Learn to Play Gloomhaven in 25 minutes (Scenario and Campaign)

[@PredominateOne]

"Now you might think that based on the effects, wounds should be called poison and poison should be called wound, but to that.. i have... to say... umm up next we have blessing and curses." 10/10 explanation, keep up the great work.

[@RageBadgerGaming]

I mean, how many people found that intuitive the way it is?

[@snufkin4568]

@@RageBadgerGaming I don't know, but I did. The poison adds a damage when you get attacked because every oz of strength you lose makes a poison more effective and the wound really makes sense because it's like a bleed damage.

[@RageBadgerGaming]

@@snufkin4568 I mean it's perfectly fine but I kinda feel like wounds tend to be exacerbated when struck and poison slowly saps the life out of you.

[@clipsolo]

I feel it’s a mistake which they didn’t bother to fix. When your wounded you’d be easier to hit and damage (been like this in other similar games too) and poison is ongoing damage as usual.

[@mrbartlebee]

Has anyone made a house rule to essentially switch the description of poison/wound, and if so, did you have largely positive or negative effects? Will making this house rule in my play group break the game? lol.

[@shaolinlueb]

the more i watch the instructional videos, the more and more i realize this game isn't too complicated. it's just filled with details. tons of details. and tokens, a lot of those too.

[@fritsravn6814]

haaaaaaa

[@kayakbrent]

I hope you are right about that. I feel like I'm treading in deep water!

[@valladin82]

Been playing it on Table Top Simulator. I think we spent more time learning how to use TTS than we did Gloomhaven itself once we got going.

[@Chrinik]

And stickers...lots of stickers

[@syncmonism]

@@Chrinik :(

[@Emily_Entropy]

Pacing is a vital part of video that a lot of people in this space fail at. Yours is perfect! I loved the conciseness, but I was most impressed by your consistent pace.

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much!

[@EdibleBlimp]

This was a great introduction to Gloomhaven. I like how clear and to the point you are with instructions

[@RTFM]

Aw, thanks!

[@Srchowdown]

@@RTFM you are amazing man my wife and i picked this up and this one guide allowed an idiot like myself to play this game....

[@RageBadgerGaming]

It is in the name of the channel!

[@TemujinReads]

Excellent video, as always! Some small notes/clarifications: 4:10 If an event card is put back in the deck, it is placed on the bottom of the deck, not shuffled in. Event decks are only shuffled when new cards are added. 17:15 Hazardous terrain deals half of trap damage, as shown on-screen. 20:21 You're correct that you won't receive any healing if you're poisoned, but if you just have a wound, you still receive the full heal amount.

[@RTFM]

Ooh, yeah those are important. Thanks for the spot.

[@strawberrymangotime]

@@RTFM maybe you should pin this person?

[@colingorrie4593]

I hadn't thought it possible to describe something this clearly this well. A masterclass in both design and execution

[@RTFM]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@Sem5626]

i paused my solo campaign for a while and then the regret set in, this video was awesome to come back and do a quick skim through to make sure i remembered how to play still great stuff

[@RTFM]

Happy to help!

[@joshuasmith2259]

Thanks bro, second time watching this after returning to Gloomhaven following an 8 month break. A superbly executed tutorial. Concise, funny and real! Thank you.

[@RTFM]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@andrewjones9542]

That was one of the most concise, informative and interesting play walkthroughs. I'm so excited to play this game.Well done and thank you.

[@noahpelletier8491]

0:23 the camera shakes when he puts down gloomhaven

[@KLeeFMVs]

Just bought this on a whim and was blown away by the size of the box and contents. I instantly thought "What have I gotten myself into?" loool. I love fantasy games, so really wanted to try it out. Looking forward to watching this later with my husband and trying to figure out how to play. Thanks a lot.

[@RTFM]

It's certainly a big boy, but it's worth the time you put into it (in my opinion at least). Hope y'all like it!

[@jaredrichardson78]

You have a talent for explaining something and also your light touch of humor makes the video easy to get through. Thank you and I hope you have a great day!

