based on the original series with many newly added features. You get tons more skills and hero combinations as well as an expanded world where the heroes and overlord will battle. The interesting thing about the gameplay is that even though the manufacturer says it takes 1 to 2 hours to complete it, that is not really the case.

Since the overlord controls the narrative, the gameplay will depend on how things are set up. You could finish the game in an hour, or you can play for more than 4. While it may seem long, considering how exciting the game is, you won’t even feel it.

Inside the package, you get almost 50 plastic figures to move around the board, 9 dice for creating the combinations, 48 map tiles, over 150 tokens, and nearly 250 cards.

Dungeon Saga The Dwarf Kings Quest

Dungeon Saga The Dwarf Kings Quest
  • Classic overlord vs. hero board game
  • Single and multiplayer options available
  • Learn as you play game style

Looking at Dungeon Saga The Dwarf Kings Quest, we see many similarities with other games like HeroQuest on our list. The overall game is almost identical – a classic 2 to 5 player overlord vs. heroes gameplay.

With the fall of the great hero Valandor, the evil wizard Mortibris is free to roam the lands searching for Valandor’s secret to his powers. Along with his minions, they defile and plunder the sacred sites hoping to uncover the secrets. The control over Mortibris is assumed by one of the players playing as the overlord. The rest of the players take control of the heroes.

Since this is 5 player game, the rest of the players can choose between the remaining 4 heroes. Each hero has his advantages and disadvantages, so players need to play as a team to defeat the overlord. The barbarian has a strong attack, but light armor making it vulnerable. The dwarf, on the other hand, has slightly limited movement abilities due to its thicker armor, making it less vulnerable.

The elf is the hero that is best suited for attacks from a distance with a bow and arrow. Finally, the wizard is the hero with no attack or defensive capabilities, but the potent magic is what can help protect the rest.

You have the option for a single-player game that usually takes around 30 minutes or a full campaign of heroes vs. overlord that can last for several excitement-filled hours.

Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven
  • Monsters care controlled by the cards
  • Teamplay is important
  • Short by interesting advent-style game

If you take out the overlord from the previous two-game out of the equation, you get Gloomhaven. The gameplay consists of a tactical combat style game where the motives of the world are continuously shifting. Each change that happens to the world will depend on the players’ choices throughout the game. That results in an endless number of possible scenarios and endings to the game.

It can be played with 1 to 4 players where each one takes on one of the adventurers’ role. The usual gameplay is about 1 to 2 hours. Each player gets a different set of quests that they need to complete in order to win the game. Each hero will also get a unique set of skills that they need to enhance throughout the game. This will ensure they have enough strength and power to clear up monsters from their hiding spots.

Since there is no overlord in the game that controls the monsters, there is a card system in place for them. Basically, the players will be battling automated monsters based on the cards. In a lot of scenarios, players will need to work as a team in order to be able to defeat the monsters. The flow of the game changes continuously based on the decisions each player makes, as well as the route they decide to explore.

Each player has to work with the cards they have in hand, and with each turn, a player will need to play two cards out of their hand that will determine the adventurer’s move. As the game progresses, the players will lose cards meaning that you may end up retreating from the game if you don’t manage them correctly.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

Star Wars: Imperial Assault
  • Star Wars based board game
  • Two game modes
  • Fairly short with lots of action and campaigns

Star Wars fans are going to love the Imperial Assault board game. While it may seem like it has nothing to do with other games like HeroQuest, once you dive into it, you’ll find that is not true. The game features two gameplays: campaign and skirmish.

The skirmish mode is basically a duel between you and your opponent. Both of you pick a side – rebellions of the Galactic Empire. This game mode is aimed strictly at testing which strategy and tactic is best, and usually, that side is the winning one. The campaign mode is the one that is most like HeroQuest. One of the players takes command of the Galactic Empire, intending to eradicate the rebellions. The game can be played with up to 5 players, so 4 of them will be commanding the rebellion heroes whose task will be to defeat the armies of the Empire.

The story takes place on Yavin 4 after the destruction of the Death Star during the Empire, and the Rebels clash. Obviously, the Empire is more powerful, which is why the Rebels need an excellent tactic to declare victory. The campaign mode offers over 30 missions ensuring a unique game every time. During the gameplay, both sides will need to improve the characters that may help them win. In the skirmish mode, each player gets a different set of objectives where the first one that accomplishes all of them is the winner. Keep in mind that a clash between you and the opponent is inevitable.

Even though the game can be played by 1 to 5 players, you are still looking at relatively short gameplay of 1 to 2 hours.

