87

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a cooperative campaign board game set in the Gloomhaven universe. It serves as an accessible entry point to the series, offering a streamlined 25-scenario campaign. Players vanquish monsters through strategic cardplay with unique, customizable character decks, supporting 1-4 players.

87

The Verdict

based on 37 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Negative 0%
Exceptional onboarding tutorial system
Streamlined scenario book map design
Deep tactical card-driven combat
High value at a lower price point
Engaging and distinct character classes
Frustrating penalty upon losing a scenario
Repetitive feeling when playing a single character throughout
Pessimistic reliance on legacy elements and stickers
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Nerdly, Matthew SmailArticle

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a fantastic, streamlined entry point into the heavier original series, offering exceptional tactical depth, unique characters, and a brilliant tutorial campaign without feeling watered down.

100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Meeple Mountain, Jesse FletcherArticle

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is every bit as good as the original. The storybook format is fantastic, the character classes engaging, and the scenarios challenging.

100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Roll To Review, David NorrisArticle

Jaws of the Lion successfully condenses the depth of original Gloomhaven into a more portable, accessible format featuring brilliant card-driven combat and a clever tutorial, though it involves heavy bookkeeping and a generic fantasy plot.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Nerds on EarthArticle

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is an exceptional, beginner-friendly campaign game that distills the core dungeon-crawling experience into an accessible, puzzle-like format. With fantastic components, clever card-driven mechanics, and immersive thematic design, it serves as a brilliant GM-less fantasy adventure.

91
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Victory ConditionsArticle

Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined, budget-friendly entry point to the Gloomhaven universe with fantastic tutorial scenarios, fast setup via a scenario book, and deep card-driven tactical gameplay.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Ars TechnicaArticle

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion successfully streamlines the massive original game by introducing a clever multi-scenario tutorial, a streamlined campaign book instead of modular tiles, and tighter, highly imaginative character classes.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Board Games Chronicle, The Boardgames ChronicleArticle

The reviewer evaluates the Red Guard and Hatchet characters from Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, praising the Red Guard as a versatile, thematic front-line tank and the Hatchet as an appealing, high-damage ranged specialist.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Nersi Games, NuryVideo

A concise review highlighting the game's mechanics, streamlined components, and value as a standalone campaign experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Dungeon Dive, DanielVideo

An in-depth look and overview of the components, box contents, and gameplay structure of the physical tactical campaign board game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Dice vs Cards, Dice vs CardsVideo

A concise look at Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, breaking down its streamlined campaign, accessibility improvements, and overall gameplay value.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Dice Tower, Tom VaselVideo

Tom Vasel reviews Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, praising its streamlined onboarding, reduced setup footprint, and engaging tactical gameplay compared to the original game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
GideonsGaming, GideonVideo

GideonsGaming evaluates Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion as a fantastic, more accessible entry point into the franchise, praising its streamlined setup, clever mechanics, and substantial value compared to the original mega-box.

Stay in the loop

Fresh reviews, hyped games and top lists — straight to your inbox, once a week.

Board Game Verdict

© 2026 Board Game Verdict

AboutMethodologyEthicsFAQContact usPrivacy policy·····