Quick answer
Buy the Gloomhaven Class Upgrade Pack to 2nd Edition if you already own Gloomhaven 1st Edition or want to use the newest class versions in Jaws of the Lion and Frosthaven. Skip it if you only play Gloomhaven 2nd Edition, since those classes are already included. It replaces your old character materials rather than adding new scenarios, so treat it as a component refresh, not an expansion.
Frosthaven
What the upgrade pack actually replaces
The pack contains 18 Class Envelopes, each with updated ability cards, an advanced modifier deck, a character mat, character tokens, and the rest of that class's components. It is a full swap of your 1st Edition class materials, not a partial patch. You keep your 1st Edition board, scenario book, and monsters; only the mercenary kits change.
Because the envelopes use new artwork and graphic design, your table will look consistent with the current edition. If your group cares about matching card backs and readable iconography, this is the main practical reason to buy.
- 18 envelopes, one per class
- Updated ability cards and modifier decks
- New character mats and tokens
- No new scenarios or campaign content
Compatibility beyond Gloomhaven 1st Edition
The pack is designed to replace 1st Edition characters in Gloomhaven 1E, and the same class materials can be brought into Jaws of the Lion and Frosthaven. That makes it useful if you own multiple boxes and want one consistent version of each mercenary across them. It does not convert those games into 2nd Edition; it only updates the class components you hold in your hand.
Check your shelf before buying. If you already own Gloomhaven 2nd Edition, you have these classes. If you own only Jaws of the Lion and no Gloomhaven box, the pack still works for the classes that appear in both, but you are paying for envelopes you may never open.
- Works with Gloomhaven 1E, Jaws of the Lion, and Frosthaven
- Does not upgrade the base game rules or scenarios
- Redundant if you already own Gloomhaven 2nd Edition
How to judge the class changes without spoilers
Cephalofair has not published a public card-by-card changelog in the supplied catalog facts, so you cannot preview every balance tweak before purchase. What you can verify is the physical scope: 18 envelopes, new modifier decks, and new mats. If your group's main complaint is component wear or mismatched printings, the pack solves that directly.
If your group is chasing specific power-level changes, wait for community discussion or ask your local group to show a class you already play. The pack is best treated as a known-quantity component upgrade rather than a mystery balance patch.
- No official full changelog in the supplied product facts
- Physical contents are fully listed and verifiable
- Ask to see a class envelope before committing if balance is your priority
Pairing the pack with small add-ons
If you are already upgrading, two low-cost items can round out the order. The Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack adds four promotional scenario cards for that standalone game, and it requires Buttons & Bugs to play, so it only makes sense if you own that title. Mercenary Packs like Cassandra and Hail add new playable characters rather than replacing existing ones, which is a different purchase decision from the upgrade pack.
Keep the distinction clear: the upgrade pack refreshes classes you already have, while Mercenary Packs and promo scenarios add new content. Buying both types in one order is fine, but only if you actually expect to play the new characters.
- Promo scenarios need Buttons & Bugs to use
- Mercenary Packs add characters, not replacements
- Upgrade pack is a refresh, not new content
Decision rules: should you buy the upgrade pack?
- You own Gloomhaven 1st Edition and play it regularly: The pack replaces all 18 class envelopes with updated cards, mats, tokens, and modifier decks, matching the current edition's look and feel. Buy it. This is the primary audience.
- You own Jaws of the Lion or Frosthaven but not Gloomhaven 1E: The class materials can be brought into those games, but you will only use the envelopes for classes that appear in your box. Buy only if you want consistent components across boxes and expect to use most classes.
- You already own Gloomhaven 2nd Edition: The 2nd Edition already includes these class envelopes and contents. Skip it. You would be buying duplicates.
- You want new scenarios or characters: The upgrade pack contains no new campaign content. Mercenary Packs and promo scenario packs are the add-on route instead. Skip the upgrade pack and look at Mercenary Packs or the Buttons & Bugs promo scenarios.
Product facts
- Gloomhaven (1st Edition): Class Upgrade Pack to 2nd Edition: Contains 18 Class Envelopes with updated ability cards, advanced modifier decks, character mats, character tokens, and new artwork and graphic design. This is the core purchase: it replaces your 1st Edition class components in Gloomhaven 1E and can be used with Jaws of the Lion and Frosthaven.
- Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack: Contains 4 promotional Scenario Cards released by Cephalofair in 2024 and requires Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs to play. A cheap add-on only if you own Buttons & Bugs; otherwise it is unusable at your table.
- Cassandra: Forgotten Diviner - Mercenary Pack: Inspired by Gloomhaven: Forgotten Circles, Cassandra creates rifts across the planes and uses divination to predict the future of your party and its enemies. A new mercenary rather than a class replacement, so it complements the upgrade pack instead of substituting for it.
Who should buy the upgrade pack
Best for
- Gloomhaven 1st Edition owners who want updated class components and current artwork
- Groups that play across Gloomhaven 1E, Jaws of the Lion, and Frosthaven and want one consistent class version
- Players whose 1st Edition class cards, mats, or tokens are worn or mismatched
Not for
- Owners of Gloomhaven 2nd Edition, who already have these classes
- Players looking for new scenarios, monsters, or campaign content
- Shoppers who only own Jaws of the Lion and do not expect to use most of the 18 classes
