Picked Gloomhaven over Arkham Horror for my group's campaign and it backfired

So I had to choose between starting Gloomhaven or Arkham Horror LCG for our weekly game night last month. I went with Gloomhaven cause I thought the combat system would be more fun for everyone. But 3 sessions in and two guys keep forgetting their modifier decks and action cards. Now I'm wondering if I shoulda picked Arkham for the story focus instead. Has anyone else jumped into a big campaign game and regretted the choice cause of your group's learning curve?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_faith4d ago

Honestly, did you try bribing them with snacks to remember their stuff? Like every time someone forgets their modifier deck they have to buy pizza next session. Ngl this is why I keep my group to games where you can play drunk and still feel like a genius, not Gloomhaven where you need a spreadsheet to tie your shoes. But hey at least you're not the DM who picked a 100+ hour campaign and now has to herd cats every Saturday.

the_john3d ago

About five years ago I was coaching a youth soccer team and I noticed the same pattern. Kids would show up without shin guards, water bottles, whatever they needed. We started a rule where if you forgot something you had to do an extra lap at practice. It worked for about two weeks before they started stashing extra gear in my car. People in general just aren't great at remembering things when they're distracted or excited, and that includes adults who play board games. I think the pizza bribe is a good idea but you have to be consistent and actually follow through, otherwise they'll just treat it like a tax they can pay to be forgetful.

the_laura3d ago

@the_faith having an extra gear stash in your car honestly saved my group more times than I'd like to admit.