Head to head
City of the Great Machine vs Gloomhaven
Which one is for you? Community verdicts, player-count fit, and taste contrasts, side by side.
Pick City of the Great Machine if you want…
- Short-horizon optimization and clever combos
- Two teams pulling against each other
- Shorter sessions (about 90 min vs 115)
Pick Gloomhaven if you want…
- Dramatic moments that feel like a movie
- A story you build over the course of play
- A longer, meatier session (about 115 min)
Quick facts
| City of the Great Machine | Gloomhaven | |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 1–4 | 1–4 |
| Play time | 60–90 min | 90–115 min |
| Complexity | Medium-Heavy | — |
| Age | 14+ | 12+ |
| Year | 2023 | — |
Common questions
Which plays faster, City of the Great Machine or Gloomhaven?
City of the Great Machine runs up to about 90 minutes; Gloomhaven up to about 115. For a weeknight slot, City of the Great Machine is the quicker table.