1. Introduction & Overview

Gloomhaven Secretariat (GHS) is a free, open-source companion app for the Gloomhaven family of board games. It acts as a digital replacement for most of the physical bookkeeping components, HP dials, condition tokens, modifier decks, element discs, initiative trackers, character sheets, campaign sheets, saving time and keeping your table cleaner and your attention on the game.

It runs entirely in your browser with no installation needed, and works on any modern device: desktop, tablet, or phone. It also supports installation with offline support: as a PWA on any platform, or as a dedicated standalone app on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.

What does GHS do?

During a scenario, GHS handles all the table bookkeeping so you can focus on playing. At its core it tracks initiative for every figure and keeps them sorted; manages HP and conditions for characters, monsters, summons, and objectives (including automatic condition effects and expiry); draws and manages monster ability cards with automatically calculated values, and attack modifier decks for both monsters and characters; and tracks elements, XP, gold, the loot deck, item states, and battle goals. GHS automates a large number of fiddly rules: monsters are set up automatically per room and section, scenario-specific rules are displayed and often applied without any manual input, and things like long rests, advantage/disadvantage draws, and condition interactions are handled for you.

Between scenarios, GHS doubles as a full campaign manager. It tracks character progression (level, gold, resources, items, perks, and masteries), maintains your party and campaign sheets, registers scenario unlocks, and provides a scenario flow chart and a global map. Item management covers unlocks, purchasing, and crafting. For Frosthaven players, the full Outpost is supported: calendar, resources, buildings, Town Guard deck, and Outpost Attacks.

Highlights for New Players

Once you know the rules and what needs tracking, you will immediately recognise how much of the tedious bookkeeping GHS takes off the table. HP dials, condition tokens, modifier decks, element discs, initiative trackers, character sheets, campaign sheets: all of that lives in the app. A full undo/redo history means mistakes are never permanent.

Progress is saved locally in your browser with no account required. You can export save files at any time, or connect to the free public server for real-time sync across multiple devices, so every player can follow along on their own phone or tablet.

Almost every feature can be toggled on or off in Settings, so you can start with what you need and layer in more as you go. GHS is free, open-source, actively maintained, and available in multiple languages.

Supported Editions

Select your edition on first launch or change it any time via the main menu:

• GH Gloomhaven
• FH Frosthaven
• GH2e Gloomhaven 2nd Edition
• JotL Jaws of the Lion
• FC Forgotten Circles
• BB Buttons & Bugs
• MP Mercenary Packs
• CS Crimson Scales (community)
• ToA Trail of Ashes (community)
• ...more community stuff under Data Management menu and Custom content (via Data URL)

Your Data

GHS saves your game state automatically in your browser, no account or installation required. Data is private to your device and browser profile.

To back up or share your game across devices, you have three options:

1. Export Game to File: save a snapshot any time from the Data Management menu.
2. Automatic Backups: configure GHS to download a backup file (or POST to a URL) at a configurable interval.
3. Server Connection: connect to a GHS Server to sync in real time across multiple clients.

2. Getting Started

First Launch & Choosing an Edition

On first open, GHS prompts you to select an edition. You can change the active edition later via the Campaign Management menu. Switching edition loads the correct scenario list, monster data, and campaign sheet for that game.

Campaign Mode vs. Free Play

Campaign Mode tracks scenario unlocks, prosperity, character retirements, and all campaign progress exactly as the board game rules require. Free Play lets you jump straight into any scenario without campaign rules, useful for one-shots or casual sessions.

Navigating the UI

• Header (top bar):
  • Left: Main Menu (☰) button — opens the menu for scenarios, campaign, settings, data management, and more. Server connection status icon appears beside it when a server is configured.
  • Centre: contextual items (each conditional on settings): Event Effects button, Party Sheet, Game Clock.
  • Right: Elements panel — six elements; click to advance their state (inert → strong → waning).
• Footer (bottom bar):
  • Left: Draw / Next Round button with the current round counter and in-game time (shown during a scenario). Loot Deck FH slides up from the bottom-left when active.
  • Centre: Entities Menu button (bulk-apply conditions, HP, events to multiple figures); current scenario name and number — tap to open the scenario dialog; Level panel (trap damage, gold conversion, XP bonus, hazardous terrain values); active Scenario Rules display.
  • Right: Attack modifier decks — Monster AM deck, Ally AM deck (when active), Character AM deck (only visible when the Character AM Deck active at bottom setting is on).

Undo & Redo

Every action in GHS is undoable. Use the Undo and Redo arrows in the main menu, or press Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y. Press ? at any time to display the full keyboard shortcut reference.

3. Before a Scenario

Adding & Removing Characters

Open Add Character from the main menu to add characters to the active party. Use the search filter to find a character by name. Use Remove Character to take characters out of the party.

