Dungeon crawler board games are renowned for their immersive gameplay and vast array of options, making them one of the most engaging genres within the tabletop gaming community. With a wide variety of themes ranging from horror to fantasy, and even extending into popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, choosing the right game can be a daunting task. These games often feature tactical combat, character progression, loot collection, and intricate dungeons, though not always in the traditional sense. Many top dungeon crawlers are also rich in lore and mechanics, offering lengthy cooperative campaigns that appeal to avid gamers.
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 crawler games are a beloved genre among tabletop enthusiasts, often sparking debate on what truly defines them. These games typically involve tactical combat, character development, loot gathering, and exploring dungeons, which may not always be literal. What unites these titles is their deep lore and complex mechanics, perfect for those seeking engaging, 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 a new benchmark for dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally immersive campaign within the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a more streamlined experience with reduced setup time, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers. Both games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is ideal for those new to the genre, while Frosthaven caters to fans of epic fantasy adventures.
Both titles offer a choose-your-own-adventure feel, with long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters may leave upon completing their goals, adding a poignant element to the gameplay. These games are excellent cooperative multiplayer options, suitable for both two and four players.
For more insights, explore our reviews of Gloomhaven and 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, Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery. This fully cooperative game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, allowing seamless character crafting, leveling, and engaging narrative campaigns. It's a standout RPG and dungeon crawler.
Read our detailed review of Descent: Legends of the Dark for more information.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 minsDungeons in Star Wars: Imperial Assault are the maintenance corridors of an Imperial base, where a group of rebels faces off against the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. Players swap traditional fantasy weapons for lightsabers and blasters, maintaining the essence of dungeon crawling while interacting with iconic Star Wars characters. This game stands out among other Star Wars board games for its engaging gameplay.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 minsBased on the popular video game, Slay the Spire: The Board Game brings its deck-building mechanics to the tabletop. Players ascend a dungeon, working collaboratively to defeat various monsters and bosses. The game retains the strategic card management and social interaction, making it a compelling choice for fans of the original.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights its 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 cooperative mystery horror game where players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and battle monsters and insanity. The game offers four different scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and making it more accessible.
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, offering an accessible dungeon crawler experience. With six unique character classes and various scenarios, players can enjoy the classic loop of defeating monsters, looting, and leveling up. The game's replayability is high, as different classes offer distinct experiences.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise without an official tie-in. Players navigate corridors, avoiding dangerous aliens while managing hidden objectives that may conflict with team goals. The tension and potential for betrayal make Nemesis a thrilling cooperative survival game, with expansions and additional miniatures available.
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 characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes. The game includes standalone scenarios focused on thwarting dangerous rituals. Its easy-to-learn mechanics and high replayability make it an accessible choice for dungeon crawler enthusiasts.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 minsClank! Catacombs combines dungeon crawling with roguelike elements, expanding the map with tiles during play. Players must fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and evade a dragon. Its smaller footprint makes it an ideal choice for gamers with limited space.
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 introduces the zombie outbreak to the Marvel universe, allowing players to play as zombies. With new mechanics and stunning miniatures, it offers a fresh take on the Zombicide series. Expansions and other Marvel board games provide additional entertainment for fans.
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 may be underrated, but TMNT fans will appreciate its miniatures, character cards, and unique cooperative mechanics where dice rolls affect teammates. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, ideal 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 minsSet in the iconic Spencer Mansion, Resident Evil: The Board Game brings the survival horror of the video game series to the tabletop. Players solve puzzles, manage resources, and battle zombies, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise.
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, featuring a competitive twist with PvP quests. While it cannot be played solo, its campaign-based structure offers a unique dungeon crawler experience for groups committed to playing together.
