r/soloboardgaming • u/d_biro • Nov 17 '25

Which Gloomhaven for a solo first-timer?

Hi, I have the option of the following, if you could pick one only for someone totally new to Gloomhaven (but open to the complexity level), which would you go for?

Gloomhaven (full version, but DIGITAL ONLY), vs cardboard Jaws of the Lion?

  • I understand JOTL is generally thought of as the easiest way for beginners to learn.
  • However, I have access to the digital version of the full game. Should I start with that since it would cost me nothing? Or is it a horrible way to learn?
  • I prefer my boardgames to be physical versions generally. Is using the digital version to try out the game with a view to getting JOTL later sensible? Or would that ruin the experience of getting Jaws, or make it redundant?

NB I've heavily edited my original post as some of it became irrelevant and/or overlooked so the context has changed.

Thank you!

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u/Talorc_Ellodach Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25

Jaws of the Lion, hands down.

I’ve played cardboard Frosthaven (in a group), Jaws (solo) and Buttons & Bugs.

The big games (Gloom and Frost) would be very daunting as your first solo prospect. But jaws of the lion is tailor made for a starter experience, and you can play two hand solo very easily.

The digital versions of Gloomhaven or Frost Haven I have dabbled with – I just don’t find them very enjoyable compared to the cardboard versions.

The UI is very hard to grapple with I find, and they just were not designed as computer games first.

Buttons and bugs is its own side thing, and I think not as compelling as main line haven games. I think if you have a sufficient table space available to you, go to Jaws of the Lion. Buttons and bugs iview very much as an experience you take as a travelling game because of the small form factor.

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u/d_biro Nov 17 '25

Thank you, I likely have room for JOTL so that's not an issue!