Setting a Scenario

Open Set Scenario from the main menu. In Campaign Mode, only unlocked scenarios are selectable. A flow-chart button in the picker shows the scenario unlock tree. For custom scenarios, choose Custom and enter the details manually.

Adding Monsters Manually

Use Add Monster in the main menu to add any monster type to the current encounter without selecting a full scenario - useful for encounters built outside the scenario list.

Scenario Level & Difficulty

GHS automatically calculates the recommended scenario level as average party level ÷ 2, rounded up (e.g. a party averaging level 4.25 > scenario level 3). The level panel sits in the footer beside the scenario name and shows the derived values for trap damage, gold conversion, XP bonus, and hazardous terrain. Click it to open the level dialog where you can adjust the level (0-7), level adjustment, bonus adjustment, and toggle Solo mode.

• ≥ 5 players: a toggle visible in the level dialog only when 5 or more characters are present. Applies Isaac's 5-player rules: the scenario level used for monster stats and traps is raised by 2 (5 players) or more, while the bonus values (gold conversion, XP) are kept at the base level.
• Solo mode: for one player controlling multiple characters. GH increases scenario level by 1 (affecting monsters and traps) without changing gold conversion or bonus XP. FH adds 1 to the average character level before dividing by 2, which often results in a smaller increase. Enable in Settings.

Adding Sections

Some scenarios have branching sections revealed mid-game. Available sections are shown directly in the footer, tap one there to add it immediately. You can also open the scenario dialog (tap the scenario name in the footer) and click a section there, or use Main Menu > Add Section to pick from the same list.

4. Playing a Scenario

Choosing Initiative

Click the initiative icon next to the character portrait (or click the portrait) to open the initiative input, or type directly into the initiative number field beneath it. You can also drag the character portrait left or right to quickly set a fast or slow initiative value.

Starting the Round - Draw

Press the Draw button (bottom-left of the footer) to start the round. GHS draws one ability card for every active monster and sorts all figures by initiative. The round counter in the footer updates.

Turn Order & Active Highlight

The active figure is highlighted with a coloured glow (the exact colour depends on the selected theme). Click the figure or press Tab to advance to the next figure in initiative order.

Updating Monster Entities

Each standee appears as a numbered token in its monster row. Tap it to expand the entity panel:

• HP ±: tap + / - to apply damage or healing.
• Conditions: tap condition icons to apply or remove (Poison, Wound, Immobilize, etc.).
• Death: tap the skull icon to remove a defeated standee.
• Summon marker: in the entity menu, tap the summon icon to mark a standee as summoned.
• Max HP override: in the entity menu, use the + / - buttons next to the max HP value to adjust it. You can also press ↑ / ↓ while the entity menu is open.

Updating Characters

Tap a character's stat row to access quick controls:

• HP ±, Conditions, XP ±, Loot ±
• Exhaustion: click the exhaustion icon to exhaust or restore a character.
• Level: click the level icon to change a character's level mid-campaign.

Adding Character Summons

In the character panel, tap Add Summon. Choose a colour and number for the token, pick from the character's predefined summon list, or enter a custom name.

Absent Characters

Toggle a character's absent status via the absent icon on the Character Sheet or through the entity menu. Absent characters' names appear struck through and are skipped in turn order. Enable Hide Absent Figures in Settings to remove them from the board view entirely. In the scenario summary, absent characters receive no rewards by default, toggle as needed.

Elements

The elements panel in the header shows all six elements. Click an element icon to cycle it through its states. The exact cycle depends on the game phase - during play you can set elements to New, Strong, Waning, or Inert. Elements wane automatically when the Next Round button is pressed.

Ending a Round

Click Next Round (bottom-left) after all figures have acted. GHS wanes elements and resets the turn order. Then set character initiatives and press Draw to draw new ability cards and start the next round.

5. Attack Modifier Decks

Monster Deck

The monster attack modifier deck sits in the bottom-right corner. Tap the deck to draw a card. Tap any drawn card or the ⚙ icon to open the deck dialog where you can view the full remaining deck, shuffle, or edit its composition.

Character Decks

Each character has their own attack modifier deck accessed via the small AMC icon in their character area. Rolling modifier cards are chained automatically - GHS draws additional cards until a non-rolling card appears.

Blesses & Curses

In the deck dialog, tap + next to Bless or Curse to shuffle one in. When a Bless or Curse is drawn it is automatically removed; tap - to remove one without drawing.

Editing a Deck

Open the deck dialog by tapping any drawn card or the ⚙ icon on the monster or character AM deck to inspect and manipulate it. From here you can view all remaining cards, reorder them, remove specific cards, or manually shuffle the deck. Perks are selected on the Character Sheet (see Section 11); changes there rebuild the deck automatically.