[@AnxiousAaron616]

This video is fantastic!! Videos like this are the reason why I come on youtube in the first place. Thankyou.

[@RTFM]

That's so nice to hear, thank you!

[@jimholmes4729]

The clearest intro walk through I've found so far. Thanks for a great job. It's made my first game much more sensible and less confusing. Erm, fun, too, I guess.

[@RTFM]

Haha, glad I could help!

[@LordMigit]

dude I love your videos, they are always the exact right mix of informative, interesting and entertaining.

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much! Those are the things I'm going for.

[@bishop083]

My group calls the battle goals "Bad Idea Cards". Finishing them almost always seems to require you do some kind of bad idea at some point.

[@RTFM]

Sometimes. There are a few that I've managed to accomplish without even trying. Some of them have definitely led to us losing scenarios though, so you're not wrong.

[@jgmrequel]

I've managed to get the "keep everyone alive" goal twice as tinkerer, and those were scenarios where someone pushed too hard and exhausted and I was silently cursing for the rest of the scenario where I threw up my hands, said f' it, and went in crossbow a blazing for loot.

[@RTFM]

Oh no! Everybody takes the healer for granted, but at least the Tinkerer is pretty good at getting XP and loot.

[@dannymccormick2013]

My children bought Gloomhaven for me for Christmas, at my request. I came home today and my wife informed me that I had an hour to learn the game because we’d be playing it that evening with my daughter and son-in-law. Well, needless to say, it didn’t go well. There isn’t a realistic step-by-step walkthrough in the rule book, so We were trying to play while searching the book for instructions. After watching your video, I understand more of the game mechanics. I’ll play a solo game before I invite others to join. Thank you for this informative video.

[@RTFM]

Sorry you had such a rough time. Hopefully this video helps and next time goes a bit smoother.

[@sarahannferrigan]

Okay, so I read the rule book, watched the SU&SD review and playthrough, tried Scenario 1 with the rule book in my hand (solo), watched THIS video and finally feel like I have grasped it.

[@RTFM]

Haha, yeah it can definitely feel like that at the start. I promise that most things will get a lot easier after playing a few missions.

[@sarahannferrigan]

@@RTFM haha I'm counting on it. Thank you for the great instructions.

[@gamewise950]

Has anyone else watched this like 5 times? ;P Amazing production quality, great script and super engaging. Thankyou so much for your hard work.

[@RTFM]

Aw, thank YOU so much! That means a lot!

[@gamewise950]

@@RTFM you absolutely deserve it. I've watched a lot of videos and nothing comes close

[@pixxelwizzard]

I really feel this channel is right up there with WiP and SU&SD. Great content, well made, and fun to watch. I'm not a parthenon subscriber thingy person, but RTFM has my full moral support.

[@RTFM]

I'll take it!

[@earthling-ad]

Thank you so much for this. I bought gloomhaven as a Christmas present to myself and completely cocked up the first playthrough. I was using the monster action cards for both actions and attack modifiers! Also, was using the character specific modifiers instead of the standard 20. When I got to the penultimate card and it wasn't either the null or 2x card I knew I'd made a mistake. I did wonder why I hadn't drawn any negative modifiers! Watching this has made me realise I made another mistake too, I'd set up archers instead of guards in the first room. Going to have another go today. Now I've watched this, I'm confident I can get most of it right now. Thanks again!

[@RTFM]

Hey thanks! And don't worry about it, I messed up a bunch of stuff when I first started playing this game. If you're having trouble with any of the bookkeeping I would also recommend getting Gloomhaven Helper. It's a companion app that takes care of a lot of little background things so you don't have to.

[@devinvm]

When watching this video I was thinking that I want to be able to explain things in daily life with the brevity and clarity that you bring in this video.

[@RTFM]

The secret is to just bring a teleprompter with you everywhere you go.

[@NathanDHNam]

After we watched your videos a couple of times, we were able to complete the first campaign. Thanks for making this video!

[@RTFM]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@Cerhob]

OMG so happy I found this! You taught me how to play TI3 (And 4) so I'm looking forward to learning Gloomhaven from you!

