What the 2024 Promo Scenario Pack Adds
The Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack is a set of four promotional Scenario Cards released by Cephalofair in 2024. It doesn't add new characters, items, or rules—just four extra scenarios designed by Nikki Valens, with artwork by Mofei Wang and Yannis Cardin, that you can insert into your existing Buttons & Bugs campaign.
Because these are promo scenarios, they aren't part of the core campaign progression. That means you can play them whenever you like—before, during, or after your main run—as long as you meet the prerequisite listed on the card.
The four promo scenarios at a glance
- Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack: Scenario 2.5 – Narrow Escape (GENCON) A low-numbered scenario you can slot in early if you're playing through the campaign in order.
Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack - Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack: Scenario 5.5 – Arena Challenge (Origins) Fits naturally between scenarios 5 and 6 for players following the campaign sequence.
- Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack: Scenario 12.5 – The Beast Tamer (SPIEL) A mid-campaign option for groups or solo players who want a detour later in the run.
- Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack: Scenario 20.5 – Another Tale (PAX:U) A late-campaign scenario for players who have already completed most of the core content.
What You Need Before You Start
The most important requirement is printed right on the pack: it requires Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs to play. These are not standalone scenarios—you'll need the base game's components, rules, and character to use them.
You'll also want to have your Buttons & Bugs campaign set up as usual, with your character, scenario deck, and any relevant progress tracked. Since the promo scenarios are numbered with decimals (2.5, 5.5, etc.), they're designed to slot in between the core scenarios with those whole numbers. You don't need to finish the entire campaign first, but you should be comfortable with the base game's flow before adding these.
How to Set Up and Play a Promo Scenario
The pack doesn't include separate setup instructions—each Scenario Card contains its own scenario-specific rules and objectives. Use the standard Buttons & Bugs setup as your foundation, then follow the card.
- 1. Choose your scenario: Pick one of the four cards based on where you are in the campaign or what you feel like playing. If you're following the campaign order, use the decimal number as a guide for when to insert it.
- 2. Set up the base game: Follow the normal setup for Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs—choose your character, prepare the scenario deck, and gather the components you'll need.
- 3. Read the Scenario Card carefully: Each card lists its own objectives, special rules, and any setup modifications. Since these are promo scenarios, some may introduce unique twists or conditions not found in the core campaign.
- 4. Play through the scenario: Run the scenario using the standard Buttons & Bugs rules, applying any special rules from the card. Treat it like any other scenario in terms of turn order, actions, and victory conditions unless the card says otherwise.
- 5. Record your progress: If you're playing as part of a campaign, note whether you completed the scenario and any rewards or consequences. The pack doesn't specify campaign integration rules, so decide with your group (or for yourself) how you want to handle rewards and progression.
Where These Scenarios Fit in Your Campaign
The decimal numbering is your best guide. Scenario 2.5 fits after scenario 2, 5.5 after scenario 5, and so on. But because these are promotional extras, you're not locked into that order—you can play them whenever you have access to the base game and want a change of pace.
If you're playing solo, the promo scenarios work the same way as any other Buttons & Bugs scenario. There's no separate solo mode required; the base game is already designed for solo play, and these cards simply add more content to that experience.
What's in the pack
- Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack: Contains 4 promotional Scenario Cards released by Cephalofair in 2024. You get exactly four scenarios—no extra components or rulebooks.
- Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack: Designed by Nikki Valens; artwork by Mofei Wang & Yannis Cardin. The scenarios are official Cephalofair content, designed and illustrated by credited creators.
- Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs 2024 Promo Scenario Pack: Requires Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs to play. This is not a standalone product—you must own the base game to use these cards.
A Note on Compatibility and Expectations
The pack is designed specifically for Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs. It does not include rules for using these scenarios with other Gloomhaven titles, and the supplied information doesn't confirm any cross-compatibility. If you're looking for content for Frosthaven or the original Gloomhaven, this pack isn't intended for those games.
Also keep in mind that the pack contains only the four Scenario Cards. It doesn't include new characters, items, or campaign sheets. Think of it as a small expansion for players who already enjoy Buttons & Bugs and want a few more official scenarios to tackle.