Mice & Mystics

Mice & Mystics
  • Short but fun to play
  • Players decisions change the flow of the game
  • Can be played by younger kids

While you are looking at a game similar to HeroQuest, this is actually more similar to Gloomhaven. The game can be played by 1 to 4 players where you and the other players play as mice.

The heroes in the game were once human, but due to their loyalty to the king, the evil Vanestra turned them into mice. Each one of you needs to escape her evil by trying to navigate through a huge castle in an effort to save the king. The endgame is to defeat Vanestra, save the king, and with that, save the kingdom.

There are four heroes for you to choose from: Prince Colin which defeats the enemies with fencing, Ned Bellows, the castle’s smith, the old wizard Maginos and the healer Tilda. Each hero has a set of strengths and weaknesses, meaning that all players must work as a team to protect each other while trying to determine Vanestra’s weakness.

Running throughout the castle, you and your teammates will face spiders, cockroaches, and rats that you must either defeat or try to get away from. The worst of them is the castle’s cat Brodie which can be quite a challenge to defeat. During the game, players will need to make decisions that will ultimately change the game’s flow. Also, to ensure that your heroes are powerful enough to face Vanestra, you must enhance their abilities as the game progresses.

While the game can be played with up to 4 players, the gameplay is not as long as some of the others on this list. A standard game can last up to 90 minutes, and the nice thing is that it is also aimed to be played by younger kids.

Who Should Buy Games like HeroQuest?

The first and most obvious answer is people who like HeroQuest should buy one of the games on our list. While HeroQuest is an exciting game, if you’ve played it for several years, you may feel like you want to make a change, and going for a game with a similar style is a good choice.

Even if you never player HeroQuest, we have outlined many interesting games that you should try. You should look into these, especially if you are a big fan of adventure-based board games.

Finally, even if you never played any kind of board game, these are great for people who like making strategic decisions and are comfortable with learning more rules than the average board game.

Important Features to Consider

There are multiple factors that you should consider when purchasing a game like this one. They are in no specific order, so go through all of them before making a choice.

How many people will you play with?

While most games can be played by up to 4 or 5 players, keep in mind the number of people you plan to play them with. Even if you plan to play with 4 players, it won’t hurt to get a game that can be played with 5 players. You never know when you may have someone else who wants to join.

Rated age

Not all games are rated equally. Some can be rated for kids older than 13, while others can be played by as little as 7-year-old. If you plan to play with your kids, make sure you are getting a game that they can actually play.

Theme

If you are a die-hard fan of a particular theme, then this is another thing to consider. Start Wars fans will definitely go for the Imperial Assault. Horror game lovers may choose Doom.

Overall, if the game’s theme works with the other parameters in this section, you are looking at the perfect board game for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there expansions pack for the games?

Yes, some of the games on our list have expansion packs.

Are the games on this list better than HeroQuest?

The answer to that is subjective. Some people may like HeroQuest more than any other game available, while others may like some of the others more.

Can these games be played on a computer or a smartphone?

Yes. Some of the games have been digitalized, and developers have adapted them for a computer or smartphone. Keep in mind that most of them are from third-party developers that are not associated with the company that designed the board game.

How big of a table would I need for these games?

Each game has different requirements. Some of them have smaller boards, while others have bigger ones. Overall, an average-sized dinner table will be more than enough for any one of them.

Other Top-Rated Games Like HeroQuest Considered for Review

The list we compiled consisted of more than just the 5 games we reviewed. To ensure that you get a bigger list to consider, here are the remaining games with a short description.

Shadows of Brimstone: Forbidden Fortress Core Set

Shadows of Brimstone: Forbidden Fortress Core Set
9.6/10 Our Score

If you liked Shadows of the Brimstone, you’re going to like the Forbidden Fortress core set. The story is set in Feudal Japan, where you take control of a samurai warrior, ninja assassin, traveling monk that hunts demons, and a sorceress with mystical powers. The game brings a lot of new adventures, worlds, and enemies to the table.

  • Lots of new additions to the original Shadows of Brimstone
  • Around 2 hours of exciting gameplay

Sword and Sorcery Immortal Souls

Sword and Sorcery Immortal Souls
9.6/10 Our Score

If you are looking for a shorter but still exciting game, Sword and Sorcery Immortal Souls is an excellent choice. The gameplay is around 90 minutes, where you and up to 4 other players take control of the heroes tasked with saving the kingdom. Unlike some of the other games, the players control the heroes only, while the game master is an AI.