6. Loot Deck FH

Frosthaven scenarios include a Loot Deck automatically configured for the chosen scenario. The deck appears in the bottom left area during play.

Drawing Cards

When a character loots a hex, tap the loot deck button to draw the top card and assign the resources or gold to the character. Cards are removed from the deck as drawn; the card count updates in real time.

Viewing & Editing the Deck

Tap the loot deck area to view all remaining cards. In the edit view you can:

• Adjust the loot table: how many of each card type are included in the deck.
• Apply card enhancements unlocked through the campaign (upgraded loot cards that grant extra resources).

7. Finishing a Scenario

Ending the Scenario

Click the scenario name in the footer (bottom-centre of the screen) to open the scenario dialog. Scroll to the bottom of the dialog and choose Success or Failure to finish the scenario.

Summary Screen

Choosing Success or Failure opens the scenario summary dialog. It shows a per-character table with everything earned during the scenario:

• Absent toggle: click the present/absent icon next to a character's name to include or exclude them from rewards.
• Loot: loot cards drawn (shown as drawn/total when a loot deck is active) or the raw loot gold value otherwise.
• Gold: total gold gained, combining loot, any per-character scenario gold reward, and collective gold distribution. The character's new running total is shown in brackets.
• Resources FH: a column per resource type looted.
• XP gained: experience earned by playing cards and ability effects during the scenario.
• XP bonus (on success): the flat bonus added to every non-absent character — see the callout below.
• Total XP: sum of all XP sources, with the character's new running total in brackets.
• Treasures: chests looted during the scenario.
• Item rewards: scenario items distributed via checkboxes — assign each item to one character.
• Battle goals: checkboxes to record 0, 1, or 2 checkmarks earned this session (requires Battle Goals setting).

Below the character table, the summary lists all campaign rewards unlocked by the scenario: scenarios/locations unlocked, global and party achievements gained or lost, campaign stickers FH, calendar sections FH, and any other rewards (prosperity, reputation, items, envelopes, etc.). Confirming applies everything to the campaign automatically.

8. Campaign Management

Campaign Sheet

Open the Campaign Sheet from the main menu. It tracks:

• Prosperity: auto-incremented when a character retires (+1 prosperity in GH, +2 in FH/GH2e) or when a scenario grants a prosperity reward. Note: JotL and FC have no retirement. Note: donating gold to the Sanctuary of the Great Oak adds 2 Bless cards to your attack modifier deck for the next scenario. In GH (with Envelope B unlocked), cumulative donations above 10 also contribute prosperity ticks. In GH2e, every 5 donations (up to 100) contribute an additional prosperity tick.
• Global achievements: toggle on or off as the campaign progresses.
• Unlocked items: items added to the shop when scenarios or events unlock them.
• Looted treasures: check off chests as they are found.
• Donations GH - track cumulative gold donated.

World Map & Global Stickers

In the Campaign Sheet, tap World Map to view the sticker map. FH Stickers are placed automatically when the corresponding event is concluded. If a sticker is missing, it can be added manually via the Add Conclusion input in the Campaign Sheet as a workaround.

Scenario Flow Chart

Tap the flow-chart button in the scenario picker or campaign menu to view an interactive diagram of all scenario unlock requirements and connections.

Campaign Mode Filters

In Campaign Mode the scenario list can be filtered to show only unfinished scenarios, making it easy to see what is still available to play.

9. Party Sheet & Events

Party Sheet

Open the Party Sheet by clicking the party name button in the top bar (or via the main menu). Enter your party's name, track reputation and location, and keep free-form notes. Reputation affects item shop prices.

Road Events GHFHJotL

Road Events are triggered before a scenario begins, during setup. By default GHS auto-prompts you to draw the event when the scenario is set up (configurable via the Events Draw setting). You can also draw events manually from the Party Sheet at any time.

City Events GHJotL

Gloomhaven and Jaws of the Lions uses City Events between scenarios. Draw and resolve them from the Party Sheet or the Event Effects Menu.

Outpost Events FH

Frosthaven uses Outpost Events during the Outpost Phase (between scenarios). Draw and resolve them from the Party Sheet or the Event Effects Menu. Outpost events can affect buildings, resources, and morale. In FH, road and outpost events are prefixed with summer or winter depending on the current calendar week.

10. Frosthaven Campaign Sheet FH

Resources

The resources panel shows all nine Frosthaven resource types. Tap + / - to update stock as resources are earned or spent:

• Materials (3): Lumber, Metal, Hide - used for crafting and building costs.
• Herbs (6): Arrowvine, Axenut, Corpsecap, Flamefruit, Rockroot, Snowthistle - used for crafting and certain buildings.

