HeroQuest: Ultimate Buying Guide

Over three decades ago, HeroQuest burst onto the scene as one of the pioneering dungeon-crawling board games, capturing the thrill and peril of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. Designed to immerse players in epic adventures, HeroQuest allowed friends to step into the shoes of iconic characters such as the powerful Barbarian and the magical Elf. Unlike traditional tabletop RPGs that could consume an entire afternoon, HeroQuest condensed the excitement into sessions that lasted just a couple of hours, perfect for a kitchen table gathering. The game's iconic box, brimming with a plethora of plastic miniatures and a multi-quest storyline, quickly cultivated a dedicated fanbase. This loyalty endured over the years, culminating in a successful resurgence when Hasbro reintroduced the game through its HasLab crowdfunding platform.

Today, both new and returning fans have a wealth of HeroQuest content to explore, thanks to the re-release and its various expansions. This buyer's guide is crafted to assist enthusiasts in planning their adventures and vanquishing the nefarious Zargon.

HeroQuest Game System

HeroQuest Game System

5See it at AmazonMSRP:$134.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 14 new quests65+ miniatures (31 monsters, 4 heroes, 15 furniture pieces, 19 skull pieces, 4 rats, 21 doors)GameboardGame Master screen93 cards

The cornerstone of your HeroQuest experience, the HeroQuest Game System is essential. All subsequent expansions hinge on owning this core set, making it the starting point for any aspiring adventurer.

HeroQuest First Light

HeroQuest First Light Board Game

1See it at TargetMSRP:$49.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 unique questsGame system rulebookDouble-sided gameboardGame Master’s screen5 miniatures1 pad of character sheets6 combat dice2 movement dice39 cardboard pieces102 cards52 plastic movers31 monster tokens15 furniture tokens41 cardboard tiles21 dungeon door tokens

HeroQuest: First Light serves as an accessible entry point into the world of HeroQuest, especially for those deterred by the main game's price. This version streamlines the production to lower costs, using cardboard tokens instead of plastic miniatures for many elements, except for the hero characters and the striking dragon miniature. While First Light might not offer much new to existing fans, it's perfect for newcomers wanting to test the waters or for those seeking additional unique quests and hero figures to paint. Importantly, First Light is fully compatible with all other recent HeroQuest releases, making it an ideal starting point for beginners.

The App

MSRP: Free

For groups without a designated Game Master or solo adventurers, the official HeroQuest companion app is a game-changer. Available for free, this app automates the role of Zargon, complete with fully voiced descriptions, and supports all expansions. It's an excellent way to delve into the game without the need for a dedicated Game Master.

The Online Quests

MSRP: Free

Avalon Hill has enriched the HeroQuest universe with free downloadable quests on HasbroPulse's website. These quests, like the prequel "**A New Beginning**," add depth to the lore and offer additional adventures using existing HeroQuest resources. They're a fantastic bonus for fans craving more content.

The Boxed Expansions

Kellar’s Keep

HeroQuest: Kellar's Keep Expansion

2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new quests19 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)Sheet of cardboard tiles14 cards

Kellar’s Keep, the first expansion, is a lighter addition to the HeroQuest series and a faithful re-release of the original 90s expansion. It extends the base game's experience with familiar monster miniatures and new quests, making it an excellent choice for those seeking more content without a significant increase in difficulty.

Return of the Witch Lord

HeroQuest: Return of The Witch Lord Quest Pack

2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new quests18 miniatures (8 skeletons, 4 mummies, 4 zombies, 2 doors)Sheet of cardboard tiles14 cards

The Return of the Witch Lord expansion brings back the undead forces, offering more of the base game's miniatures and introducing new, intriguing tiles. It's a classic quest that complements the storylines from the Game System and Kellar’s Keep, forming a cohesive trilogy.

Prophecy of Telor

HeroQuest: Prophecy of Telor Quest Pack

1See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 13 new questsNew Warlock class15 miniatures (13 translucent orange enemy minis, 2 warlock character minis)Set of 6 translucent orange D6 Dice14 cards

Previously exclusive to the Mythic tier on HasLab, Prophecy of Telor is now accessible to all. It introduces the Warlock class, translucent orange monsters, and dice, adding a fresh layer of excitement to your adventures.