[@RTFM]

Thanks! Glad I could help!

[@embetz311]

Thank you!! Tried playing with my son today... did it wrong but still had fun. This will make future sessions much more enjoyable!

[@RTFM]

Glad I could help!

[@marshalsea000]

We gave up playing Gloomhaven (around about the time you made this video) as it just seemed too hard (we got 4 missions in) and the rules too silly, with us having to constantly having to "House Rule". Turns out the manual is a heap of junk. So many things we read multiple times and came to different opinions to here. This video is a godsend, and I'm looking at the shelf at that huge box thinking it's time to revisit the Gloom.

[@jdfields711]

Any updates?

[@BadKommentator]

Would like to know that, too.

[@marshalsea000]

Tainted Grail came out instead. But Jaws of the thingy arrived this weekend. We're going to finish off Tainted Grail and then start that one as a taster.

[@anthonyperks2201]

I just bought the game and it has yet to arrive, but I loved this description. It has really helped me to look forward to it.

[@AlexandreOliveiraMCZ]

Man, excellent video, I'm just finishing Jaws of the Lion with my kids and we are about to embark into this greater world that is Gloomhaven, hopefully we will put a dent to it's campaign before Frosthaven arrives. Thanks for the video.

[@RTFM]

Glad I could help! Best of luck!

[@davidviau2522]

I like that the table shaked when you put the box on so it really proves that its heavyyy

[@RTFM]

Oh yeah, it's a big boy

[@davidviau2522]

@@RTFM I just received my copy yesterday. Good thing I watched this video before, my lift cart was ready to pick it up XD.

[@Darxandri]

Holy hell, you basically spared me from reading 50+ pages of manual and teaching it to my friends. xD Thanks a lot. Amazing and easy tutorial to follow. ;)

[@RTFM]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@cleftboywonder]

Dude less than 2 minutes in and I'm stoked. The urge to call off of work is beyond tempting.

[@RTFM]

Oh, I know what you mean. When I first got this game it lived on my dining room table for a month straight.

[@cleftboywonder]

@@RTFM I purchased it 2 weeks ago. We finally cracked it open yesterday and were amazed at all of the content . We tried reading our way through but the book had us bouncing back and forth. So we found your channel and it helped immediately.

[@BeegtymeRawkstah]

"Move guy kill thing get stuff repeat." There are so many murder hobos playing D&D who need to play this instead.

[@violet3430]

BeegtymeRawkstah yes, but it really depends on your playstile, before I got into dnd I thought there was too much diversity, but in this game it feels there’s too little customization. But I’ll tell you how it turns out.

[@hawkthetraveler6344]

Or at l east try it , I think the story arc part my be something newer players take back to d&d. "hey GM don't I get to pick a personal story goal in your campaign?"

[@sarahannferrigan]

I'm embarking on a solo Gloomhaven journey and feeling a little daunted haha. Thank you for demystifying it a little bit.

[@RTFM]

Hey, no problem. Glad I could help. How's it going so far?

[@sarahannferrigan]

@@RTFM so far I have just punched out the pieces and started the first campaign 🙃 I'll update as I progress

[@RageBadgerGaming]

Definitely helpful! A lot of people tend to make some of their own hiccups learning and playing the game. :) Glad to see a detailed explanation.

[@RTFM]

No problem. Glad I could help!

[@RageBadgerGaming]

Very helpful! We just did a primer on common mistakes Gloomhaven makes but condensing all these rules in a shorter video is invaluable for new players! :)

[@EmmettMcMullan]

Awesome video. Thanks for the tutorial. I'm seeing this as a Legacy analog edition of Angband, with the narrative content of a boardgame like Eldritch Horror or Betrayal. I'm excited to give it a try now, especially since I see that the mechanics are mostly things I've seen before in TTRPGs, or Mechs vs. Minions. Keep up the awesome production work. This video was really easy to follow and well edited. Good on ya!

