HeroQuest: Ultimate Buying Guide

Originally released over 30 years ago, HeroQuest has captured the hearts of tabletop RPG enthusiasts by bringing the thrill of dungeon-crawling to the kitchen table. This iconic game allowed players to embody roles such as the powerful Barbarian or the magical Elf, enabling them to live out their heroic fantasies in just a few hours, as opposed to the lengthy sessions of traditional tabletop RPGs. Packed with numerous plastic miniatures and a captivating multi-quest storyline, HeroQuest cultivated a dedicated fanbase that continues to champion the game, especially when Hasbro reintroduced it through the HasLab crowdfunding platform. Now, both new and veteran fans have access to a refreshed version of HeroQuest along with its expansions, perfect for those eager to band together and thwart the nefarious plans of Zargon. This buyer's guide will help you navigate the various products and plan your adventures effectively.

HeroQuest Game System

HeroQuest Game System

5See it at Amazon
MSRP: $134.99 USD

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

Quest book w/ 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

To fully immerse yourself in the world of HeroQuest, you'll need to start with the HeroQuest Game System. This core set is essential as all subsequent expansions rely on it, ensuring you have everything you need to kickstart your adventures.

HeroQuest First Light

HeroQuest First Light Board Game

1See it at Target
MSRP: $49.99 USD

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

Quest book w/ 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 those new to HeroQuest, the hefty price of the main game can be a barrier. Enter HeroQuest: First Light, designed to make the entry into this beloved game more accessible. It offers a streamlined experience with cardboard tokens replacing some of the plastic miniatures, reducing costs while still providing a comprehensive introduction to the game. Although seasoned players might not find much new here unless they're completionists or keen on the unique quests, First Light is fully compatible with all other HeroQuest content, making it an ideal starting point for newcomers.

The App

MSRP: Free

For groups without a designated Game Master or for solo adventurers, the official HeroQuest companion app for smartphones is a game-changer. It automates the role of Zargon with voiced descriptions, enhancing your gaming experience across all expansion modules. Best of all, it's free, making it an easy recommendation for anyone looking to dive deeper into HeroQuest.

The Online Quests

MSRP: Free

Avalon Hill has enriched the HeroQuest experience with free downloadable quests available on HasbroPulse’s website. These quests, including the prequel "A New Beginning," offer additional lore and adventures that enhance the game's world. They are perfect for those looking to expand their HeroQuest experience without additional costs.

The Boxed Expansions

Kellar’s Keep

HeroQuest: Kellar's Keep Expansion

2See it at Amazon
MSRP: $33.99 USD

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

Quest book w/ 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 lighter continuation of the base game, maintaining a similar feel with familiar monster miniatures. It's ideal for those seeking more adventures without a significant increase in difficulty.

Return of the Witch Lord

HeroQuest: Return of The Witch Lord Quest Pack

2See it at Amazon
MSRP: $33.99 USD

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

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

The Return of the Witch Lord brings back the undead forces and introduces new tiles, enhancing the storytelling experience. It's a great addition for those who want to continue the saga from the base game and Kellar's Keep.

Prophecy of Telor

HeroQuest: Prophecy of Telor Quest Pack

1See it at Amazon
MSRP: $33.99 USD

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

Quest book w/ 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 introduces the Warlock class and translucent orange monsters, adding a fresh twist to the game. The Warlock's ability to transform into a demonic form offers exciting new strategies for players.

Spirit Queen’s Torment

HeroQuest: Spirit Queen's Torment Quest Pack

2See it at Amazon
MSRP: $33.99 USD

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

Quest book w/ 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 introduces the Bard class and a series of adventures that delve into dark magics. The Bard's unique abilities, such as singing magical tunes, add a fun and strategic element to the game.

Against the Ogre Horde

HeroQuest: Against The Ogre Horde Quest Pack

1See it at Amazon
MSRP: $44.99 USD

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

Quest book w/ 10 new quests
New Druid class
28 miniatures
2 sheets of cardboard tiles
29 cards

For fans who enjoy battling numerous foes, Against the Ogre Horde offers a thrilling challenge. This expansion includes the Druid class and a host of new miniatures, perfect for both official and homebrew quests.

The Mage in the Mirror

HeroQuest: The Mage of The Mirror Quest Pack

1See it at Amazon
MSRP: $44.99 USD

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

Quest book w/ 10 new quests
33 miniatures
Sheet of cardboard tiles
35 cards

The Mage in the Mirror expansion offers a classic high fantasy adventure, complete with a new set of cards for the Elf class and detailed environment objects. It's the first part of a story that concludes in the Rise of the Dread Moon set.

Rise of the Dread Moon

HeroQuest Rise of The Dread Moon Quest Pack

3See it at Amazon
MSRP: $44.99 USD

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

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

Rise of the Dread Moon continues the story from The Mage in the Mirror, introducing new mechanics and the Knight class. It's essential for those who want to complete the narrative arc and enjoy the new gameplay elements.

The Frozen Horror

HeroQuest: The Frozen Horror Quest Pack

0See it at Amazon
MSRP: $44.99 USD

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

Quest book w/ 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 expansion is perfect for Barbarian fans, offering a focused experience with new miniatures and solo quests. The icy blue war bears and the titular Frozen Horror are highlights of this chilling adventure.

Jungles of Delthrak

HeroQuest Jungles of Delthrak Quest Pack

0See it at Amazon
MSRP: $44.99 USD

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

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

The Jungles of Delthrak take players into a new environment filled with exotic dangers and new hero classes like the Berserker and Explorer. It's a must-have for those looking to expand their adventures beyond traditional dungeons.

Character Packs

Hero Collection: Rogue Heir of Elethorn

HeroQuest Hero Collection: The Rogue Heir of Elethorn Figures

1See it at Amazon
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 character pack introduces the stealthy Rogue class, complete with unique abilities and miniatures. While it lacks a dedicated storyline, it's a valuable addition for players seeking more variety in their party composition.

Hero Collection: Path of the Wandering Monk

HeroQuest Hero Collection: Path of The Wandering Monk Figures

2See it at Amazon
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 character pack brings the versatile Monk class to HeroQuest, with abilities that harness the elements. Like the Rogue pack, it doesn't include a dedicated quest, but it adds significant strategic depth to your gameplay.

The End

Hasbro and Avalon Hill continue to support HeroQuest with enthusiasm, introducing new players to the joys of dungeon diving and creating lasting memories. While the game may feel light on mechanics for seasoned gamers, the community offers custom rules and quests to enhance the experience. HeroQuest remains a beloved classic in the board gaming world, with a bright future ahead.