Head to head
PULP or Gloomhaven
To help you decide
Why you'd pick each one
PULP
- Less well known, if you want something off the beaten track.
- Easier to teach and to get to the table: 2.0 vs 3.9 in weight.
- Plays in 15 minutes against 90.
- Works with younger players: 10+ against 14+.
Gloomhaven
- Better rated on BoardGameGeek: 8.5 vs 7.2.
- Far more played: 67,697 ratings against 33.
- Meatier, if you want something to chew on.
- Fills a long session, if you have the whole evening.
- Handles up to 4 players.
- Plays solo.
- Brings multi-use cards and tags, which the other one doesn't have.
The numbers, side by side
| Data point | PULP | Gloomhaven |
|---|---|---|
| BGG rating | 7.2 | 8.5 Better rated |
| Ratings | 33 | 67,697 |
| Players | 2 | 1–4 |
| Playing time | 15 min | 60–120 min |
| Complexity | 2.0 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Age | 10+ | 14+ |
| Year | 2023 | 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.