Gloomhaven Forgotten Circles: How to Integrate With the Base Game
By Cephalofair - Epic Strategy Awaits | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to add Gloomhaven Forgotten Circles to your base game: when to start, how to set up, and what to watch out for.
Quick answer
Integrate Gloomhaven Forgotten Circles after finishing the main campaign, using the same party and characters. Set up the expansion scenarios in order, and keep the Diviner character ready for the new missions.
When to start Forgotten Circles
Forgotten Circles is designed to be played after the events of the original Gloomhaven campaign. You should have completed the main storyline and unlocked the final scenario before starting. This ensures your characters are high enough level and the narrative makes sense.
If you haven't finished the base campaign, you can still play the expansion scenarios, but you'll need to adjust difficulty and may spoil the main story. Most players recommend finishing the base game first.
Setting up the expansion
The expansion includes a scenario book that presents twenty new scenarios. Unlike the base game, these are not placed on the map; instead, you play them in a specific order. You'll need the base game components (tiles, monsters, and tokens) to run the scenarios.
The new character class, the Aesther Diviner, is introduced in this expansion. You can add her to your party at the start of the expansion, even if you've already retired characters. The Diviner has unique mechanics that are central to the expansion's puzzles.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is starting the expansion with a fresh party. The scenarios are balanced for higher-level characters, so you'll need to adjust difficulty if you start early.
Another mistake is not reading the scenario book carefully. The expansion introduces new rules and special objectives that differ from the base game. Take time to understand the Diviner's abilities and the new scenario types.
Step-by-step integration
- Finish the base campaign: Complete the main Gloomhaven storyline and unlock the final scenario. This ensures your characters are high enough level and the story flows naturally. Don't start early; you'll miss story context and face difficulty spikes.
- Set up the expansion: Open the Forgotten Circles box, read the new rules, and place the scenario book and Diviner character sheet nearby. You'll need base game components for tiles and monsters. Keep the base game handy; the expansion doesn't include all components.
- Add the Diviner to your party: Introduce the Aesther Diviner as a new character. She has unique abilities that are essential for the expansion's puzzles. Use the Diviner from the start; she's designed for these scenarios.
- Play scenarios in order: Follow the scenario book's sequence. Unlike the base game, scenarios are not map-based; they unlock linearly. Don't skip ahead; the story and difficulty are designed to progress.
- Adjust difficulty if needed: If your party is lower level, use the recommended difficulty adjustments in the rules. The expansion assumes a certain level of experience. Check the scenario book for level guidance to keep the challenge fair.
Products that help
- Gloomhaven Forgotten Circles (3rd Printing): Gloomhaven Forgotten Circles (3rd Printing) is the first expansion for Gloomhaven 1st Edition, featuring twenty new scenarios and a new character class, the Aesther Diviner. This is the essential expansion you'll be integrating. The third printing ensures you have the latest components and rules.
- Gloomhaven ConQuests (2025): Gloomhaven ConQuests (2025) includes four new Personal Quests designed for use with Gloomhaven and Frosthaven. If you're starting a new campaign or want fresh objectives for your existing party, these quests add variety and can be used alongside Forgotten Circles.
