Dungeon crawler board games are a rich and diverse genre within the tabletop gaming community, offering deep gameplay and a wide array of thematic experiences. From horror to fantasy, and even venturing into popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, there's a dungeon crawler to suit every taste. With so many excellent options available, it can be challenging to decide where to start your adventure.
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 AmazonDungeon crawlers, though a beloved genre, can spark debate among tabletop enthusiasts over what truly defines them. Typically, these games include elements like tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. However, these "dungeons" don't always have to be literal; some of the best in the genre break away from the traditional fantasy setting. What unites these titles is their depth in lore and mechanics, making them perfect for those seeking immersive, cooperative campaigns.
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 the benchmark for deep dungeon crawler experiences, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, Frosthaven offers an equally captivating campaign in the same universe. For those looking for a streamlined entry point, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a less time-consuming setup, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is particularly suitable for newcomers due to its reduced setup time, while both games cater to fans of epic fantasy narratives.
These games blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gameplay, offering lengthy campaigns rich in lore and adventure. Characters may leave after achieving their goals, adding a poignant touch to the narrative as players welcome new ones. Both are excellent for cooperative multiplayer, serving as some of the best board games for two players and the best board games for four players.
For detailed insights, check out our review of Gloomhaven and our hands-on impressions of Frosthaven.
Descent: Legends of the Dark
### Descent: Legends of the Dark
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120-180 minsWhile many dungeon crawlers boast impressive miniatures, seasoned gamers know that gameplay is king. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third iteration in the Descent series, enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. This fully cooperative game blends tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, allowing for seamless crafting, leveling, and exploration in a randomized dungeon layout. This game stands out as both a top RPG board game and an exceptional dungeon crawler.
For a deeper dive into this game, read our comprehensive Descent: Legends of the Dark review.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 minsDungeons don't have to be fantasy realms; the corridors of an Imperial base can serve the same purpose. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, rebel operatives team up against the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. Swapping traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, players engage in tactical combat, loot crates, and uncover secrets while leveling up. The game also features encounters with iconic Star Wars characters, making it a standout among other 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 Slay the Spire will appreciate its transition to a tabletop format. This board game retains the deck-building mechanics while allowing players to ascend a dungeon together, facing off against various monsters and bosses. The social aspect enhances the strategic gameplay, making it a thrilling cooperative experience.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the engaging gameplay and strategic depth.
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 captivating cooperative mystery horror game where players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and fight off monsters while battling insanity. The game offers four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longer ones providing deep campaigns. An app enhances the storytelling with immersive music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding tension.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsDon't be misled by the sequel tag; Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a standalone experience accessible to all tabletop fans. It retains classic dungeon crawler elements while introducing six unique character classes, each offering distinct gameplay. The game's loop of slaying monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is engaging and varied, ensuring replayability.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsThough not officially tied to the Alien franchise, Nemesis captures its essence with a creeping terror as players navigate corridors to avoid deadly aliens. The game introduces hidden objective cards that can pit players against each other, adding a layer of distrust. Despite the potential for betrayal, teamwork is crucial for survival, making every game session tense and unpredictable.
Nemesis offers a variety of expansions and additional miniatures to further 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 where players work to stop a dangerous ritual. The game's mechanics allow characters to gain strength as their sanity dwindles, adding a thrilling risk-reward element. Its standalone scenarios make it accessible, even if challenging to conquer.
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 a dragon. This entry in the Clank series dives deep into the dungeon crawler genre, featuring tiles that expand the map during play, creating a roguelike experience. Its compact design is perfect for those with limited space, yet it offers rich gameplay.
Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game
### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsMarvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game brings the Zombicide series into the Marvel universe, allowing players to play as zombies or heroes. New mechanics and streamlined gameplay set it apart from other Zombicide titles, while the miniatures delight fans of the comic book characters. Expansions add even more depth to the game, making it a must-have for Marvel enthusiasts.
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, particularly appealing to fans of the franchise. 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, offering flexibility and fun for groups of four or five.
Resident Evil: The Board Game
### Resident Evil: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsFans of the Resident Evil video game series will enjoy Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. The game features puzzles, limited resources, and zombies, staying true to the franchise's survival horror roots. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, the first game remains a standout for fans.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsArcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and easy-to-learn gameplay, but it adds a competitive twist with PvP quests. This means it's not suitable for solo play and requires a consistent group for its campaign. However, for those who can gather a group, Arcadia Quest offers a unique and engaging dungeon crawler experience.
