LumiKin
Metacritic 82

Gloomhaven

Flaming Fowl Studios|2019AdventureRPGStrategy

LumiScore

69/ 100
GOOD
120+ min/day recommended

Growth

61/100

Growth Value

  • Problem Solving
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Critical Thinking

Risk

LOW

Engagement Patterns

Minimal pressure to spend or play excessively.

Heads up

💸 Monthly cost: Free

Parent Pro-Tip

Set clear expectations about session length before starting—each dungeon run takes 45-60 minutes minimum. Use the natural stopping points between missions to manage playtime. Consider playing together initially to discuss strategic choices and help younger players understand the complex card mechanics and tactical options.

Top Skills Developed

Problem Solving5/5
Strategic Thinking5/5
Critical Thinking5/5
Adaptive Challenge5/5
Spatial Awareness4/5

Development Areas

Cognitive?Problem solving, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, creativity, memory, and learning transfer. Weighted 50% of the Benefit Score.
82
Social & Emotional?Teamwork, communication, empathy, emotional regulation, and ethical reasoning. Weighted 30% of the Benefit Score.
50
Motor Skills?Hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, reaction time, and physical activity. Weighted 20% of the Benefit Score.
25
Overall Benefit Score (BDS)61/100

Representation?How diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.

Gender balance
2/3
Ethnic diversity
1/3

Bechdel Test?The Bechdel Test checks whether a game has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. A simple measure of representation.N/A — no named characters

Turn-based tactical game with character classes but no clear narrative dialogue scenes to evaluate.

Parent Pro-Tip

To maximize strategic thinking development, encourage your child to explain their tactical decisions before committing to them. Ask questions like 'Why did you choose that card?' or 'What's your plan for the next two turns?' This metacognitive practice strengthens planning skills and helps them learn from mistakes in the rogue-like format.

What your child develops

Gloomhaven excels as a deep strategic experience that demands careful planning, tactical thinking, and resource management. Every decision matters—from character selection and ability card choices to positioning and action timing. The game requires players to think several turns ahead, analyze enemy patterns, and optimize team synergies. The rogue-like structure with procedurally generated dungeons ensures adaptive challenge and replayability. Players must master complex systems including card hand management, stamina mechanics, and character progression, developing strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The variety of hero classes and playstyles encourages experimentation and strategic creativity.

Base: UnknownMonthly: FreePlaytime: ~4hReviewed Apr 2026

Regulatory Compliance

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About this game

We warned you! Whether you are drawn to Gloomhaven by the call of adventure or by the call of gold glimmering in the dark, your fate will surely be the same.