[@bryanf1091]

This video just convinced me to the buy the game. I've been interested in it for a while, but because of the price point, and potential to be complicated, I've held off. After watching this though, I've decided to buy it. Job well done! Really great video, with a really good explanation of things.

[@Drdollarsign]

Two small corrections. Wound, when healed, also heals HP. Poison is the only one that doesn’t let you heal while applied. Also, (and this was probably just you misspeaking) Disarm stops someone from taking any attack actions on their next turn, rather than just negating their next attack like you said. EDIT: Also, strictly, Personal Quests don’t have to be kept secret, and sometimes it’s almost impossible to complete it if you do. I prefer to keep it a secret, but only the battle goals are required to be.

[@RTFM]

Hey thanks! Someone already mentioned the wound mistake, but I'll add a note in the description about personal quests and the disarm thing.

[@Drdollarsign]

RTFM yeah. Still a very solid review, thanks for it man, will probably use this for some friends even so

[@rcwinter]

Like most, very well done and thought out. appreciate the occasional humor added:-) I dont worry about speed as can pause and back up so appreciate the faster pace. great video! thanks

[@RTFM]

Haha, much appreciated! I do try to slow my natural pace down a bit, but I get excited. Glad to hear it's not an issue for everyone.

[@kenrickfearn1448]

One if the most succinct and professional games explanations for this awesome game ...subscribed to your channel - nice ! Ric

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@j.a.velarde5901]

- ANOTHER FLAWLESS VIDEO - Thank you guys. Wonderful work.

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much!

[@JustQuixa]

Woohoo! Glad I found your excellent instructions. We already played a bit the last 2 days and you already cleared up a few mistakes we were making lol Thanks for taking the time to make this thorough yet easy to follow video!

[@RTFM]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@2532robh1]

Excellent. Can't believe I didn't discover you until now. Subscribed!

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@timothyzube7393]

I have watched this video a few times. Anytime it has been awhile since my group has gotten together I like to watch this as a refresher. I wish the instructions explained the game as well as this video (especially the white text he added in for clarification).

[@phoebedelarrabeiti6802]

I just got Gloomhaven and this was a really good starting video, thanks

[@RTFM]

No problem! Glad I could help.

[@JackgarPrime]

I just got it this week, too! Were you on the Frosthaven kickstarter?

[@khristienpennanen1810]

I just rewatch this video for fun sometimes. It's a problem

[@RTFM]

Is it a problem? Seems fine to me.

[@JendersGaming]

Haha I do the same thing!

[@boardgamesbuddy5966]

Me too

[@breanne2117]

Thank you for this video! Getting my family ready to play. This makes starting so much faster!

[@Luuute]

I reorganized everything today and in doing that i realized that its not as much stuff as I thoight, its just intimidating to look at right away

[@kayakbrent]

I found this after listening to tgib, and you mentioned doing a walkthrough. Thank you. You just might have saved the most expensive paperweight I have ever owned.

[@RTFM]

Haha, glad I could help!

[@ChristopherFehrenbacher]

Looking to finally start this game with the family after buying it for Christmas. Thanks for the great video!

[@thechatterbox6783]

This video helped fill in some questions I still have about game. We just got it have barley scratched the surface. Your video will help us get deeper. Thanks for posting.

[@RTFM]

No problem! Glad I could help

[@gilliansullivan1504]

Thank you guys for these videos! My boyfriend plays tabletop every week and these videos help me understand what the hell he is saying when he calls and tells me about his game night.

[@RTFM]

Hey, no problem! Glad I could single-handedly save your relationship :D

[@Sipulka]

Thank you so much for this video, an amazing job explaining one of the most complex boardgames (of those intended for massmarket I mean)! Highly appreciated!

[@lp9092]

Great tutorial. Just working on Jaws and planning to dive in to GH next year... like in two weeks. Even more rules and complexities. Thanks!

[@robertj7993]

Thank you very much for this video! It's really well done, and also one of the few reasons why I purchased Gloomhaven. I just recently got my copy, and I'm reading the rules while also watching the video multiple times, just to learn it easier. My friend and I will start playing this soon. Thanks again for the video.

