Gloomhaven · Board game rules
How many cards per player?
In Gloomhaven, the number of cards a player can take into battle (hand size) is determined by their character class and does not change as they level up. Each character class has a specific hand limit, which is indicated on the character mat. At the beginning of a scenario, players must select a number of cards from their available card pool equal to their character's hand limit. These cards will form the player's hand, and only cards in the player's hand may be used during a scenario. (Page 45)
For example:
- The Brute starts with a hand size of 8 cards.
- The Spellweaver starts with a hand size of 8 cards.
- The Mindthief starts with a hand size of 7 cards.
- The Scoundrel starts with a hand size of 6 cards.
- The Cragheart starts with a hand size of 8 cards.
- The Tinkerer starts with a hand size of 7 cards.
Additionally, as characters level up, they gain access to higher-level ability cards, which can be added to their pool of available cards. However, the maximum number of cards they can take into battle remains the same. (Page 45)