Dungeon crawler board games stand out as one of the most immersive genres in the world of tabletop gaming, offering deep gameplay and an abundance of fantastic options. With such a vast array of excellent games available, it can be challenging to decide where to start. These games span genres from horror to fantasy, and even popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have successfully ventured into this exciting territory.
TL;DR: The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games
### Frosthaven
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### Descent: Legends of the Dark
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### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
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### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
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### Mansions of Madness
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### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
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### Nemesis
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### Cthulhu: Death May Die
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### Clank! Catacombs
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### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game
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### Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
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### Resident Evil: The Board Game
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### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonDefining the dungeon crawler genre can spark lively debates among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games generally feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons aren't always literal; some of the best in the category break away from the typical monster-battling fantasy RPGs. However, they share a common trait: rich lore and engaging mechanics. If you're seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns, you've found the perfect guide.
Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
### Frosthaven
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### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
12See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-120 minsGloomhaven set a high bar for dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Its successor, Frosthaven, delivers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined experience with reduced preparation time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. The games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is ideal for newcomers due to its ease of setup, but both are excellent choices for fans of fantasy epics.
Both games blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, featuring long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters can depart after fulfilling their main objectives, creating a bittersweet moment as players say goodbye to old companions and welcome new ones. These games are exceptional cooperative multiplayer experiences, perfect for two to four players.
For detailed insights into these tabletop gems, explore our Gloomhaven review and Frosthaven impressions.
Descent: Legends of the Dark
### Descent: Legends of the Dark
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120-180 minsWhile many dungeon games boast impressive plastic miniatures, seasoned gamers know it's not just about the visuals. Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a large storage box. Beyond the aesthetics, it offers a clever mix of tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-driven resource management, making it easy to engage in crafting, leveling up, and character development. The game's randomized dungeon layouts and compelling narrative campaign make it a top choice for both RPG and dungeon crawler enthusiasts.
For an in-depth look at this game, read our comprehensive review of Descent: Legends of the Dark.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 minsDungeons aren't limited to fantasy settings; the maintenance corridors of an Imperial base in Star Wars: Imperial Assault serve as an equally thrilling dungeon. In this game, a team of rebel operatives collaborates to challenge an opponent controlling the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. Trading swords and bows for lightsabers and blasters, players loot, explore, and level up while engaging in tactical combat. The chance to encounter beloved Star Wars characters adds to the excitement, making this one of the standout Star Wars board games.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 minsFans of the popular video game will appreciate the transition of Slay the Spire to a tabletop format. This board game retains the deck-building essence of its digital counterpart, allowing players to ascend the spire together, battling a variety of monsters and bosses. The social and strategic elements enhance the experience, while the core mechanics of card curation and tactical play remain engaging and addictive.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game captures the thrill of this tabletop adaptation.
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
### Mansions of Madness
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-360 minsMansions of Madness: Second Edition is a gripping cooperative mystery horror game. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat monsters while battling insanity. The game unfolds through four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep campaign. An app enhances the immersive storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and making it easier to start and teach. While opinions on app integration vary, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is widely praised for its effective use.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsDespite its sequel status, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape stands on its own, accessible to new players and seasoned tabletop fans alike. It embraces classic dungeon crawler elements with six unique character classes, each offering distinct gameplay. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is engaging and varied across multiple scenarios. The different classes ensure that each playthrough feels fresh and exciting.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise without official ties, immersing players in a tense atmosphere as they navigate corridors and evade dangerous aliens. Objective cards add a layer of tension and potential betrayal, as players may have conflicting goals. Despite the hidden objectives, survival often requires teamwork, creating a dynamic and unpredictable gameplay experience. Alongside the base game, various expansions and additional miniatures are available to enhance the experience.
Cthulhu: Death May Die
### Cthulhu: Death May Die
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 90-120 minsInspired by H.P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game with standalone scenarios centered around thwarting dangerous rituals. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, creating a compelling risk-reward mechanic. The game is accessible yet challenging, with scenarios that don't require the same group of players, making it highly flexible. The dice-rolling action adds to its appeal and replayability.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 minsClank! Catacombs challenges players to fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and evade dragons. This installment in the Clank series fully embraces the dungeon crawler genre, offering a tabletop roguelike experience with tiles that expand the map during play. Each game is unique due to the shuffled tiles, ensuring varied gameplay. While many dungeon crawlers feature large boxes and detailed miniatures, Clank! Catacombs maintains a smaller footprint, making it an excellent choice for those with limited space.
Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game
### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsThe Zombicide series is renowned for its cooperative survival gameplay, and Marvel Zombies stands out as a top entry. Drawing from the What If comic series, this game introduces players to a zombie outbreak among Marvel heroes. It's not just a reskin; players can control zombies, and new mechanics refresh the classic experience. The detailed miniatures appeal to comic book fans, and numerous expansions offer further exploration. For more Marvel-themed fun, check out other great Marvel board games.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
### Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 45-150 minsTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is an underrated gem in the dungeon crawler genre. While it may not appeal to non-fans of the franchise, TMNT enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed miniatures, character cards, and scenario booklet. The game introduces a unique mechanic where dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. It can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it ideal for four or five players.
Resident Evil: The Board Game
### Resident Evil: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsFans of the iconic video game series will enjoy Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. Like the video games, it features puzzles, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. Unlike the video game series, the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, which is considered the best. All three titles are worth exploring for fans, with Resident Evil: The Board Game being the ideal starting point.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsIn a genre often dominated by darker themes, Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay. It adds a competitive twist through PvP quests, where players face off during scenarios. While many dungeon crawlers are cooperative, Arcadia Quest's mandatory confrontations set it apart. It cannot be played solo, and its campaign nature suggests having the same group for each session. For those who can gather friends or family, Arcadia Quest offers a unique and engaging dungeon crawler experience.
