HeroQuest: Ultimate Buying Guide

Over three decades ago, HeroQuest burst onto the scene as a pioneering dungeon-crawling board game, capturing the thrill and peril of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. Designed to bring the epic adventures of heroic characters such as the mighty Barbarian and the spell-slinging Elf to life, HeroQuest enabled friends to embark on thrilling quests right at their kitchen table. In contrast to the lengthy sessions required by traditional TTRPGs, HeroQuest condensed the excitement into manageable two-hour sessions. The game's iconic box, brimming with numerous plastic miniatures and a compelling multi-quest narrative, quickly fostered a dedicated fanbase. This community's enthusiasm persisted through the years, culminating in a triumphant revival when Hasbro launched a successful crowdfunding campaign on its HasLab platform.

Years after that successful campaign, both new and veteran fans can now delve into the refreshed HeroQuest experience with its latest release and a variety of expansions. Whether you're eager to thwart the nefarious plans of Zargon with your fellow adventurers, this buyer's guide is your map to planning unforgettable journeys in the world of HeroQuest.

HeroQuest Game System

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MSRP: $134.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 14 new quests
• 65+ miniatures (31 monsters, 4 heroes, 15 furniture pieces, 19 skull pieces, 4 rats, 21 doors)
• Gameboard
• Game Master screen
• 93 cards

The cornerstone of your HeroQuest adventure begins with the main game, the HeroQuest Game System. It's essential as all subsequent content relies on this foundational set—no standalone expansions exist.

HeroQuest First Light

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MSRP: $49.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 10 unique quests
• Game system rulebook
• Double-sided gameboard
• Game Master’s screen
• 5 miniatures
• 1 pad of character sheets
• 6 combat dice
• 2 movement dice
• 39 cardboard pieces
• 102 cards
• 52 plastic movers
• 31 monster tokens
• 15 furniture tokens
• 41 cardboard tiles
• 21 dungeon door tokens

For newcomers deterred by the original game's price, HeroQuest: First Light offers a more accessible entry point. It retains the core gameplay while utilizing cardboard tokens in place of some plastic miniatures, thus reducing costs. For existing fans, First Light might only be appealing if you're a completionist, keen on the unique quests, or looking to expand your collection of hero figures for painting. Importantly, First Light is fully compatible with all other HeroQuest expansions, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the game.

The App

MSRP: Free

For groups without a designated Game Master or solo players, the official HeroQuest companion app for smartphones steps in to automate the role of Zargon. With fully voiced narratives, it enriches the gameplay experience and is compatible with all expansion modules. Best of all, it's free, making it a risk-free enhancement to your HeroQuest adventures.

The Online Quests

MSRP: Free

Avalon Hill has enriched the HeroQuest universe with free downloadable quests, such as the prequel "A New Beginning," available on HasbroPulse’s website. These quests delve into the lore and backstory of HeroQuest, providing additional content that utilizes existing game components.

The Boxed Expansions

Kellar’s Keep

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MSRP: $33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 10 new quests
• 19 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)
• Sheet of cardboard tiles
• 14 cards

Kellar’s Keep, the first expansion for HeroQuest, offers a light yet faithful continuation of the base game's experience. It's perfect for those seeking more content without a significant increase in difficulty.

Return of the Witch Lord

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MSRP: $33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 10 new quests
• 18 miniatures (8 skeletons, 4 mummies, 4 zombies, 2 doors)
• Sheet of cardboard tiles
• 14 cards

Return of the Witch Lord brings back the undead forces and introduces new tiles, enhancing the narrative continuity from the base game and Kellar’s Keep.

Prophecy of Telor

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MSRP: $33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 13 new quests
• New Warlock class
• 15 miniatures (13 translucent orange enemy minis, 2 warlock character minis)
• Set of 6 translucent orange D6 Dice
• 14 cards

Prophecy of Telor, previously exclusive to HasLab's Mythic tier, introduces the Warlock class and translucent orange monsters, adding a fresh dimension to the game.

Spirit Queen’s Torment

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MSRP: $33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 14 new quests
• New Bard class
• 15 miniatures (14 translucent teal enemy minis, 1 bard character mini)
• Set of 6 translucent teal D6 Dice
• 15 cards

Spirit Queen’s Torment offers a similar premium experience with the new Bard class and translucent teal monsters, expanding the game's storytelling and strategic options.

Against the Ogre Horde

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MSRP: $44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 10 new quests
• New Druids class
• 28 miniatures
• 2 sheets of cardboard tiles
• 29 cards

Against the Ogre Horde is perfect for those who relish battling hordes of enemies, featuring classic monsters and a new Druid class, with updated elements for modern play.

The Mage in the Mirror

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MSRP: $44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 10 new quests
• 33 miniatures
• Sheet of cardboard tiles
• 35 cards

The Mage in the Mirror introduces the Realm of Reflection, new quests, and enhanced Elf class capabilities, setting the stage for the continuation in Rise of the Dread Moon.

Rise of the Dread Moon

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MSRP: $44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 10 new quests
• New Knight class
• 29 miniatures
• Sheet of cardboard tiles
• 58 cards

Rise of the Dread Moon builds on the Mage in the Mirror storyline, introducing the Knight class and new gameplay mechanics, enhancing the game's depth and replayability.

The Frozen Horror

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MSRP: $44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 10 new quests
• 23 miniatures
• Sheet of cardboard tiles
• 35 cards
• 6 combat dice
• 2 movement dice
• 1 pad of character sheets

The Frozen Horror takes players to icy wastelands, with a focus on the Barbarian class and unique solo quests, offering a chilling adventure with new miniatures and dice.

Jungles of Delthrak

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MSRP: $44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)

Ages 14+

Contents:

• Quest book with 16 new quests
• 29 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)
• 39 cardboard pieces
• 36 cards

Jungles of Delthrak immerses players in a lush, dangerous environment, introducing the Berserker and Explorer classes and a rich set of new quests and enemies.

Character Packs

Hero Collection: Rogue Heir of Elethorn

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MSRP: $14.99 USD

Contents:

• New Rogue class
• 2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Rogue)
• 13 cards (12 game cards, 1 story card)

The Rogue Heir of Elethorn pack adds a stealthy dimension to your party with new Rogue class abilities, although it lacks additional quests or narrative depth.

Hero Collection: Path of the Wandering Monk

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MSRP: $14.99 USD

Contents:

• New Monk class
• 2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Monk)
• 8 game cards
• 1 scroll prop

The Path of the Wandering Monk introduces a unique Monk class with elemental powers, enhancing the game's tactical options, though without accompanying quests.

The End

Hasbro and Avalon Hill continue to support HeroQuest enthusiastically, ensuring that both new and returning players can enjoy this timeless adventure game. While the game's mechanics may seem light to seasoned TTRPG players, the vibrant community offers numerous custom rules and quests to deepen the experience. HeroQuest remains a beloved classic, with its future shining as brightly as the heroes it celebrates.