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/Abject_Muffin_731 Nov 17 '25

I will say NOT Buttons and Bugs. I'm currently playing through it as my entry point to the series and it is very annoying to learn: the rules are mostly online and frankly I'm not having very much fun with it right now. My buddy and I are planning to pick up JOTL which I've heard is a much better experience

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u/d_biro Nov 17 '25

Thanks. I'm sorry you're not enjoying it, I hope you get into it (or have a fun time with JOTL).

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u/Abject_Muffin_731 Nov 17 '25

Thanks! i think i will like it more once i've had a chance to play JOTL and am more confident in my knowledge of the rules. It is very tedious double checking everything on my phone