Head to head
Captain Black or Gloomhaven
To help you decide
Why you'd pick each one
Captain Black
- Less well known, if you want something off the beaten track.
- Easier to teach and to get to the table: 1.3 vs 3.9 in weight.
- Plays in 40 minutes against 90.
- Brings roll / spin and move, which the other one doesn't have.
- Works with younger players: 6+ against 14+.
Gloomhaven
- Better rated on BoardGameGeek: 8.5 vs 6.4.
- Far more played: 67,697 ratings against 88.
- Meatier, if you want something to chew on.
- Fills a long session, if you have the whole evening.
- Plays solo.
- Brings hand management and multi-use cards, which the other one doesn't have.
The numbers, side by side
| Data point | Captain Black | Gloomhaven |
|---|---|---|
| BGG rating | 6.4 | 8.5 Better rated |
| Ratings | 88 | 67,697 |
| Players | 2–4 | 1–4 |
| Playing time | 30–50 min | 60–120 min |
| Complexity | 1.3 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Age | 6+ | 14+ |
| Year | 2015 | 2017 |
Only the rating gets a winner mark. A shorter or lighter game isn't a better one: it depends on what you're after.
Ratings and catalogue data are attributed to BoardGameGeek.