HeroQuest, a pioneering dungeon-crawling board game, was first released over 30 years ago, capturing the essence of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. This game allowed players to step into the shoes of iconic characters like the Barbarian and the Elf, enabling them to live out their heroic fantasies in just a couple of hours—much shorter than the typical afternoon-long sessions of traditional TTRPGs. HeroQuest's appeal was enhanced by its extensive set of plastic miniatures and a multi-quest storyline, which helped it cultivate a dedicated fan base. This enthusiasm persisted over the decades, culminating in a successful revival through Hasbro's HasLab crowdfunding platform, reintroducing both new and veteran fans to the thrill of HeroQuest and its expansions.
This buyer's guide is designed to assist those eager to embark on adventures and thwart the evil Zargon's schemes in HeroQuest.
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
Before delving into any additional content, securing the core HeroQuest Game System is essential. All subsequent expansions are designed to complement this foundational set, making it a non-negotiable starting point for your HeroQuest journey.
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
While the original HeroQuest is a thrilling experience, its price can be a barrier for newcomers. HeroQuest: First Light offers a more accessible entry point into the game. It retains the core gameplay but uses cardboard tokens instead of plastic miniatures for many components, thus lowering the cost. For those already owning the core game, First Light may not be necessary unless you're a completionist or interested in its unique quests and additional hero figures. However, its compatibility with other HeroQuest content makes it an excellent starting point for those new to the game.
The App
MSRP: Free
For groups without a designated Game Master or solo adventurers, the official HeroQuest companion app offers an automated experience, complete with voiced descriptions. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the game and its expansions without the need for a human Game Master, and best of all, it's free.
The Online Quests
MSRP: Free
Avalon Hill has enriched the HeroQuest universe with free downloadable quests available on HasbroPulse’s website. These quests, such as the prequel "A New Beginning," offer additional lore and backstory, enhancing the overall experience without any additional cost.
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, is a straightforward addition that echoes the original game's feel. It includes familiar monster miniatures and is perfect for those seeking more of the same 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
In Return of the Witch Lord, players face the return of the undead forces. This expansion introduces new tiles and continues the narrative from the base game and Kellar’s Keep, providing a satisfying conclusion to the initial trilogy of HeroQuest adventures.
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 a set of translucent orange monsters and dice. This expansion was once exclusive but is now available to all, offering a unique and engaging story with new gameplay mechanics.
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 brings the Bard class into the mix, along with translucent teal monsters and dice. Players explore mystical locations and engage with dark magic, offering a rich narrative experience.
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 Druids class 28 miniatures 2 sheets of cardboard tiles 29 cards
Against the Ogre Horde caters to those who enjoy battling numerous foes. It includes a new Druid class and a variety of miniatures, appealing to fans of the original game and those who create custom 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 offers a classic high fantasy adventure, including new elements for the Elf class and a variety of detailed miniatures. It's the first part of a story that concludes in the Rise of the Dread Moon expansion.
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 ideal for those who enjoy crafting their own quests and completing storylines.
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 is perfect for Barbarian enthusiasts, offering a tailored experience with new miniatures and icy-themed enemies. It starts with solo quests before transitioning to group adventures.
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
Jungles of Delthrak takes players into a lush, dangerous environment to retrieve a powerful artifact. It introduces new hero classes and a variety of new enemies, providing a fresh setting for HeroQuest adventures.
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 adds a stealthy character to your party, complete with unique abilities and two different body types for the miniatures. However, it lacks additional story or quests.
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 introduces a versatile Monk class with unique elemental abilities. It offers a unique playstyle but, like the Rogue pack, does not include additional quests or story content.
The End
Hasbro and Avalon Hill continue to support HeroQuest, ensuring a vibrant future for the game. New players can now experience the thrill of dungeon diving and learn from the wise Mentor, creating lasting memories. While the game might be lighter on mechanics for seasoned gamers, the community's custom rules and quests offer ways to enhance the experience. HeroQuest remains a beloved classic in the board gaming world, with a bright future ahead.