Buildings

Each building is listed with its current level and damage state. Click a building name to cycle its damage state (normal > damaged > wrecked). double-click to cycle from wrecked back to normal. To upgrade, repair, or rebuild:

• Normal upgrade: click the upgrade / repair / rebuild icon and confirm; resources are deducted automatically.
• Skip resource cost: double-click (or long-press on mobile) the icon to apply the change without spending resources.

Calendar & Weekly Sections

The campaign calendar shows all weeks of the Frosthaven campaign. double-click any week to open a menu where you can add or edit the sections (outpost events, building upgrades, etc.) scheduled for that week.

Town Guard Deck

The Town Guard Deck is primarily used during the Outpost Phase. Access it from the FH Campaign Sheet to draw cards and resolve outpost attacks. It can also be triggered during scenarios when event cards contain outpost attack effects.

Morale

Track the current morale value by clicking the morale track on the campaign sheet. Morale modifies your party's defense during outpost attacks.

FH 2nd Edition

If you own the revised printing, enable the FH Second Edition toggle in the Campaign menu to use the corrected data, revised scenarios, and updated monster stats.

11. Characters - Deep Dive

Character Sheet Overview

Tap a character's portrait (the class icon) to open the full Character Sheet. It shows the character's name, class, current level, total XP, gold, and a free-text notes field.

Items

From the Character Sheet, tap Items to view equipped and carried items. To add one:

• Buy with gold: select the item from the shop list; the gold cost is deducted automatically.
• Direct add: add the item without a gold cost (e.g., a scenario reward).

Tap an item during a scenario to toggle its used / refreshed state.

Perks

The Perks tab shows the full perk list for the character's class. GHS calculates how many perk marks are available automatically from:

• Level ups: 1 perk per level gained above level 1 (so a level 5 character has 4 level-based perks).
• Battle goal checkmarks: every 3 checkmarks earns 1 extra perk mark (max 6 from this source).
• Previous Retirements: each character this player has previously retired grants 1 extra perk mark.
• FH Masteries: each class mastery achieved during a scenario grants 1 extra perk mark.

Perks cannot be changed while a scenario is in progress because modifying them rebuilds and shuffles the character's attack modifier deck. To override a locked perk anyway, double-click (or long-press on mobile) the checkbox. A warning is shown if the number of ticked perks exceeds the available marks.

Battle Goals

Enable Battle Goals in Settings (on by default). From the Character Sheet tap Battle Goals to set up this session's cards. GHS deals 2 cards per character in GH/JotL (pick 1, discard the other) or 3 cards in FH/GH2e (pick 1, discard 2). After a scenario, record the number of checkmarks earned (0, 1, or 2). Every 3 checkmarks earns a perk mark (max 6 extra perk marks from battle goals).

Personal Quest

Use the Personal Quest section on the Character Sheet to select a quest card and track progress. Each quest shows its requirements with checkable counters that you fill in as conditions are met. When all requirements are complete the character is ready to retire.

Retiring a Character

When a character completes their personal quest, open the Character Sheet and tap Retire. Retirement automatically:

• Adds +1 Prosperity (GH) or +2 Prosperity (FH/GH2e) to the campaign.
• Adds the character's items to the shared item pool.
• Lists the character on the campaign sheet under Retired Characters.

Previous Retirements (Extra Perks)

The Previous Retirements field on the Character Sheet records how many characters this player has retired before. Each prior retirement grants 1 extra perk checkmark for the current character, tracked automatically in the perk count.

12. Character Special Actions

Some characters have unique ongoing mechanics beyond standard HP and conditions. When such a character is active, a tag strip (small icons or toggles) appears above or near their character area.

Using Special Actions

• Activate / toggle: tap the action icon to turn it on or off.
• Persistent actions remain active across rounds until manually toggled off.
• Expire-on-round-end actions clear automatically when Next Round is pressed.
• Reset: some actions offer a manual reset button when needed.

Examples by Character

13. Items & Shop

Campaign Item List

Open Campaign > Items from the main menu to see all items currently available in the shop. Only items unlocked through scenario rewards, prosperity level, or the starting item pool are listed.

Purchasing Items

Add items to a character from their Character Sheet > Items tab:

• With gold deduction: select the item from the shop; the gold cost is subtracted from the character's gold automatically.
• Without gold deduction: use the direct-add option to grant an item (e.g., a scenario reward) without spending gold.

Craftable Items FH

In Frosthaven, items can be crafted at the Craftsman building. Craftable items show a resource cost; selecting one deducts the required resources from the supply automatically.

Brewing FH

The Brew Grid tracks discovered potion recipes from the Alchemist's Formulary (Building 26). Once unlocked, open it from the Campaign Sheet. Each cell in the grid represents a recipe; click a cell to mark it as discovered. When a character crafts a brew, the herb cost is deducted from the supply automatically, the same as other craftable items.

