Originally launched over 30 years ago, HeroQuest stands as one of the pioneering dungeon-crawling board games, designed to bring the thrill and peril of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons to life. This game allowed players to step into iconic roles such as the powerful Barbarian or the magical Elf, enabling friends to live out their heroic fantasies around the kitchen table in a concise two-hour session, a stark contrast to the longer sessions typical of traditional TTRPGs. HeroQuest's iconic box, brimming with numerous plastic miniatures and a multi-quest storyline, quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase. This fervor persisted, culminating in a successful crowdfunding campaign on Hasbro's HasLab platform, which saw the game's triumphant return. Today, both new and veteran fans can revel in the reissued HeroQuest and its array of expansions. This buyer's guide is designed to assist those eager to band together to thwart the nefarious plans of Zargon.
HeroQuest Game System
HeroQuest Game System
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MSRP: $134.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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
Before delving into any expansions, securing the core HeroQuest Game System is essential. This base set is the foundation upon which all additional content is built, and none of the expansions can be played without it.
HeroQuest First Light
HeroQuest First Light Board Game
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MSRP: $49.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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 hesitant about the investment required for the full game, HeroQuest: First Light offers an accessible entry point. This version maintains the core gameplay while reducing production costs through the use of cardboard tokens in place of some plastic miniatures. While First Light is fully compatible with all other HeroQuest releases, it may not appeal to existing fans unless they're looking to complete their collection, explore new quests, or acquire additional hero figures to paint.
The App
MSRP: Free
For groups without a designated game master or solo adventurers, the official HeroQuest companion app for mobile devices takes on the role of Zargon. With its fully voiced descriptions, the app enhances the gaming experience across all expansion modules, and best of all, it's free to download and use.
The Online Quests
MSRP: Free
Avalon Hill has graciously provided several free downloadable quests that expand the lore and backstory of the HeroQuest universe, including the prequel quest, "A New Beginning." These additional quests are a delightful bonus, utilizing existing HeroQuest resources and can be found on HasbroPulse’s website.
The Boxed Expansions
Kellar’s Keep
HeroQuest: Kellar's Keep Expansion
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MSRP: $33.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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
As the first expansion, Kellar’s Keep is a lighter addition that closely resembles the base game's feel. It's a faithful re-release of the original 90s expansion, perfect for those seeking more content without a significant increase in difficulty.
Return of the Witch Lord
HeroQuest: Return of The Witch Lord Quest Pack
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MSRP: $33.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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
The Witch Lord returns in this expansion, bringing undead forces to challenge the heroes. Similar to Kellar’s Keep, it includes familiar miniatures and introduces new, intriguing tiles, enhancing the base game's storyline.
Prophecy of Telor
HeroQuest: Prophecy of Telor Quest Pack
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MSRP: $33.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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
Previously exclusive to the Mythic tier during the crowdfunding campaign, Prophecy of Telor introduces the Warlock class, complete with a demonic transformation ability. The translucent orange monsters and dice add a unique flair to your adventures.
Spirit Queen’s Torment
HeroQuest: Spirit Queen's Torment Quest Pack
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MSRP: $33.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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
Similar to Prophecy of Telor, Spirit Queen’s Torment offers the new Bard class, allowing players to harness the power of music in battle. The expansion's icy teal monsters and dice are visually striking, and the quests delve into dark magic and mysterious locations.
Against the Ogre Horde
Heroquest: Against The Ogre Horde Quest Pack
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MSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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
Ideal for those who enjoy battling hordes of enemies, Against the Ogre Horde brings back a classic module with modern updates. The expansion's miniatures, including giant Ogres and a massive throne, are particularly noteworthy.
The Mage in the Mirror
HeroQuest: The Mage of The Mirror Quest Pack
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MSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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, where heroes must save a princess, find a legendary sword, and confront an evil archmage. The expansion includes new tiles, detailed environment objects, and monster miniatures, setting 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
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MSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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
Continuing from The Mage in the Mirror, Rise of the Dread Moon introduces the Knight class and new mechanics like Elven mercenaries. The expansion's new tiles and miniatures are ideal for crafting custom quests, but for the full story experience, playing through The Mage in the Mirror first is recommended.
The Frozen Horror
HeroQuest: The Frozen Horror Quest Pack
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MSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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 sends heroes into the icy wastelands, tailored for Barbarian fans with a new miniature and body type. The expansion includes unique solo quests before group adventures resume, and its icy blue war bears and titular monster are visually stunning.
Jungles of Delthrak
HeroQuest Jungles of Delthrak Quest Pack
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MSRP: $44.99 USD
- Players: 1-5 (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
The Jungles of Delthrak beckon with poisonous snakes, menacing spiders, and ancient ruins. Heroes must retrieve a powerful artifact and uncover the source of the Dread Blight. The expansion introduces the Berserker and Explorer classes, offering a rich set of quests outside traditional dungeon settings.
Character Packs
Hero Collection: Rogue Heir of Elethorn
HeroQuest Hero Collection: The Rogue Heir of Elethorn Figures
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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 brings a sneaky, stabbing character to your party, complete with throwing daggers and multi-attack capabilities. However, it lacks additional quests to explore the character's backstory.
Hero Collection: Path of the Wandering Monk
HeroQuest Hero Collection: Path of The Wandering Monk Figures
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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 Monk class offers unique elemental abilities and unarmed combat prowess, making it a versatile addition to any party. Like the Rogue, it lacks accompanying quests to delve deeper into the character's story.
The End
Hasbro and Avalon Hill continue to support HeroQuest with enthusiasm, introducing new generations to the joys of dungeon diving under the guidance of the wise Mentor. While the game's mechanics might be too light for experienced gamers, the community has crafted numerous custom rules and quests to enrich the experience. HeroQuest remains a beloved classic in the board gaming world, with a bright future ahead.
