Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs is a solo play game with an original campaign story by Isaac Childres. It offers a playstyle akin to Gloomhaven but in a much smaller scale. Set after the events of Gloomhaven and Forgotten Circles, it features the Aesther recluse Hail, who has become instrumental in saving the city from repeated disasters, much to her dismay. Her abode, the Crooked Bone, is constantly invaded by aspiring heroes seeking fame and demons seeking revenge. To avoid moving, Hail enchants her front door to miniaturize any intruder, thus neutralizing the nuisance. Players assume the role of such an overeager hero. After shrinking to the size of a mouse upon trying to meet Hail, they find themselves in a new world of chaos and survival. The objective is to gain entry to the Crooked Bone and persuade Hail to restore their original size. Scenarios are condensed into single cards, where one mercenary faces several foes with streamlined actions and AI. Mercenaries manage just four double-sided cards, which can be used on both sides before being discarded. Combat is determined by rolling dice and applying results from a modifier table, with opportunities to enhance both the table and mercenary abilities as the campaign progresses.
