Dungeon crawler board games are a rich and diverse genre within the tabletop gaming community, offering deep gameplay and a wide array of thematic experiences. From horror to fantasy, and even extending into popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the variety is astounding. This makes choosing the right game a challenging yet exciting endeavor for enthusiasts.
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 spark debate among fans, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons can transcend the traditional fantasy setting, offering a broad spectrum of experiences. What unites these games is their depth in lore and mechanics, making them perfect for those seeking immersive, cooperative campaigns.
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 high bar for dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. For those new to the series, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a more streamlined experience with less setup time, making it an excellent entry point. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them, enhancing the overall experience. These games blend the narrative depth of a choose-your-own-adventure with strategic gameplay, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters may leave after fulfilling their goals, adding emotional depth to the gameplay. Both titles are ideal for cooperative play, suitable for groups of two to four players.
For more insights, explore our detailed 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 mins
While many dungeon crawlers boast impressive miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark elevates the experience with detailed 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. This fully cooperative game combines tactical gameplay, dice mechanics, and app-driven resource management, facilitating crafting, character leveling, and exploration within a dynamic narrative campaign. It's a standout choice for fans of both RPGs and dungeon crawlers.
Dive deeper with 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 mins
Star Wars: Imperial Assault reimagines dungeons as the intricate corridors of an Imperial base, where a team of rebels battles against the Empire's forces in a scenario-driven campaign. Players can engage in tactical combat, loot, and level up, all while interacting with iconic Star Wars characters. This game stands out as a thrilling dungeon crawler and a must-have for Star Wars enthusiasts.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 mins
Adapted from the popular video game, Slay the Spire: The Board Game brings the deck-building experience to the tabletop. Players can now ascend the spire together, facing off against a variety of monsters and bosses. The game retains the strategic depth and addictive card management of its digital counterpart, making it a compelling choice for both solo and group play.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights its engaging gameplay and social dynamics.
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 cooperative horror game where players take on the roles of investigators solving mysteries and battling monsters. The game's immersive storytelling is enhanced by an app that narrates the plot and manages game mechanics, adding tension with its atmospheric music and voiceovers. This title offers a range of scenarios, from quick sessions to deep campaigns, making it a versatile choice for horror fans.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a standalone sequel that diverges significantly from its predecessor, making it accessible to new players. It offers a classic dungeon crawler experience with unique character classes, varied scenarios, and a satisfying loop of combat, looting, and character progression. The game's replayability is enhanced by the distinct feel of each class, ensuring a fresh experience with every playthrough.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins
Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise with its tense atmosphere and hidden objectives. Players must navigate a spaceship, avoiding or confronting aliens while managing secret goals that may conflict with others. This dynamic adds a layer of distrust and strategic depth, making teamwork crucial yet challenging. The game's expansions and additional miniatures further enhance the 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 stop eldritch rituals. The game's unique mechanic involves characters gaining power as their sanity diminishes, adding a thrilling risk-reward element. Its standalone scenarios and easy-to-learn rules make it accessible, though challenging to master.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 mins
Clank! Catacombs combines dungeon crawling with roguelike elements, using tiles to create a dynamic map. Players must fight monsters, rescue prisoners, and collect gold while avoiding a dragon. Its compact design and varied gameplay make it an excellent choice for those with limited space or looking for a fresh take on the genre.
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 brings the popular Zombicide series into the Marvel universe, allowing players to control both heroes and zombies. New mechanics and streamlined gameplay offer a fresh experience, while the detailed miniatures appeal to comic book fans. The game's expansions further enrich the Marvel-themed zombie survival experience.
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 for fans of the franchise. It features unique mechanics where player actions affect teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering flexibility and replayability. Its detailed miniatures and thematic elements make it a standout choice for TMNT enthusiasts.
Resident Evil: The Board Game
### Resident Evil: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 mins
Set in the iconic Spencer Mansion, Resident Evil: The Board Game captures the essence of the video game series with its puzzles, limited resources, and zombie encounters. While the board game adaptations of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game remains the best entry point for fans, offering a thrilling cooperative survival horror experience.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 mins
Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay, though it introduces competitive elements through PvP quests. This twist adds a unique flavor to the dungeon crawler genre, though it requires a consistent group for its campaign mode. The game's vibrant aesthetic and engaging mechanics make it a delightful choice for those looking for a lighter, yet strategic, dungeon crawling experience.