Item Slots & Equip Limits

GHS tracks six item slot types per the rules. Each character can equip:

• Head: 1 item maximum.
• Body: 1 item maximum.
• Legs: 1 item maximum.
• One Hand: up to 2 one-handed items, OR 1 two-handed item (which uses both hand slots).
• Two Hands: 1 item maximum (counts as both hand slots).
• Small Item: number equal to half the character's level, rounded up (a level 1 character may equip 1 small item, level 5 > 3, etc.).

14. Monsters - Deep Dive

Stat Cards & Spawning Standees

Each monster type shows a stat card with its current level stats (move, attack, range, HP). To add standees to the encounter, use the coloured + buttons on the stat card:

• White +: add a normal standee.
• Yellow +: add an elite standee.
• Red +: add a boss standee (boss monsters only).

Changing Monster Level

Click the level number displayed on a monster's stat card to manually override the level for that monster type. This does not affect other monster types in the scenario.

Ability Cards & Boss Cards

When you press Draw, GHS automatically draws one ability card per active monster group and displays the initiative and abilities for that round. Boss monsters use their own separate boss ability card deck. Tap any ability card to read the full card text.

Random Monster Cards

Access the Random Monster tool from the Tools section of the main menu. It draws from the random monster card deck used in certain scenarios to determine which monster types appear.

15. Server Connection (Multiplayer)

A GHS Server lets multiple devices share the same game state in real time. Each client connects to the server and every change - HP, conditions, turn order, loot - is synced instantly to all connected players.

Public Server

A public GHS Server instance is available at:

• Host: gloomhaven-secretariat.de
• Port: 8443
• Secure: on (WSS)

Connecting

1. Open Main Menu > Server Connection.
2. Enter the host and port, and toggle Secure on or off.
3. Enter or generate a Game Code (UUID). All players must use the same code to join the same session.
4. Tap Connect. GHS syncs automatically once connected.

Permissions

The game code that first creates a session has no restrictions - it acts as the admin code with full permissions. From the admin client's server settings panel, you can create additional game codes with restricted permissions (e.g., read-only, or permission to edit only specific figures such as characters, monsters, scenario, elements, loot deck, round, level, attack modifiers, or party). Each player connects with the game code matching their permission level.

Self-Hosting

To run your own server, see the GHS Server GitHub repository for instructions.

16. Data Management

Export & Import

From Main Menu > Data Management:

• Export Game to File: saves your complete game state as a JSON file to your device. Do this regularly as a manual backup.
• Import Game from File: loads a previously exported JSON file and restores the full game state.

Automatic Backups

Enable Automatic Backups to have GHS save your state periodically:

• File download: GHS downloads a backup file to your device every N actions (configurable; disabled by default).
• After finishing scenario: optionally trigger a backup whenever a scenario is completed.
• Upload to URL: supply an endpoint URL; GHS will POST the backup JSON there at the same frequency.

Edition Data URLs

To load custom content (homebrew monsters, scenarios, or characters), add a Data URL in the Data Management menu. GHS fetches the JSON from that URL and merges it with the built-in content. The JSON schema is documented in the GHS GitHub repository.

Envelope X & Envelope V

17. Settings Reference

Opening Settings

Go to Main Menu > Settings. Settings are organized into tabs across the top. A search bar lets you filter settings by name across all tabs. Hover the ⓘ icon next to any toggle for a short description. Settings marked synced are shared with all clients when connected to a server.

Gameplay

Controls which game systems are active.

• Party Sheet: enable party-level tracking. [default: on]
• Character Sheet: show the full character sheet button. [default: on]
• Scenario Rooms: enable room/section management. [default: on]
• Room Treasures: track room treasures (requires Scenario Rooms). [default: on]
• Scenario Rules: display scenario-specific rules. [default: on]
• Auto-apply Scenario Rules: automatically apply scenario rules (requires Scenario Rules). [default: off]
• Battle Goals: enable the battle goals sub-system. [default: off]
• Event Cards: enable road, city, and outpost event drawing (requires Party Sheet). [default: off]
• AM Deck with Advantage/Disadvantage: track advantage/disadvantage on attack modifier draws. [default: on]
• Monster AM Deck: show the monster attack modifier deck. [default: on]
• Character AM Deck: show per-character attack modifier decks (requires Character Sheet). [default: on]
• Ally AM Deck: separate deck for ally/summoned figures. [default: on]
• Monsters: enable monster tracking. [default: on]
• Character Summons: enable summon management. [default: on]
• Character Items: enable per-character item tracking. [default: off]
• Loot Deck: enable the loot deck. [default: on]

Automation

Controls what GHS does automatically.

