Starting party for a solo beginner?

[T'Ken]

I see both 2 and 3 party size mentioned. Which is best for someone starting the game? And which classes would be easiest (or maybe which classes should a new player avoid)?

[ecla]

Some quick notes (there are extensive write ups at BoardGameGeek and reddit /Gloomhaven on these topics):
1) IMO it is far more important to focus on good gameplay than worry about this class or that class: movement pacing, door opening, when to use loss cards and how many, and how to manage health by avoiding attacks and burning cards to reduce damage at the 'correct' time.
2) Of course, some classes are subjectively 'easier' to play, for example, looking at the Brute deck, things seem straightforward .... whoah the Mindthief cards have lots more writing. I would say for an absolute beginner, Scoundrel is easiest and Mindthief hardest. Play some Guildmaster as a way to learn the classes first as well as the game GUI.
3) Party size makes for a faster game, as there are less turns overall, however I don't think it makes for an easier game for a beginner. In fact, with less friendly moves between enemies, it can amplify mistakes and expose the weaknesses of some classes in a hurry.

Happy glooming :)

[Valmar]

I recommend brute-scoundrel-spellweaver, being the last one a little harder to manage, but it gives rage damage to the party, while the others are some kind of melee "tank" + damage dealer.

Tinkerer is support, but subpar/bad, more if you are new. Cragheart is amazing but complicated for a nerw player. And Mindthief imho is an upgrade version of scoundrel, but harder to understand her combos and flexibility for a newcomer. I love her, but I think for a starter scoundrel movility is a bless and will make it easier for you.

[Ked]

2 chars: Brute and Scoundrel. They are designed to be introductory classes and synergize well with each other and dont have complex mechanics.