Dungeon crawler board games are a deep and engaging genre within the tabletop gaming community, offering rich gameplay experiences and a wide variety of captivating options. Navigating the vast selection can be daunting, but understanding the diverse themes—from horror to fantasy, and even extending into popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—helps in choosing the right game. These games are known for their tactical combat, character progression, loot systems, and immersive dungeons, which may not always be literal but are always filled with lore and intricate mechanics. For enthusiasts seeking extensive cooperative campaigns, dungeon crawlers are the perfect fit.
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 AmazonThe definition of a dungeon crawler can spark debate among fans, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character development, loot collection, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons don't necessarily have to be traditional; some of the most engaging games in the genre transcend the typical fantasy RPG setting. What unites them is their depth of lore and engaging mechanics. If you're in search of lengthy cooperative campaigns, you've found the right genre.
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 gold standard for immersive dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, Frosthaven provides an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. For those looking for a more streamlined experience, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a quicker setup, addressing a key critique of the original. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent entry point for newcomers due to its reduced setup time, while Frosthaven is ideal for fans of expansive fantasy epics.
These games blend the narrative depth of a choose-your-own-adventure with the strategic elements of tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are long and rich with lore and adventure. Characters can depart after fulfilling their objectives, creating bittersweet farewells and exciting introductions to new characters. Both titles are excellent for cooperative play, making them some of the best board games for two players and best board games for four players.
For deeper insights into these tabletop gems, explore our review of Gloomhaven and our firsthand 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 miniatures, true aficionados know it's the gameplay that counts. Descent: Legends of the Dark elevates the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box to house it all. Beyond the aesthetics, this fully cooperative game integrates tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, allowing for seamless crafting, leveling, and character progression within a randomized dungeon layout and an engrossing narrative campaign. It's an outstanding choice for both RPG enthusiasts and dungeon crawler fans.
For a detailed look at this game, check out 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 don't have to be limited to fantasy settings; the intricate corridors of an Imperial base serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates to thwart the Empire, controlled by another player, in a scenario-based campaign. While the weapons may shift from medieval to futuristic, the essence of looting, exploring, and leveling up remains the same. The added thrill of encountering iconic Star Wars characters enhances the experience, making it 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 of Slay the Spire to a tabletop format. The board game retains the deck-building mechanics while introducing social elements, allowing players to ascend the spire together. The strategic depth and thrill of card management against various monsters and bosses are preserved, making it a compelling choice for both solo and group play.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the engaging gameplay and strategic elements that make it a must-play.
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
### Mansions of Madness
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-360 minsMansions of Madness: Second Edition delivers an immersive cooperative mystery horror experience. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat monsters and insanity while unraveling intricate mysteries. The game includes four scenarios ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longer ones offering deep, engaging campaigns. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding to the tension. While the use of apps in board games is debated, 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 accessible to all tabletop fans, regardless of their familiarity with the original. It retains classic dungeon crawler elements while introducing six unique character classes that offer distinct gameplay experiences. The loop of defeating monsters, looting, leveling, and upgrading gear is engaging and varied, with different scenarios and character classes ensuring replayability.
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 the tension of navigating corridors to evade dangerous aliens. Objective cards add layers of intrigue, sometimes requiring players to act against their peers, creating uncertainty and fostering both cooperation and potential betrayal. The game's design, combined with its expansions and additional miniatures, offers a rich survival 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 thwart dangerous rituals. Characters gain strength as their sanity decreases, adding a thrilling risk-reward element. The game is easy to pick up but challenging to master, with standalone scenarios that don't require the same group of players each time, enhancing its accessibility.
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. As the most dungeon-crawler-focused entry in the Clank series, it introduces map-expanding tiles that create a roguelike experience. With each game offering a unique layout, Clank! Catacombs ensures varied gameplay. Its compact design is perfect for those with limited space, making it an excellent choice for dungeon crawler enthusiasts.
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 cooperative survival games, and Marvel Zombies stands out with its unique twist. Inspired by the What If comic series, it allows players to control zombies, introducing new mechanics and streamlining the classic Zombicide experience. The game's miniatures appeal to comic book fans, and its expansions offer further exploration within the Marvel universe, alongside 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, especially appealing to TMNT fans. It features detailed miniatures, character cards, and a scenario booklet within an attractive box. The game's innovative mechanic, where dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, emphasizes cooperation. It can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it 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 iconic video game franchise will enjoy Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. The game captures the series' essence with puzzles, limited resources, and zombies. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game is considered the best entry point for fans looking to delve into the series.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsArcadia Quest distinguishes itself with a chibi art style and accessible gameplay, yet it adds a competitive edge with PvP quests. While many dungeon crawlers focus on cooperation, Arcadia Quest includes mandatory player-versus-player confrontations, which means it cannot be played solo. The game is best enjoyed with a consistent group of players throughout its campaign, offering a unique and personality-filled dungeon crawling experience.
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