Dungeon crawler board games represent one of the most engaging and expansive genres in tabletop gaming, offering deep gameplay and a vast array of options. With so many stellar choices available, it can be challenging to decide which one to dive into first. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and have been successfully adapted by popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
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 be a contentious topic among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically include tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons don’t have to be literal, however. In fact, some of the best board games in the category aren’t stereotypical monster-battling RPGs set in a fantasy world. One other thing these titles do generally have in common, though, is that they are rich in lore and mechanics. For those looking for lengthy cooperative campaigns, you have come to the right place.
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 board games, but with the original currently out of print, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally immersive campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, provides a streamlined experience with less prep time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. The two games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers due to its reduced setup time, while fans of fantasy epics will find both games equally compelling.
Both titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are long and rich with lore and adventure. Characters may depart after achieving their objectives, creating bittersweet moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. These games are excellent cooperative multiplayer experiences, ideal for both two and four players.
For more insights into these tabletop masterpieces, explore 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 board games boast impressive plastic miniatures, seasoned gamers know that's only part of the appeal. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative iteration of the Descent series, enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. Beyond the aesthetics, the game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, facilitating crafting, character leveling, and other engaging mechanics within a dynamic narrative campaign. It's a standout RPG board game and an exceptional dungeon crawler.
For a detailed analysis, check out our in-depth 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 don't have to be fantasy labyrinths; the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates to thwart the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. While you swap swords and bows for lightsabers and blasters, the core experience remains the same: looting, exploring, and leveling up to defeat the enemy in tactical combat. Plus, you'll encounter beloved Star Wars characters along the way. This game is a standout among the many Star Wars board games available.
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 to a tabletop format. Slay the Spire: The Board Game retains the deck-building essence of its digital counterpart, allowing players to ascend the spire together, facing off against various monsters and bosses. The social and strategic elements enhance the experience, while the core mechanics of curating and deploying cards against foes remain captivating.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the engaging gameplay.
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. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat monsters and insanity. The game unfolds through four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding to the tension. While opinions on apps in board games vary, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is widely praised for its implementation.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsDespite the "2" in its title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a fresh take on its predecessor. It's accessible to new players and offers a fun, engaging experience. The game adheres to classic dungeon crawler tropes but distinguishes itself with six unique character classes that offer varied gameplay. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is satisfying and can be enjoyed across multiple scenarios. The diverse classes ensure that each playthrough feels distinct.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsWhile the Alien franchise has inspired several board games, Nemesis captures its essence without official ties. The game evokes the tension of sneaking through corridors to avoid dangerous aliens. Objective cards add complexity, as players may need to act against each other's interests, creating uncertainty and distrust. Despite the potential for betrayal, teamwork is often necessary for survival. Nemesis offers a thrilling experience, with expansions and additional miniatures available to enhance gameplay.
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 thwart dangerous rituals to summon powerful beings. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, with standalone scenarios that don't require the same group of players, making it highly accessible.
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 is the most aligned with the dungeon crawler genre and is considered the best to date. The game's map expands with tiles, creating a roguelike experience where no two games are the same. Clank! Catacombs offers a compact footprint, ideal for those with limited space, yet delivers a rich dungeon crawler experience.
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 is a standout entry. Inspired by the What If comic series, it brings the zombie outbreak to the Marvel universe. Players can even play as zombies, and new mechanics refresh the classic formula. The detailed miniatures are a treat for comic book fans, and numerous expansions are available. For more Marvel-themed fun, explore 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 those unfamiliar with the franchise, TMNT fans will appreciate the 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 franchise will enjoy Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. The game features puzzles that unlock new areas, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. Unlike the video game series, the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, which is considered the best. All three titles are worth exploring, with the original serving as an excellent 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 with PvP quests, requiring players to face off during scenarios. While this means it can't be played solo, the campaign-based structure encourages consistent group play. Those who can gather a regular group will enjoy a vibrant and engaging dungeon crawler experience.
