Buttons & Bugs Flames of Ashtar: Expansion Guide

Quick Answer

Buttons & Bugs: Flames of Ashtar is a mini-expansion that adds a lead-up campaign to the Pub Crawlers storyline. This guide walks you through setup, gameplay, and how to integrate the bonus story into your existing Buttons & Bugs sessions.

How to Set Up and Play Buttons & Bugs: Flames of Ashtar

1. 1. Verify Your Base Game: Confirm you have Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs fully assembled. Flames of Ashtar uses the same components and does not include its own character boards or enemy decks. If you are missing any base game pieces, replace them before starting the mini-campaign. Common mistake: assuming Flames of Ashtar is standalone. It is not — you must own the base game.
2. 2. Read the Story Introduction: Open the Flames of Ashtar rule sheet or story booklet (included in the expansion packaging). Read the opening narrative aloud or to yourself. This sets up the context for the first scenario and explains why your character is pursuing this new quest. Checkpoint: the story text references events from the base game. If you have not finished the base campaign, consider completing it first to avoid spoilers.
3. 3. Set Up the First Scenario: Follow the scenario setup instructions in the Flames of Ashtar booklet. Place the required enemy standees, obstacle tokens, and any special tiles as indicated. Use the same enemy ability decks from the base game — no new cards are included. Common mistake: mixing up enemy types from the base game. Double-check the scenario card for exact enemy spawns.
4. 4. Play Through the Mini-Campaign in Order: Complete each scenario before moving to the next. The mini-campaign is designed to be played sequentially, with each scenario unlocking the next. Record your progress on the campaign tracker if one is provided in the booklet. Checkpoint: if you lose a scenario, the rules may allow a retry. Check the booklet for any special defeat conditions — some scenarios have alternate win conditions.
5. 5. Connect to Buttons & Bugs: Pub Crawlers: After finishing the Flames of Ashtar mini-campaign, your character's story leads directly into the Pub Crawlers expansion. Keep your character's progress and items if the rules allow transfer. This ensures a seamless narrative experience. Common mistake: resetting your character between expansions. Flames of Ashtar is meant to be a bridge, so carry over what you can.

Product Details

• Buttons & Bugs: Flames of Ashtar: Contains the bonus story between Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs and Buttons & Bugs: Pub Crawlers. This mini-expansion fills a narrative gap, so playing it first makes the Pub Crawlers story feel more connected and rewarding.