[@RTFM]

No problem, I'm glad I could help. Have fun with the game!

[@hawkthetraveler6344]

Overall very well done video on this game. Nicely edited but not over produced, good vibe.

[@jaspercreelle1332]

Damm you got talent to explain things, first video and already a fan

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much!

[@RandyRhombus]

great video, learned a few things that we were doing wrong on our first attempts at the game.

[@RTFM]

Oh that happens for sure. I can't tell you how many things I used to do wrong that I found out about while writing the script for this.

[@jacobstatnekov6483]

What a good introduction, I feel ready to pick up a copy and start playing. Thanks!

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much! If you're going to buy it on Amazon, feel free to use the affiliate link in the description box for this video. It kicks a couple bucks my way at no cost to you.

[@hemphikid1598]

Thanks for the good in depth information and not walking around the subjects. You helped me a lot.👍

[@RTFM]

No problem! Glad I could help.

[@Jindorek]

very concise, clear and thorough. and minimum spoilers. you have my sub.

[@jbd332]

just got this behemoth for my 38th birthday from the wife. Such a good video and can't wait to try it out!

[@RTFM]

Thanks! Hope it goes well!

[@naruto0076]

Me, my brothers, and sister-in-law are about to start Gloomhaven for the first time. I'm excited.

[@RTFM]

Ooh, have fun!

[@naruto0076]

@RTFM we are about to finish Jaws of the Lion. So we at least have the basics covered. Haha

[@andiefukov8802]

Very concise and generally good enough instructions. Lacks several specific rules, but pretty good as a quick-play guide!

[@nuxkamina]

...and then along comes Frosthaven. Great job on this video!

[@RTFM]

Haha, thanks! And yeah, it's possible Frosthaven might be coming soon, but that'll depend on my Patreon backers.

[@nuxkamina]

@@RTFM The box is sooo big. We have Gloomhaven setup again so we could finish it first. Thanks for teaching us how to play again!

[@MattieSheldonTheYoutuber]

I love this video! Informative, clear and very witty! You’ve gained a subscribed 👍

[@SSinthaNorthwest]

Great video! I've had this game for awhile now and I'm ready to start digging into it, thanks for making this!

[@RTFM]

Thanks! It took me a while to really crack it open too. Hope you have fun!

[@chrisbang9438]

excellent teaching style, great review

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@danoleary7401]

Thank you for a great video. I have read the book and your video cleared up the confusion and I ready to tackle the ocean of chits and markers to start climbing the mountain of cardboard and start to play the game.

[@RTFM]

No problem! Glad I could help!

[@Sharess_Gaming]

This is super helpful for first time player

[@RTFM]

haha, thanks!

[@adrianhawley91]

Thanks for the run through, very helpful to make it easy to start playing.

[@maximeouellet791]

Simple, basic, well explaned. Love it !

[@Andy_Quest]

Hey 👋🏼 just wanted to say thanks for the awesome content, love your channel. I just want every game released to pay you to make a ‘how to play’. 👊🏼 I’ve already bought three of the games I’ve seen in your vids and now I’m ordering Gloomhaven!

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much! I would also enjoy that, though maybe not EVERY game. Gotta sleep some time.

[@santaclo3749]

Question re: the second battle (14:33 circa). After the Tinkerer got a short rest, both Brute and Tinkerer drew new ability cards and a new initiative order was established, with Brute at 32(?) and Tinkerer at what I imagine was a higher number. The Brute moves into the room first, and only then you discover the initiative for the Enemies and factor them in. In this case the Archers would go immediately after the Brute, than we would have the Tinkerer if their initiative was 70. Right?

[@RTFM]

That's right!

[@Admu1984]

Goal of the scenario: Kill Everyone "Nice, simple, Moraly clear." xD

[@RageBadgerGaming]

Sometimes you gotta break a few skulls to make a few coin!

[@-41337]

concise video. much appreciated. top tier.

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@realmadception]

This video is very helpful as a new player like me. Thank you.

[@RTFM]

Glad I could help!

