Gloomhaven vs Great Western Trail
Side by side comparison of two top board games

Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a game of tactical combat in a persistent world of shifting motives. Players take on the role of wandering mercenaries with their own specializations, goals, and personal stories. Each scenario in Gloomhaven presents a new challenge, and players must work together to overcome enemies and obstacles. Between scenarios, players improve their characters by gaining new abilities, items, and perks. The game also features a legacy-style component where choices made in one scenario affect future scenarios.

Great Western Trail
Great Western Trail puts players in the role of cattle ranchers driving their herd from Texas to Kansas City. Players manage their hand of cattle cards, hire staff, build buildings, and upgrade their train to transport cattle efficiently. The game features a unique multi-use card system and a dynamic rondel-style action selection.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Gloomhaven | Great Western Trail |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 1 ✓ | 14 |
| Rating | 8.8 ✓ | 8.3 |
| Year Published | 2017 | 2016 ✓ |
| Price | 140 | 65 ✓ |
| Min Players | 1 ✓ | 2 |
| Max Players | 4 | 4 |
| Play Time (min) | 60 ✓ | 120 |
| Min Age | 12 | 12 |
| Complexity (1-5) | 3.84 ✓ | 3.68 |
Gloomhaven wins in 5 categories, Great Western Trail wins in 2 categories.