The Crimson Scales
The fan-made Gloomhaven expansion goes digital on 30 September: free, standalone, in Early Access, with 50+ scenarios and 11 mercenaries.
What The Crimson Scales is
The Crimson Scales is the fan-made expansion for Gloomhaven by Boardgame613, which ran through several print runs as a physical board game. Now it comes to Steam as a digital, standalone game: you do not need Gloomhaven to play it.
50+
scenarios
11
mercenaries
$0
price
It uses Gloomhaven's tactical card combat. You lead a band of mercenaries through a campaign of more than 50 scenarios along a branching flowchart, with 11 characters to unlock and level up, a shop and party goals between missions.
It launches free to play and in Early Access, so expect it to change while it is being finished.
Pick it up if
- You like Gloomhaven's card-based tactics
- You want a big campaign for free
Maybe skip it if
- You want a finished, polished release
- You dislike slow, planning-heavy turns
It is one of the games in our weekly release video, releasing on Wednesday, 30 September. Every other dated game is on the release timeline.
The Crimson Scales screenshots
Screenshots via the game’s Steam store page · © Tall Tree. Facts checked against Steam on 28 September 2026.
The Crimson Scales FAQ
When does The Crimson Scales come out?
It enters Early Access on Steam on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Is The Crimson Scales free?
Yes. It launches free to play.
Do I need Gloomhaven to play The Crimson Scales?
No. It is a standalone game.
Who made The Crimson Scales?
The expansion was designed by Boardgame613; the digital version is by Tall Tree.