Spirit Queen’s Torment

HeroQuest: Spirit Queen's Torment Quest Pack

2See it at AmazonMSRP:$33.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 14 new questsNew Bard class15 miniatures (14 translucent teal enemy minis, 1 bard character mini)Set of 6 translucent teal D6 Dice15 cards

Similar to Prophecy of Telor, Spirit Queen’s Torment offers translucent teal monsters and dice, along with the new Bard class. This expansion delves into dark magics and mysterious locales, allowing players to explore new dimensions of the HeroQuest world.

Against the Ogre Horde

Heroquest: Against The Ogre Horde Quest Pack

1See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new questsNew Druids class28 miniatures2 sheets of cardboard tiles29 cards

For those who relish combat, Against the Ogre Horde is a must-have. This remastered classic features a host of new miniatures, including imposing Ogres and a grand throne, perfect for crafting your own epic quests.

The Mage in the Mirror

HeroQuest: The Mage of The Mirror Quest Pack

1See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new quests33 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles35 cards

The Mage in the Mirror expansion invites players into the Realm of Reflection, tackling classic high fantasy challenges like rescuing a princess and battling an evil archmage. It introduces new elements for the Elf class and sets the stage for the story's continuation in Rise of the Dread Moon.

Rise of the Dread Moon

HeroQuest Rise of The Dread Moon Quest Pack

3See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new questsNew Knight class29 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles58 cards

Continuing from The Mage in the Mirror, Rise of the Dread Moon introduces new mechanics and the Knight class. It's ideal for fans who enjoy crafting their own quests, but for the full story experience, it's best to play through The Mage in the Mirror first.

The Frozen Horror

HeroQuest: The Frozen Horror Quest Pack

0See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 10 new quests23 miniaturesSheet of cardboard tiles35 cards6 combat dice2 movement dice1 pad of character sheets

The Frozen Horror expansion is a treat for Barbarian enthusiasts, featuring a new Barbarian miniature and icy-themed enemies. It starts with solo quests before transitioning to group adventures, offering a unique gameplay experience.

Jungles of Delthrak

HeroQuest Jungles of Delthrak Quest Pack

0See it at AmazonMSRP:$44.99 USD

1-5 players (solo play requires the free HeroQuest companion app)Ages 14+Contents

Quest book w/ 16 new quests29 miniatures (8 orcs, 6 goblins, 3 abominations, 2 doors)39 cardboard pieces36 cards

Jungles of Delthrak takes players into a lush, dangerous environment filled with new enemies and challenges. It introduces the Berserker and Explorer classes, offering a rich set of quests that expand the HeroQuest experience beyond traditional dungeons.

Character Packs

Hero Collection: Rogue Heir of Elethorn

HeroQuest Hero Collection: The Rogue Heir of Elethorn Figures

1See it at AmazonMSRP:$14.99 USD

Contents

New Rogue class2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Rogue)13 cards (12 game cards, 1 story card)

The Rogue Heir of Elethorn character pack adds a stealthy, dagger-wielding Rogue to your party. While it lacks additional quests, it enriches the game with new tactical options.

Hero Collection: Path of the Wandering Monk

HeroQuest Hero Collection: Path of The Wandering Monk Figures

2See it at AmazonMSRP:$14.99 USD

Contents

New Monk class2 miniatures (2 different body sculpts for the Monk)8game cards1 scroll prop

The Path of the Wandering Monk introduces a unique Monk class, utilizing elemental powers for versatile gameplay. Like the Rogue pack, it doesn't include new quests but adds depth to your party's capabilities.

The End

Hasbro and Avalon Hill continue to support HeroQuest, ensuring a vibrant future for this beloved game. A new generation of players can now experience the thrill of dungeon diving and learn from the wise Mentor, creating lasting memories. While the game may be lighter on mechanics for seasoned gamers, the community's custom rules and quests offer additional depth. HeroQuest remains a cherished classic in the board gaming world, with a bright future ahead.