Gloomhaven · Board game rules
How do I unlock scenarios?
Quick answer
Scenarios are unlocked by completing previous scenarios in campaign mode, looting random side scenario cards from treasure, or fulfilling specific conditions like achievements or retirement.
Details
Scenarios in campaign mode are unlocked primarily by successfully completing preceding scenarios. When a scenario is completed, its corresponding sticker is placed on the campaign map, and any new scenarios listed in its rewards become unlocked [p.49 — Scenario Completion].
Additionally, looting a numbered treasure tile may grant a "Random Side Scenario" reward. Drawing a card from the random side scenario deck unlocks a new scenario, adding its sticker to the map [p.38 — Random Side Scenario Cards].
Certain achievements or retirement conditions can also unlock scenarios. For example, fulfilling specific global achievements (e.g., "Gain 5 'Ancient Technology' global achievements") or retiring a character may trigger unlocks, though these are scenario-specific and detailed in the Scenario Book or rulebook exceptions [p.49 — Special Conditions for Opening Envelopes, p.48 — Announcing Retirement].
Watch out: Unlocked scenarios remain available for future play in casual mode, but completing them in campaign mode locks them from being replayed in that mode. Always check scenario pages for prerequisites (e.g., achievements) before attempting to unlock them.