Dungeon crawler board games stand out as one of the richest genres in the tabletop world, offering deep gameplay and a vast array of compelling titles. With so many excellent options available, choosing where to start can be challenging. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have successfully ventured into this space.
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 debate among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. However, these dungeons aren't always literal; some of the best games in this category diverge from the traditional fantasy RPG setting. One common thread among these titles is their rich lore and intricate mechanics. If you're seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns, you're in 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 immersive dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Its successor, Frosthaven, delivers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, however, offers a streamlined experience with less prep time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is a great starting point for newcomers due to its quicker setup, but both titles are ideal for fans of epic fantasy adventures.
These games blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, featuring long campaigns rich in lore and adventure. Characters can depart after achieving their goals, adding a poignant touch as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. Both are excellent cooperative multiplayer games, perfect for groups of two to four players.
For detailed 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 board games boast impressive plastic figures, seasoned gamers know there's more to the story. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative iteration of the franchise, elevates the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box to store it all. Beyond the visuals, the game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, facilitating crafting, leveling up, and character development within a narrative-driven campaign. It's a standout RPG board game and a top-notch dungeon crawler.
For a comprehensive review, visit our in-depth analysis 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 confined to fantasy realms; the labyrinthine corridors of an Imperial base serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates against an Empire player 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. Encountering beloved Star Wars characters adds to the immersive experience. 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, which retains the deck-building essence while adding new content and streamlined mechanics. Now, players can ascend the spire—a dungeon you climb rather than crawl—together, facing off against various monsters and bosses. This social and strategic experience retains the addictive thrill of curating cards and engaging in tactical battles.
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 offers a cooperative mystery horror experience where players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and fend off monsters and madness. The game unfolds through four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep campaign. An app enhances immersion with storytelling, eerie music, and voiceovers, while also streamlining gameplay, making it easier to learn and play.
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 stands on its own, accessible to newcomers and veterans alike. It embraces classic dungeon crawler elements while offering six unique character classes, each providing a distinct gameplay experience. The satisfying loop of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear can be enjoyed across various scenarios, ensuring high replayability.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise, even without official ties, through its tense atmosphere of navigating corridors to avoid deadly aliens. Players receive secret objective cards that may conflict with others' goals, adding a layer of distrust and strategic depth. While survival is the primary aim, hidden agendas can reveal traitors among the crew, making teamwork essential yet challenging.
Additional Nemesis expansions and 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 challenges players to stop a ritual summoning powerful beings across various standalone scenarios. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, creating a risk-reward dynamic. Despite its challenging gameplay, the game is easy to pick up, making it accessible for different groups of players.
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 fully embraces the dungeon crawler genre, offering a roguelike experience with tiles that expand the map during play, ensuring no two games are the same. Its smaller footprint, achieved through cards and tiles, makes it a great 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 minsMarvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game brings the popular cooperative survival series into the Marvel universe, inspired by the "What If" comics. Players can take on the role of zombies, and new mechanics refresh the classic gameplay. The detailed miniatures are a highlight for comic fans, and numerous expansions add to the experience. Explore other great Marvel board games for more comic-themed fun.
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 it's a gem for TMNT fans. The game features appealing miniatures, character cards, a scenario booklet, and a beautifully designed box. A unique mechanic allows players' dice rolls to impact adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. It can be played as a fully cooperative game 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 minsFans of the Resident Evil video game series will appreciate this cooperative survival horror game set in the iconic Spencer Mansion, featuring familiar characters. The game includes puzzles that unlock new map areas, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. While the board game adaptations of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game is considered the best. All three are worth exploring for fans of the franchise.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsArcadia Quest brings a lighter, chibi art style to the genre, making it more approachable. Its gameplay is easy to grasp, but it introduces competitive PvP quests within scenarios, adding a twist to the typical cooperative format. While it can't be played solo, the campaign structure encourages playing with the same group, offering a fun and engaging dungeon crawler experience.
