Introduction
Frosthaven, the highly anticipated sequel to Gloomhaven, is a massive cooperative dungeon-crawling board game developed by Cephalofair Games. Set in a harsh, frozen northern outpost, the game introduces new characters, enemies, items, and systems, expanding on the original game’s mechanics with even more depth and complexity.

For fans new to the world of Frosthaven, or even seasoned Gloomhaven veterans, questions are natural due to the game’s sheer size and detail. This comprehensive FAQ article answers the most common queries players have about Frosthaven to help you get started smoothly.

What is Frosthaven?

Frosthaven is a standalone board game that builds upon the core mechanics of Gloomhaven. It offers a 100-scenario campaign filled with branching storylines, tactical combat, character progression, and town-building mechanics. The game is cooperative and supports 1–4 players.

Unlike Gloomhaven, Frosthaven adds new elements such as crafting, resource gathering, outpost management, seasonal events, and 17 new playable mercenaries.

What’s New in Frosthaven Compared to Gloomhaven?

• Outpost Phase: Between scenarios, you return to Frosthaven to rebuild and upgrade your settlement.
• Seasons: Time passes with summer and winter phases, affecting gameplay and events.
• Crafting & Resources: Gather resources and craft gear to better prepare for future missions.
• New Characters: 17 all-new mercenaries with unique abilities.
• Loot System: Updated and refined for better in-game reward structure.

Is Gloomhaven Required to Play Frosthaven?

No. Frosthaven is a standalone game. You do not need Gloomhaven to play it. However, knowledge of Gloomhaven’s mechanics will make learning Frosthaven easier since the core gameplay is similar.

Is Frosthaven a Legacy Game?

Yes, Frosthaven is considered a legacy-style campaign game. This means you’ll be making permanent changes to your game through stickers, choices, and narrative outcomes. While there are reset kits and options for non-destructive play, the default design encourages evolving gameplay across many sessions.

How Long is a Game of Frosthaven

• One scenario: 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on complexity and player count.
• Entire campaign: Up to 100 scenarios, potentially 200+ hours of gameplay.

Is There a Digital Version of Frosthaven?

As of now, there is no official digital version of Frosthaven. However, it may be released in the future based on the success of the Gloomhaven Digital game by Flaming Fowl Studios.

Is Frosthaven Beginner-Friendly?

While Frosthaven includes tutorials and helpful guides, it is still a complex and heavy strategy game. Beginners are encouraged to start with Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, which features a more gradual learning curve, before diving into Frosthaven.

How Many Players Can Join?

Frosthaven supports 1 to 4 players. Solo play is possible by controlling multiple characters, and the game scales its difficulty based on the number of players.

Can You Replay Frosthaven?

Technically, yes. But as a legacy game, it’s meant to be experienced as a one-time evolving campaign. After finishing, you can use a reset kit or play custom scenarios created by the community.

Frosthaven FAQs

Q1: Can you mix characters from Gloomhaven with Frosthaven?

Yes, with some adaptation. While Frosthaven introduces its own unique classes, many Gloomhaven characters can be imported for variety.

Q2: How does the seasonal system affect gameplay?

Each season brings different events, enemies, and opportunities. For example, winter is harsher and has different encounter types compared to summer.

Q3: Is it possible to play with fewer than four players?

Absolutely. The game scales well for 1–4 players. Solo players typically control two or more characters to maintain balance.

Q4: Are there miniatures or standees?

Frosthaven includes high-quality cardboard standees for characters and enemies, similar to Gloomhaven. Miniatures may be available via third-party creators or future expansions.

Q5: Is there an app to help manage gameplay?

Yes. Community tools like X-Haven Assistant, Gloomhaven Helper, and others are compatible or being updated for Frosthaven. These help manage enemies, track abilities, and streamline gameplay.

Final Thoughts

Frosthaven is more than just a sequel—it’s a full evolution of what made Gloomhaven a genre-defining experience. With deeper mechanics, immersive world-building, and hundreds of hours of gameplay, it’s a rewarding journey for anyone willing to brave its frozen frontier.

If you’re seeking a richly strategic board game with meaningful choices, long-term progression, and cooperative gameplay, Frosthaven is a must-have. Whether you’re building your outpost or fighting through icy dungeons, you’ll find yourself immersed in one of the most ambitious tabletop experiences ever made.