• Apply Scenario Rewards: automatically apply scenario completion rewards. [default: on]
• Draw Random Item Rewards: auto-draw a random item reward. [default: on]
• Draw Random Scenario Rewards: auto-draw a random scenario reward. [default: on]
• Apply Treasure Rewards: auto-apply treasure loot (requires Scenario Rooms + Treasures). [default: on]
• Apply Long Rest: automatically apply healing and card recovery on long rest. [default: on]
• Automatic Character Unlock: auto-unlock characters when conditions are met. [default: on]
• Apply Events Automatically: auto-apply events (requires Event Cards + Party Sheet). [default: on]
• Auto Draw Events: auto-draw events each round (requires Event Cards + Party Sheet). [default: on]
• Auto Start First Figure: skip the initiative-set step and auto-activate the first figure. [default: on]
• Auto End Round: automatically end the round when the last acting figure's turn ends. [default: off]

Conditions & Elements (sub-section)

• Auto Expire Conditions: expire conditions at the correct time automatically. [default: on]
• Auto Apply Conditions: apply conditions (wound, regenerate, etc.) at turn start/end; individual conditions can be excluded. [default: on]
• Auto Update Element State: wane/consume elements automatically each round. [default: on]
• Confirm Applicable Conditions: prompt before applying each condition; sub-lists let you exclude or fully automate specific conditions. [default: on]

Character

Character-specific behaviour and display.

• Initiative Required: require initiative entry before starting a round. [default: on]
• Hide Absent Figures: remove absent characters from the figure list. [default: off]
• Shield & Retaliate: show shield/retaliate on character boards. [default: off]
• Apply Retirement Bonuses: auto-apply retirement rewards (requires Character Sheet). [default: on]
• Apply Item Actions: automatically apply item effects (requires Character Items). [default: on]
• Active Summons: require manual activation of summons. [default: on]
• Passive Summons: enable passive summon tracking. [default: on]
• Scenario Statistics: track per-scenario stats. [default: off]
• Sort by Player #: sort characters by player number instead of initiative. [default: off]
• Display Hand Size & Level: show hand-size and level info on character boards. [default: off]
• Display Traits: show character traits. [default: off]
• Character Forms: enable multi-form character support. [default: on]
• Form Hint: show a hint for character form abilities (requires Character Forms). [default: on]
• Battle Goals Reminder: reminder to check battle goals (requires Battle Goals). [default: on]
• Always Show Battle Goals: persistent battle goals display (requires Battle Goals). [default: off]
• Share Character Items House Rule: allow sharing items between characters. [default: off]

Monsters

Monster display and standee options.

• Ability Cards: show monster ability cards. [default: on]
• Show Calculated Stats: resolve stat expressions on ability cards (requires Ability Cards). [default: on]
• Add Stats Values to Abilities: merge stat values into ability text (requires Ability Cards). [default: on]
• Add Shield & Retaliate to Abilities: include shield/retaliate values in ability text (requires Ability Cards). [default: on]
• Add Advantage to Abilities: include advantage indicator in ability text (requires Ability Cards). [default: on]
• Reveal Abilities Directly: skip the card-flip animation (requires Ability Cards). [default: on]
• Show Initiative Range: show the range of upcoming initiative on the ability deck before the round starts (requires Ability Cards). [default: off]
• Interactive Abilities: allow clicking ability text to apply effects (requires Ability Cards). [default: on]
• Combine Interactive Abilities: merge interactive ability actions (requires Interactive Abilities). [default: on]
• Show Ability Numbers: display card numbers (requires Ability Cards). [default: on]
• Show Expanded Ability Card: larger ability card display (requires Ability Cards). [default: off]
• Show Full Ability Card: show the complete ability card (requires Ability Cards). [default: off]
• Stat Cards: show monster stat cards. [default: on]
• Show Expanded Stat Cards: larger stat card display (requires Stat Cards). [default: off]
• Hide Stats: hide stat values on stat cards (requires Stat Cards). [default: off]
• Remove Unused Monsters: auto-remove monsters no longer present. [default: off]
• Add for All Rooms/Sections: pre-add monsters for every room. [default: off]

Standees (sub-section)

• Standees: enable standee tracking. [default: on]
• Elite First: sort elite standees before normals (requires Standees). [default: on]
• Shield & Retaliate: show shield/retaliate values on the standee list (requires Standees). [default: off]
• Shield & Retaliate on Standee: show shield/retaliate on individual standee tokens (requires Standees). [default: off]
• Random Standees: assign standee numbers randomly (requires Standees). [default: off]
• Automatic Standees: auto-spawn standees when a room is loaded (requires Standees + Scenario Rooms). [default: on]
• Automatic Standees Dialogs: show a dialog when auto-spawning standees (requires Automatic Standees). [default: off]
• Active Standees: require manual activation of each standee (requires Standees). [default: on]

Game Rules

Edition-specific rules and house rules. Many settings auto-enable when the matching edition is active.

