Frosthaven: Everything We Know

Frosthaven, the popular board game, is finally making its way to PC as a tactical RPG. It’s got gamers talking and asking questions: Will it be as good as its famous predecessor, Gloomhaven? What’s new this time around? And most importantly, should you be excited?

Snapshot Games is bringing this game to life, promising thrilling quests, tactical gameplay, and plenty of surprises along the way. Whether you’ve played the board game before or you’re totally new to this world, this game seems to have something exciting in store for everyone. Curious to know more? Here’s all we know so far about Frosthaven.

Frosthaven Story

Frosthaven began life as a massive board game (the spiritual successor to the hit Gloomhaven) and is set in a perilous dark fantasy world. The story centers on a small frontier outpost named Frosthaven, far to the north of the capital city of White Oak – a settlement barely surviving against brutal winters and relentless attacks from forces both known and unknown​.

In the board game’s narrative, players take the role of mercenaries tasked with defending and developing this frozen harbor town amid constant threats. The northern frontier is unforgiving: terrifying monsters, eerie unexplained phenomena, and rival enemies lurk beyond the walls, waiting for any opportunity to strike.

The video game adaptation of Frosthaven is expected to closely follow this grim and immersive setting, bringing the board game’s rich lore to life on screen.  Your job isn’t just to fight enemies. You’ll also be responsible for managing an Outpost, a place you must build and protect. The choices you make at this Outpost are crucial. Your actions here decide how the story unfolds and what new opportunities open up. So, get ready to explore chilling locations, meet intriguing characters, and see how your choices affect the fate of Frosthaven.

Frosthaven’s Gameplay

Frosthaven’s gameplay will take the acclaimed tactical formula of the board game and evolve it into an interactive RPG format. This means turn-based combat is at the core – players will engage in methodical, strategic battles where positioning and planning are crucial. You’ll carefully pick action and movement cards for your characters, creating powerful team combinations to beat tough enemies and bosses.

The game offers six starting characters — Banner Spear, Boneshaper, Drifter, Geminate, Blinkblade, and Deathwalker. Each character class plays differently, bringing its own unique skills and abilities. In addition to this, you’ll unlock even more classes. Your choices here matter, and every class suits different playstyles, letting you find your favorite way to battle.

Outside of battles, you’ll also manage your Outpost. You’ll build and upgrade different buildings that unlock extra game mechanics and useful features. Furthermore, it will offer over 35 quests at launch, with many more planned for the full release. You can explore diverse environments with stunning art and dynamic changes in environments and seasons. Plus, if you want to play with friends, the game supports online co-op for two to four players.

Frosthaven Development

The development of Frosthaven is being handled by an all-star team that brings both video game and board game expertise. Snapshot Games is the studio developing the game, with Julian Gollop at the helm – Gollop is famous as the creator of the classic X-COM strategy series, so he knows a thing or two about tactical combat​. This has fans optimistic that the digital Frosthaven will nail the strategic depth and tension that the story demands. Snapshot Games has experience in the genre (having developed Phoenix Point, a turn-based tactics game), and for Frosthaven they’re leveraging that knowledge on a beloved fantasy IP.

On the publishing side, Arc Games is set to publish this game in partnership with board game publisher Cephalofair and Asmodee Digital. The announcement of the game was made during the Future Games Show in Spring 2025, where Arc Games unveiled the project to the world.

Trailer

The first glimpse of Frosthaven in action came with an announcement trailer – unveiled as part of the Future Games Show 2025 – and it certainly builds the hype. If you haven’t seen it yet, do watch the video embedded above!

Frosthaven Release Date, Platforms, and Editions

Frosthaven is set to launch on PC through Steam Early Access sometime in 2025. So far, there’s no any special editions are announced. The developers have not announced a specific release date yet – they’re likely taking the “ready when it’s ready” approach – but we do know a few things about the release plan.

As mentioned above, so far PC is the only confirmed platform for the Early Access launch​. The team has been clear that they want to involve the community in the final stages of development, so Early Access made perfect sense. According to an official announcement, this game is expected to spend around a year in Early Access before the full 1.0 release. During that period, the developers will roll out updates adding content and refining features based on player feedback.

Before Early Access begins, there’s a chance for dedicated fans to jump in even sooner. A Closed Beta playtest was announced, scheduled from March 27, 2025 through April 24, 2025​. This beta is by signup/invite (interested players could register via the official website), and it offers a first hands-on look at Frosthaven’s early build.

And to stay updated on any future announcements, you can follow the official social media account of the game here.

FAQs

1. What type of game is Frosthaven?

Frosthaven is a tactical RPG based on a popular board game. It has turn-based battles set in a dark fantasy world.

2. Can I play this game with my friends?

Yes, Frosthaven supports online multiplayer. You can play with 2 to 4 players.

3. Who is developing this game?

Snapshot Games is working on this game. They also made the game Phoenix Point.

4. Will Frosthaven release on consoles?

Right now, Frosthaven is only planned for PC (Steam Early Access). There’s no news yet about a console release.