Quick Answer
To set up Gloomhaven 2nd Edition Solo Scenarios, you need a character at level 3 or higher, the solo scenario book, and the corresponding item card deck. Follow the standard scenario setup rules, then play through the 18 unique scenarios designed to test your class mastery.
What Makes Solo Scenarios Different
The Gloomhaven 2nd Edition Solo Scenarios are not just extra missions. Each scenario is tailored to a specific class, forcing you to use abilities you might normally ignore. This makes them a great way to learn the deeper strategies of your character.
Unlike regular scenarios, you cannot bring allies. You control only your chosen class, which changes how you approach positioning, resource management, and enemy prioritization. Expect to fail a few times before you find the right tactic.
When to Start Solo Scenarios
You can start solo scenarios as soon as any character reaches level 3. Waiting until level 5 or higher gives you more tools, but the scenarios scale with your level, so starting earlier is fine. The difficulty is designed to challenge a single character, so don't worry about being under-leveled.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
- Choose Your Class and Level: Select a character that is at least level 3. The scenario difficulty scales with your level, so you don't need to wait until max level. Make sure you have the class's ability cards and modifier deck ready. Common mistake: Trying a solo scenario with a brand-new character. You need a few perks and higher-level cards to survive.
- Find the Correct Scenario: Open the solo scenario book and locate the scenario matching your class icon. Each class has exactly one scenario. The scenario number is printed on the back of the item card for that class, but you can also look it up by class name in the book's table of contents. Checkpoint: The scenario number is not the same as the page number. Use the table of contents to avoid confusion.
- Set Up the Map and Enemies: Follow the standard Gloomhaven scenario setup rules. Place the map tiles, overlay tiles, and monsters as shown in the scenario book. The scenario will specify which monster types and how many appear. Use the normal monster ability deck and standees. Common mistake: Forgetting that you are playing solo - you do not set up any allied figures. Only your character and the monsters are on the board.
- Prepare Your Character and Items: Equip your character with items from your personal inventory. You can use any items you have unlocked in your campaign, but you cannot borrow from other characters. Set your starting hand of ability cards as usual. Checkpoint: You may bring up to the normal item limit for your level. There is no special solo item allowance.
- Read the Special Rules: Each solo scenario may have unique rules printed in the scenario book. These might include altered victory conditions, special monster behavior, or map effects. Read them carefully before starting. Common mistake: Skipping the special rules and assuming standard victory conditions. Some scenarios require you to loot a chest or survive a set number of rounds.
- Play and Adjust Difficulty: Play through the scenario using the normal Gloomhaven turn order and combat rules. If you find the scenario too easy or too hard, you can adjust the difficulty level by changing the scenario level (as you would in a campaign). The recommended level is your character's level divided by 2, rounded up. Checkpoint: The solo scenarios are designed to be challenging. Do not be discouraged if you fail the first time. Learn from each attempt and try a different strategy.
What You Need
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Gloomhaven 2nd Edition: Solo Scenarios: This set includes a 24-page scenario book of 18 all-new solo scenarios and a deck of 18 item cards - 1 item each class rewarded for completing their mission. Each class gets a unique item as a reward, making the scenarios feel personal and giving you a tangible incentive to master every class.
Gloomhaven 2nd Edition: Solo Scenarios
