Dungeon crawler board games offer an immersive experience that is both deep in gameplay and rich in thematic variety. With a vast selection of exceptional games to choose from, diving into this genre can be a thrilling yet daunting task. These games span across various themes, from chilling horror to enchanting fantasy, and even include popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into the dungeon crawler domain.
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
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Defining what constitutes a dungeon crawler can stir debate among enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and, naturally, dungeons. The dungeons, however, need not be traditional; some of the best games in this genre break away from the conventional fantasy setting. What they do share is a rich tapestry of lore and intricate mechanics. For those seeking extensive 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 mins
Gloomhaven set a benchmark for depth in dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Thankfully, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally captivating campaign set in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, provides a more streamlined experience with reduced prep time, addressing a common critique of the original. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers due to its quicker setup, yet fans of epic fantasy adventures will find both titles rewarding.
These games blend elements of choose-your-own-adventure stories with tabletop gaming, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters may leave after achieving their goals, creating emotional farewells and exciting introductions to new heroes. Both titles are ideal for cooperative play, serving as top choices among the best board games for two or four players.
For detailed insights, explore our reviews of Gloomhaven and our hands-on experience with 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 miniatures, seasoned players know that's just part of the allure. Descent: Legends of the Dark elevates the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. Beyond aesthetics, this fully cooperative game blends tactical gameplay, dice mechanics, and app-based resource management, facilitating crafting, character progression, and randomized dungeon exploration within a gripping narrative campaign. It stands out as both a remarkable RPG and an exceptional dungeon crawler.
For a comprehensive review, check out 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 mins
Dungeons need not be confined to fantasy realms; the intricate corridors of an Imperial base can serve just as well. Star Wars: Imperial Assault places players in the roles of rebel operatives facing off against an Empire-controlled opponent in a scenario-driven campaign. Swapping traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, players engage in tactical combat, explore secrets, and level up while encountering iconic Star Wars characters. It's a standout title 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 mins
Fans of the acclaimed 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 collaboratively. This social and strategic experience lets players tackle the game's diverse monsters and bosses together, maintaining the addictive thrill of card management and tactical gameplay.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time 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 is a captivating cooperative horror game where players take on roles as investigators solving mysteries, collecting weapons, and battling monsters while managing their sanity. The game offers four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with an app that enhances the narrative experience through voiceovers and music, while also streamlining gameplay. The app's integration is widely praised for adding to the immersive storytelling and ease of play.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Despite the sequel tag, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is accessible to newcomers and veterans alike. It adheres to classic dungeon crawler conventions but distinguishes itself with six unique character classes that offer varied gameplay. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting dungeons, and upgrading gear remains satisfying across multiple scenarios, and the diverse classes ensure each playthrough feels fresh and engaging.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins
Though not officially linked to the Alien franchise, Nemesis captures the essence of sneaking through corridors and evading deadly aliens. The game intensifies tension with hidden objective cards that may pit players against each other, even as they work toward common survival goals. The uncertainty of trust among players adds a thrilling layer to this cooperative yet potentially treacherous experience. Additional expansions and miniatures are available to enhance the gameplay further.
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, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game where players thwart rituals to summon eldritch beings. Characters grow stronger as their sanity diminishes, introducing a compelling risk-reward dynamic. The game's ease of entry and standalone scenarios make it accessible, even if challenging to master, and its dice-based mechanics keep gameplay engaging and dynamic.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 mins
Clank! Catacombs challenges players to battle monsters, rescue captives, gather gold, and avoid a dragon. This installment in the Clank series delves deepest into the dungeon crawler genre, featuring roguelike elements through map-expanding tiles that ensure varied gameplay. Its smaller footprint, utilizing 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 mins
The Zombicide series is renowned for its cooperative survival gameplay, and Marvel Zombies stands out as a top entry. Drawing from the What If comic series, players can take on roles as both heroes and zombies, with new mechanics refreshing the classic formula. The detailed miniatures appeal to comic fans, and the game's expansions offer further depth. Explore other great Marvel board games for more comic-inspired 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 mins
Despite being somewhat overlooked, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is a gem for fans of the franchise. It features unique gameplay mechanics where dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, fostering a true sense of cooperation. The game can be played fully cooperatively or as a one-versus-many experience, making it ideal 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 series will appreciate Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. It captures the essence of the series with puzzles, limited resources, and zombies. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game remains the best entry point for newcomers to the franchise.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 mins
Arcadia Quest breaks from the typical dark themes with its charming chibi art style and accessible gameplay. It introduces a competitive edge through PvP quests within its campaign, though it cannot be played solo. This game is perfect for groups committed to a full campaign, offering a unique blend of cooperation and competition with a delightful aesthetic.
