Dungeon crawler board games are among the most immersive and diverse genres within the tabletop gaming community, offering a wide range of themes from horror to fantasy and beyond. With such a vast selection of excellent games available, it can be challenging to decide where to start. Whether you're delving into the eerie corridors of a haunted mansion or navigating the futuristic halls of an Imperial base, the variety is endless. Popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have also ventured into this genre, bringing their unique twists and achieving great success.
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 enthusiasts, but these games generally feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. However, dungeons in this context don't have to be literal underground labyrinths. Some of the best games in this category break the traditional mold, venturing into various settings while maintaining rich narratives and mechanics. For those seeking extensive cooperative campaigns, the dungeon crawler genre offers plenty of options.
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 a new standard for depth in dungeon crawler board games, though the original is currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, offers a similarly captivating campaign within the same universe. On the other hand, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined version that requires less setup time, addressing one of the critiques of the original. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is an ideal starting point for newcomers due to its reduced preparation, while Frosthaven appeals to fans of extensive fantasy epics.
These games blend the experience of a choose-your-own-adventure book with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are long and rich in lore and adventure. Characters may leave after achieving their goals, creating a poignant moment as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. Both titles excel as cooperative multiplayer experiences, perfect for both two and four players.
For more insights into these tabletop masterpieces, 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 miniatures, the true depth lies beyond the plastic. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative iteration of the Descent series, enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box to house it all. The game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, facilitating crafting, character leveling, and exploration within randomized dungeon layouts and a compelling narrative campaign. It's an outstanding RPG board game as well as a top-notch dungeon crawler.
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 don't always have to be fantasy labyrinths; the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base work just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates to take on the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. Trading traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, players experience similar gameplay dynamics, including looting, exploring secrets, and leveling up while engaging in tactical combat. The added thrill of encountering iconic Star Wars characters enhances the 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 mins
Fans of the popular video game Slay the Spire will appreciate its transition to the tabletop, maintaining its deck-building essence. The board game version allows players to ascend the spire together, adding a social element to the strategic gameplay. The core experience of curating cards and using them tactically against foes remains engaging and addictive.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the enjoyable gameplay and strategic depth.
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 cooperative mystery horror experience where players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, gather weapons, and combat both monsters and insanity. The game includes four distinct scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep, immersive campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and making it easier to start and teach. While opinions on apps in board games vary, Mansions of Madness is widely praised for its effective use of technology.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Despite the "2" in its title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape diverges significantly from its predecessor, making it accessible to newcomers. It retains classic dungeon crawler elements while distinguishing itself with six unique character classes, each offering a different playstyle. The gameplay loop of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is satisfying and can be enjoyed across various scenarios. The diversity of classes ensures that each playthrough feels fresh and unique.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins
Though not officially tied to the Alien franchise, Nemesis captures the essence of its suspense and horror. Players navigate corridors, avoiding dangerous aliens, with objective cards that add tension and unpredictability. These hidden objectives can pit players against each other, making trust a delicate balance. Despite the potential for betrayal, teamwork is essential for survival, creating a gripping experience.
Alongside the base game, numerous expansions and additional miniatures are available to enhance the Nemesis experience.
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 work to prevent dangerous rituals from summoning powerful beings. The game's unique mechanic involves characters gaining strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward dynamic. While easy to learn, the game can be challenging to master. Its standalone scenarios make it accessible for different groups of players.
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 a dragon. This entry in the Clank series delves deeply into the dungeon crawler genre, featuring tiles that expand the map dynamically, creating a roguelike experience. Each game offers a unique layout, ensuring varied playthroughs. With a smaller footprint than typical dungeon crawlers, Clank! Catacombs is perfect 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 the roles of both heroes and zombies, with new mechanics that refresh the classic experience. The detailed miniatures appeal to comic book fans, and numerous expansions are available. For more Marvel-themed fun, explore 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 mins
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is an underrated gem in the dungeon crawler genre, particularly appealing to TMNT fans. It features detailed miniatures, character cards, and a scenario booklet, all housed in an attractive box. A unique mechanic involves dice rolls affecting adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it versatile 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 mins
Fans of the iconic video game franchise will appreciate Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. The game incorporates puzzles that unlock new areas, limited resources, and plenty of zombies, capturing the essence of the series. Unlike the video games, the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, which remains the best entry. All three titles are recommended for fans of the franchise.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 mins
In a genre often dominated by darker themes, Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay. However, it adds a competitive twist with PvP quests, requiring players to face off during scenarios. While not playable solo, its campaign structure is ideal for consistent groups, offering a fun and engaging dungeon crawler experience full of personality.
