Dungeon crawler board games stand out as one of the most immersive and diverse genres within the tabletop gaming community, offering deep gameplay and a wide array of exceptional titles. With such a vast selection of high-quality games, choosing where to start can be daunting. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even feature popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into this space.
TL;DR: The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games
### Frosthaven
0See it at Amazon
### Descent: Legends of the Dark
0See it at Amazon
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
0See it at Amazon
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon
### Mansions of Madness
0See it at Amazon
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at Amazon
### Nemesis
0See it at Amazon
### Cthulhu: Death May Die
0See it at Amazon
### Clank! Catacombs
0See it at Amazon
### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game
0See it at Amazon
### Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
0See it at Amazon
### Resident Evil: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at Amazon
Defining what constitutes a dungeon crawler can spark debate among tabletop enthusiasts. However, these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot collection, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons aren't always literal; some of the best games in this category break away from the traditional fantasy monster-battling RPG setting. What these titles often share is rich lore and intricate mechanics. If you're seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns, you've come to the right place.
Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
### Frosthaven
0See it at Amazon
### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
12See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-120 mins
Gloomhaven set the benchmark for deep dungeon crawler board games, but with the original currently out of print, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally captivating campaign set in the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined alternative with significantly less preparation time, addressing a common critique of the original. The two games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers due to its reduced setup time, while both games appeal to fans of fantasy epics.
These titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters may leave after achieving their objectives, creating bittersweet moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. Both games excel as cooperative multiplayer experiences, making them some of the best board games for two players and best board games for four players.
For more insights into these tabletop gems, 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 mins
While many dungeon board games boast impressive plastic figures, the true appeal lies beyond mere aesthetics. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative entry in the Descent series, enhances its dungeons with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box to store it all. Beyond the visual allure, the game masterfully combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-assisted resource management, making crafting, leveling up, and other engaging elements seamless. This title offers randomized dungeon layouts within an engrossing narrative campaign, making it a top choice for both RPG and dungeon crawler enthusiasts.
For a detailed look at this game, 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 mins
Dungeons need not be confined to fantasy realms; the labyrinthine corridors of an Imperial base provide an equally thrilling setting. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates to challenge an Empire-controlled player in a scenario-based campaign. Trading traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, players engage in tactical combat, loot crates, uncover secrets, and level up, all while encountering beloved Star Wars characters. This game stands out among other Star Wars board games for its engaging and immersive experience.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 mins
Fans of the popular video game will appreciate the seamless transition to the tabletop version of Slay the Spire. This game retains the deck-building essence of its digital counterpart but adds the social aspect of cooperative play as players ascend the spire together, facing various monsters and bosses. The strategic card play remains a core and addictive feature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy both strategy and social gaming.
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Slay the Spire: The Board Game, as detailed in our review.
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
### Mansions of Madness
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-360 mins
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition offers a gripping cooperative mystery horror experience. Players select from eight investigators, navigating puzzles, collecting weapons, and battling monsters and insanity. The game unfolds through four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, providing a deep and immersive campaign. An accompanying app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, while also streamlining gameplay to make it more accessible and engaging.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Despite its title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a standalone game that diverges significantly from its predecessor. This sequel is welcoming to new players, offering a fun, dice-rolling experience that captures the essence of classic dungeon crawlers. With six distinct character classes, each with unique gameplay, players can enjoy a variety of scenarios that involve battling monsters, looting dungeons, leveling up, and upgrading gear. The diverse classes ensure that each playthrough feels fresh and engaging.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins
Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien film series, even without an official license. The game evokes the tension of sneaking through corridors to evade deadly aliens. Players receive objective cards that can lead to conflicting interests, adding a layer of distrust and strategic depth. Despite the potential for betrayal, survival often requires teamwork, making for a thrilling and unpredictable gameplay experience. Nemesis also offers a range of expansions and additional miniatures for further customization.
Cthulhu: Death May Die
### Cthulhu: Death May Die
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 90-120 mins
Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's works, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game where players thwart dangerous rituals to prevent the summoning of powerful beings. The game's unique mechanic sees characters gaining strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward dynamic. Despite its challenging nature, the game is easy to learn and play, 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 mins
Clank! Catacombs challenges players to fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and evade dragons. This entry in the Clank series deeply embraces the dungeon crawler genre, offering a tabletop roguelike experience with tiles that expand the map during play. The variability in tile placement ensures that each game is unique. With a smaller footprint and a focus on cards and tiles, Clank! Catacombs is perfect for those with limited space but a desire for 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 mins
Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game reimagines the popular Zombicide series within the Marvel universe, drawing from the "What If" comic series. This game allows players to take on the role of zombies, introducing new mechanics that refresh the classic gameplay. The detailed miniatures appeal to comic book enthusiasts, and the game's expansions offer even more content. For fans of the Marvel universe, this title, along with other great Marvel board games, provides endless entertainment.
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 mins
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is a hidden gem among dungeon crawlers. While it might not appeal to non-fans of the franchise, TMNT enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed miniatures, character cards, and scenario booklet. The game introduces a cooperative mechanic where players' dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, enhancing the team dynamic. It can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it a versatile choice for groups of 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 mins
Fans of the iconic video game franchise will enjoy Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the famous Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. This cooperative survival horror game incorporates puzzles that unlock new areas, limited resources, and plenty of zombies, mirroring the video game experience. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game remains a standout, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the series.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 mins
Arcadia Quest brings a lighter, chibi art style to the often grim dungeon crawler genre, making it visually appealing and easy to pick up. The game introduces a competitive edge with PvP quests that require players to face off against each other during scenarios, deviating from the typical cooperative format. While not suitable for solo play, Arcadia Quest thrives in a campaign setting, offering a unique and engaging experience for groups willing to commit to multiple sessions. Its personality-filled gameplay makes it a standout in the genre.
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