Frosthaven Rules FH

• Apply Loot to Character: auto-assign loot to characters. [default: on]
• Draw Random Item on Loot: auto-draw a random item when looting (requires Apply Loot to Character). [default: on]
• Always Show Loot Apply Dialog: always show the loot dialog even when auto-applying (requires Apply Loot to Character). [default: off]
• Auto Pass Calendar Time: automatically advance the calendar. [default: on]
• Apply Building Bonuses: auto-apply building rewards. [default: on]
• Unlock Envelope Buildings: unlock buildings from sealed envelopes. [default: on]
• Challenges: enable FH challenge cards (shown only when available). [default: off]
• Apply Challenges: automatically apply challenges (requires Challenges). [default: on]
• Trials: enable FH trial cards (shown only when available). [default: off]
• Apply Trials: automatically apply trials (requires Trials). [default: on]
• Pets: enable FH pet support (shown only when available). [default: on]
• Always use Loot Deck: force loot deck in non-FH editions. [default: off]
• Always draw 3 Battle Goals: force 3-card battle goal draw. [default: off]
• Always Attack Modifier Deck for Allies: force ally AM deck in non-FH editions. [default: off]
• Always Hazardous Terrain: force hazardous terrain rules. [default: off]
• Always FH Solo Rules: force FH solo scenario rules. [default: off]
• Always FH Advantage/Disadvantage Rules: force FH adv/disadv handling. [default: off]
• Add Gloomhaven Items: include GH items in FH campaigns. [default: off]
• Advantage/Disadvantage Rolling House Rule: alternate rolling modifier handling. [default: off]
• Share Resources House Rule: allow resource sharing between characters. [default: off]

Gloomhaven 2nd Edition GH2e

• Monster Imbuements: enable the GH2e imbuement mechanic (shown only when available). [default: on]
• Always Monster Imbuements: force imbuements in other editions. [default: off]
• Keep Monster Imbuements: retain imbuement state between rounds. [default: off]

Buttons & Bugs BB

• Character Limit: enforce the single-character limit. [default: on]
• Roll Dice for AM: use dice rolls instead of an attack modifier deck. [default: on]
• Limit Monster Standees: enforce BB standee limits. [default: on]

Display

Visual appearance and layout controls.

Theme

• Theme: choose GH (default), FH, Modern, or BB visual style. [default: GH]
• Automatic Theme: auto-select the theme matching the active edition. [default: on]
• Frosthaven Style: apply FH styling tweaks independent of theme. [default: off]
• Artwork: toggle card and character artwork. [default: on]

Animations

• Animations: master toggle for all animations. [default: on]
• Stat Animation: animate stat changes. [default: off]
• Animate Character AM Draw: flip animation for character attack modifier draws. [default: on]
• Animation Speed: slider from 0.3× to 2×. (default: 1×)

Layout & Zoom

• Fullscreen: expand GHS to fill the screen. [default: off]
• Zoom: zoom in/out/reset buttons. (default: 100%)
• Gesture Zooming (Pinch): enable pinch-to-zoom on touch devices. [default: on]
• Column Layout: arrange figures in columns. [default: on]
• Use All Available Columns: force all columns to be filled (requires Column Layout). [default: off]
• Autoscroll: scroll to the active figure. [default: on]
• Wake Lock: prevent screen sleep (if browser supports it). [default: on]
• Portrait-Mode Optimization: optimize layout for portrait orientation. [default: on]
• Bar Size: slider to scale HP/XP bars. (default: 1×)
• Ability Font Size: slider to scale ability card text. (default: 1×)

Interface

Fine-tune how character boards, menus, and prompts behave.

• Character AM Deck above Monster Deck: reposition the character deck. [default: off]
• Permanent Character AM Deck: always show the character deck (not just when active). [default: off]
• Auto Active AM Deck: auto-switch to the active character's deck. [default: off]
• Permanent Character Items: always show items. [default: off]
• Auto Active Items: auto-switch to the active character's items (requires Permanent Character Items). [default: off]
• Auto Fullscreen AM Deck: go fullscreen when drawing (requires Portrait Mode). [default: on]
• Damage instead of HP: show damage dealt rather than remaining HP. [default: off]
• Toggle Damage/HP on Board: allow toggling between damage and HP view on the character board (requires Damage instead of HP). [default: on]
• All Figures & Standees Menu: show a consolidated entity menu. [default: on]
• Compact Character Sheets: smaller character sheet layout. [default: off]
• Character Full View: expanded character board display. [default: off]
• Compact Character Boards: smaller character boards (disabled in Modern theme). [default: off]
• Hide Character HP: hide the HP row on character boards. [default: off]
• Hide Character Loot: hide the loot row on character boards. [default: off]
• Hide Character XP: hide the XP row on character boards. [default: off]
• Display Player Number: show player numbers on boards. [default: off]