  • Teamwork is crucial
  • Solo play option available

Dungeons and Dragons: Wrath of Ashardalon

Dungeons and Dragons: Wrath of Ashardalon
9.6/10 Our Score

The good old D&D is back with the Wraith of Ashardalon. Even if you never played any of the series, you won’t have a problem with this one. You and 4 other teammates will roam around the tunnels and chambers looking for the red dragon to defeat.

  • Classic D&D gameplay
  • A flexible game time that is rarely below 1 hour

Mage Knight Board Game

Mage Knight Board Game
9.2/10 Our Score

The game is set in the Atlantean Empire, where you and 3 other mage knights will need to explore and conquer. Each one of you will need to build its reputation and build an army that can later be used to conquer cities in the name of the Void Council. The game can be played either competitively or cooperatively

  • Excellent combination of card building, RPG and classic board game
  • Competitive or cooperative gameplay available

Enter The World of Myth Board Game

Enter The World of Myth Board Game
9/10 Our Score

If you want to get a glimpse of the mythical world, this is a good choice. Enter the World of Myth offers the player to choose from 5 heroes that will set out on an adventure where they will need to tackle tons of obstacles. The good thing about this game is that it is also aimed at smaller kids.

  • Rated for ages 10 and up
    Decently long gameplay, but not boring

Talisman: The Magical Quest Game

Talisman: The Magical Quest Game
9.6/10 Our Score

The 4th edition of Talisman The magical quest game is one of those you have bigger freedom to choose. The game includes 14 characters that you can choose to play with while setting up on a quest to get the Crown of Command. During the quest, players will need to build their heroes to ensure victory.

  • Multiple heroes to choose from
  • Can be played by up to 6 players

CMON Zombicide: Black Plague

CMON Zombicide: Black Plague
9.6/10 Our Score

No heroes for this game, at least not in the way we mentioned them before. You and up to 5 other players control survivors of a zombie apocalypse where you will need to complete a quest. Standing in your way will be zombies, Abomination, and Necromancers, so you’ll need to get weapons, increase experience, and learn spells to win.

  • Up to 6 player game
  • The gameplay is around 1 hour full of thrill and excitement

Doom: The Board Game

Doom: The Board Game
9.6/10 Our Score

Doom is a top-rated PC game, and this is the second edition of the board game based on it. One of the players controls the invaders while 1 to 4 takes control of the marines sent to eliminate the invaders. The rules are simple: the side with the best tactic that defeats the other side is the winner.

  • Based on the Doom game
  • Similar gameplay to HeroQuest

CMON Massive Darkness

CMON Massive Darkness
9/10 Our Score

Continuing the trend of dark games, we reach Massive Darkness. You and 5 other players take control of the 6 available heroes tasked with bringing light to the darkness. During the game, each player will need to enhance its hero that will help them battle the enemies.

  • Single-player game available
  • An exciting game that can be played by up to 6 players

Leder Games Vast: The Crystal Caverns

Leder Games Vast: The Crystal Caverns
9.4/10 Our Score

Bringing light to the caves is what this game is all about. You and the other players can choose to play with the knight, goblin, dragon, thief, or the cave. Since it is a competitive game, it is every player for himself, and there can only be one winner.

  • Very competitive
  • Fairly short gameplay

One Deck Dungeon

One Deck Dungeon
9/10 Our Score

If you are looking for a very fast-paced two-player co-op game, One Deck Dungeon is the right one for you. Players start building their characters from zero, and they need an excellent strategy to build the character to defeat the enemies. As the game progresses, the tasks become more complicated, so you need to be prepared.

  • One of the shortest games on this list
  • Single-player option available

Darklight: Memento Mori

Darklight: Memento Mori
9.8/10 Our Score

This is D&D style game with a slightly different set of rules. You and 3 other players control one of the 4 heroes available where you roam dungeons looking for treasures and souls that help you enhance your characters. The goal is to complete the assignments that will be blocked by monsters set out to destroy you.

  • D&D styled game
  • Challenging and exciting

Perdition’s Mouth: Abyssal Rift (Revised Edition)

Perdition's Mouth: Abyssal Rift (Revised Edition)
9.8/10 Our Score

Last but certainly not least is Perdition’s Mouth Revised Edition. You get a similar dungeon-crawling euro-style game where you and the other players will need to work together to ensure that you complete the missions. The need for a game master is replaced with an AI making it even more interesting to play.

  • Single-player game available
  • Dungeon-crawling game with a twist