So we just got Gloomhaven and got the broken token organizer to go with it. We're currently going through the rules. Is it recommended to play the game with an app-helper DM of sorts, or do you guys just play without a helper? We have a mac and no tablet
Also, and beginner tips I should know about?
Posted Mar 25, 2020, 2:12 PM UTC
I did my very first game by hand, doing all the math in my head.
After that I used Gloomhaven Helper, and the Campaign Tracker. Those two apps just eliminate so much clutter, and makes the whole process way faster.
Came here to write this. I'll just second it.
I'd say many of us use Gloomhaven Helper. You can get it on the desktop, it helps run Monster Attack Cards. Personally I set it to Calculate Stats (in the settings menu) so that I can just read the Monster Attack Card and have the monster do that thing (white - normal / yellow - elite). You can also load your characters on there for initiative. It will save you loads of setup and management time (though it will spoil you - I totally forgot how to do all the calculations when I played the Table Top Simulator with my buddy the other night).
Beginner Tips: Keep the rulebook nearby, check out BGG for the commonly missed rules. Don't be afraid to lose. My group lost the first scenario a few times before we crushed it.
We link a laptop with Gloomhaven Helper to the tv in the room. Nice and easy for everyone to read. Also, expect that you will later realize you've been playing a rule wrong.
Oh, and I would strongly recommend setting aside the class modification deck so you don't get it mixed up with your actual randomizer deck.
Thanks for the tips
Gloomhaven helper has been a lifesaver for me. I have a small table in my room and since we are sharing the apartment, I can’t use the common areas for many hours. By eliminating the need for setting up monster cards, hp tokens and monster decks, I can leave it on my desk during downtime.
Gloomster is also a great app for avoiding “spoilers” when trying a new scenario for the first time. It’s also helpful since it keeps track of donations, prosperity and reputation levels. Definitely recommend both apps.
I’d suggest picking up GloomsteR. It’s an app that hides other places on the map and new scenarios to avoid spoilers. Otherwise I find it more fun to run everything else on hand.
My two parties consider these 3 essential(although we did a dozen without apps, to understand how things work):
http://esotericsoftware.com/gloomhaven-helper-web/
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/gloomhaven-scenario-viewer/id1308719701
I don't use any apps, I don't really see the added value. But many ppl seem to like the Gloomhaven Helper app. It's hard to say how many though, as nobody has ever done a survey. My advice: if you like apps, you'll like the GH Helper app. It's pretty! Otoh, if you don't particularly care for it, you won't miss anything.
There's a thread on beginner tips and common mistakes and such, I believe it's stickied. Highly recommended! If you like guides, the class guides here are excellent as well.
I think it is a good idea to play a few times with the normal components before switching to a helper app. That way you learn how the monster actions are determined, so you understand them, rather than them being the result of some mysterious app that you don't understand.
After reading the rules, you may want to read the official FAQ online, or at least bookmark it for reference when you run into questions.
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1897763/official-faq-game-no-rules-questions-please
There are also postings of common rule mistakes. Here is one of them:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Gloomhaven/comments/7cnhoe/what_mechanical_mistakes_did_you_and_your_group/
Some common ones:
Monsters don't always move and attack every turn. They only do it if their monster ability card for the round says they do.
The attack modifier cards that come in your character class box are not your starting attack modifier decks. Standard starting attack modifier decks are shown at the top of page 5 of the rulebook.
I played my first several games without any helper or rules changes. I then added some changes (dice instead of monster hit tokens, for example) once I knew where the pain points were.
For our 4-person family games, we use no helper apps. We share the load around the table.
For my solo gaming I have tried most of the apps but don't really use any of them consistently.
Why did you switch to dice?
I like to see numbers when I scan the table instead of counting stacks of tokens. A personal preference change.
I ended up buying some 3D-printed monsters stands that have the little dice holders built in, so the monster HP is visible on the map
The damage tokens are a huge mess to manage, especially as you start finding enemies with 20+ HP. Or you have 10 of the same enemy out on the map, and actually need to fill up all those tiny little slots on the damage tracker sleeve.
Normally I'd suggest ordering 20 cheap d10s from Amazon, but they will probably be massively delayed. Anywhere you can get dice will really help!