Hints

• Round/Turn Confirmation: prompt before ending rounds or turns. [default: on]
• Initiative Set Dialog: show a dialog to confirm starting the next round once all initiatives are set (requires Initiative Required). [default: off]
• Draw Events Reminder: remind to draw events. [default: off]
• Show Errata Hints: display errata markers. [default: off]
• Main Menu Hints: show hints in the main menu. [default: on]
• Backup Hint: show the backup reminder. [default: on]
• Tooltips: show contextual tooltips on hover. [default: on]

Game Clock

• Game Clock: display a play-time timer. [default: off]
• Automatic Game Clock: start/stop the clock automatically. [default: on]
• Merge Game Clocks: merge server and local game clocks into one total. [default: on]
• Auto Game Clock on Focus: resume the clock when the app regains focus. [default: off]

Language

• Language: choose from: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional). [default: English]

Preferences

Input and control behaviour.

• Max Undos: set the maximum number of undo steps (0–50 without IndexedDB, up to unlimited with it). [default: 100]
• Long Press for Double-Click: use long-press instead of double-tap on touch devices. [default: on]
• Drag & Drop Figures: reorder figures by dragging. [default: on]
• Drag Values: adjust values by dragging. [default: on]
• Drag HP: drag to adjust hit points (requires Drag Values). [default: on]
• Drag Initiative: drag to adjust initiative (requires Drag Values). [default: on]
• Drag Loot: drag to adjust loot (requires Drag Values). [default: on]
• Drag XP: drag to adjust experience (requires Drag Values). [default: on]

Presets

• Apply Default Helper Settings: reset to recommended helper defaults.
• Apply X-haven Assistant Settings: match X-haven Assistant behaviour.
• Debug Settings: open advanced debug tools.

18. Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are enabled by default (toggle in Settings). Press ? at any time to display the reference in-app. When shortcuts are active, these keys work globally:

When a figure / standee menu is open, global shortcuts are suspended and these apply instead:

19. Edition-Specific Notes

Gloomhaven GH

• Tracks global and personal achievements on the campaign sheet.
• Tracks the Sanctuary donation track. Donations add 2 Bless cards per scenario; with Envelope B unlocked, cumulative donations also contribute prosperity ticks.
• Envelope X - Spoiler

  Unlock via Data Management, then type the secret phrase in Add Character search.

Frosthaven FH

• Full Outpost Phase support: buildings, resources, morale, Town Guard Deck, and calendar.
• Enable Second Edition in Settings if you own the revised printing.
• Loot Deck, craftable items, and outpost events are FH-exclusive features.
• Crossover content: GH/JotL characters can be used in FH campaigns via the FH-crossover data pack.
• Additional FH sub-features: Challenges, Trials, Garden, Pets, Brew Grid (each toggleable in Settings).

Jaws of the Lion JotL

• Scenarios start with a linear tutorial sequence (1-6), then branch into multiple paths.
• No personal quests or retirement mechanic - the Retire button is hidden for JotL.
• JotL does include city events.

Forgotten Circles FC

• Includes the Diviner class with unique ongoing ability mechanics.
• Solo scenario overlays are supported.

Gloomhaven 2nd Edition GH2e

• Supports the Imbuement mechanic (trackable via Settings).
• Donation track contributes prosperity ticks (every 5 donations up to 100).
• Additional character special actions: Lightning Bolt (Long Rest Heal), Three Spears (Supply Tokens), Triangles (Element Waning).

Crimson Scales & Trail of Ashes CSToA

• Community editions with full GHS support.
• CS Donations add random Oak Deck modifiers instead of Bless cards.
• Envelope V (Trail of Ashes) - Spoiler

  Unlock via Data Management, then type the secret phrase in Add Character search.

Buttons & Bugs BB

• Standalone mini-game with its own scenario list and simplified rules.
• Select Buttons & Bugs from the edition picker on first launch or via the main menu.

Solo Play All

"Solo mode" refers to one player controlling multiple characters alone - it is not tied to solo scenarios. Enable Solo Level in Settings to apply the official difficulty adjustment for solo play.

• Solo scenarios for individual characters are separate content listed in the scenario picker under the relevant edition.

Custom Content

• Add a Data URL in Data Management to load homebrew monsters, scenarios, or characters.
• The JSON data format / schema is documented in the GHS GitHub repository.

F.A.Q.