[@mildmildfire]

Any game media review that mentions Scott Pilgrim villains is worth a like. This one does

[@Solcoyote]

Just picked up my copy of Gloomhaven. Thanks so much for this awesome video! As a noob I found it super helpful.

[@RTFM]

Glad I could help!

[@chuckchuckerson5364]

Thank you very much. I am playing this soon with some friends, and this was helpful.

[@RTFM]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@AlexGorskov]

Amazing explanation! Greaaat stuff, man!

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@Maraxus34]

you're so awesome at explaining stuff, thanks so much for your effort

[@Gwydda]

Just played the first scenario and I already see there are some detaidl we missed. Well, damn.

[@shadette0823]

Im getting some serious Rodney from "Watch it Played" vibes. Good stuff here. New sub

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@Sykrist]

I used this storage solution and purchased the 5" x 7" photo cases and I believe the ones shown in the video are actually the 4" x 6" ones. The 5" x 7" cases I have fits the sealed tuck box and miniature figurine box.

[@WideMouth]

At first, I agreed that they should have switched the names for the wound and poison effects. However, on further though I think it makes sense. When you’re wounded you’re most likely bleeding, causing you to lose health each turn - while poison makes you nauseous and weak, making it harder to defend yourself and react quickly (hence the +1 to attacks against you).

[@Theaaronf1927]

This game is insane! So many rules and so much detail

[@Jezza_One]

There are many board games that make this look like snap.

[@violet3430]

I had to rewatch a lot of parts to understand this, but that’s usually what I do before any table top games, but good explanation! Just as a tip, try to slow down a bit, I know you didn’t want to make that long of a video but maybe you could make a part two!

[@sc_enjoyer]

You know a board game's gonna be good when the strain of lifting the box makes you grimace

[@RTFM]

XD

[@why116]

20:27 best explanation ever

[@powerlessburger]

Hi! Question. Can I name my character anything other than "Something Interesting"? Or is that like important to the story?

[@RTFM]

Sorry, most of the rules are pretty loosey goosey, but that's one of the few unbreakable ones.

[@powerlessburger]

@@RTFM it do be like that sometimes

[@bl1ndcat867]

Thank you! Fantastic video, super friendly and straight forward. Loved the Beef boi ♥ part!

[@fernandogaragnani]

Amazing video, as always. Almost makes me want to pay a ridiculously big sack of money for Gloomhaven.

[@RTFM]

If you have a group of friends that all want to play together, you can split the cost and it'll just be a regular sack of money.

[@fernandogaragnani]

@@RTFM I do have a boardgame group, they enjoy simpler/shorter games more, though. Also, my money is waiting the Brazilian version of Twilight Imperium 4. You guys made me save the money for this game.

[@RTFM]

Ah, fair enough.

[@michaelmitchell2123]

Really brilliant explanation!

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@Zwerggoldhamster]

At 19:23, wouldn't you still have line of sight because you can draw a horizontal line from the top corner of the hex where the tinkerer stands all the way up to top corner of the crossed out hex without going through the wall?

[@RTFM]

Touching even the tip of a hex of wall counts as blocking line of sight, so unfortunately no.

[@Zwerggoldhamster]

You are right. I actually got this wrong when I was researching LoS and area of effect. In the one of the (seemingly competent) answers an enemy was hit that was just blocked by one pixel of wall. I have since learned that that was wrong

[@xxcatfishjohnnyxx]

Late to the game but this video was extremely helpful in picking this game up. 🤙

[@joanbardee5135]

about to start playing and I absolutely cannot remember all this stuff! I think I'm doomed. Great video!!

[@RTFM]

You can do it! I believe in you!

[@ryan8737]

Pleasantly surprised that this wasn't boring. Thanks!

[@RTFM]

That's what I'm going for!

[@inspectorsock3944]

RTFM love your personality and videos! Keep up the great work!

[@RTFM]

Thanks! That's the nicest thing a sock has ever said to me.

[@FurchtbaresGaming]

awesome video, it brought me right back on track after pausing playing for quite a while =)

[@RTFM]

Thanks, glad I could help!