Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games are a beloved genre in the tabletop gaming community, offering deep gameplay and a wide range of captivating themes. From horror to fantasy, and even extending into popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these games provide endless adventures. With so many excellent options available, selecting the perfect dungeon crawler can be a challenge, but fear not—here's a guide to some of the best in the genre.

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 AmazonThe definition of a dungeon crawler can spark debates among enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons don't necessarily have to be literal; some of the best games in this category transcend the typical fantasy RPG setting. What unites them is their rich lore and intricate mechanics. If you're in search of extensive cooperative campaigns, you're in 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 minsGloomhaven set the benchmark for immersive dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, provides a streamlined alternative that requires less preparation time—a response to one of the original's few criticisms. The two games are interconnected, allowing characters created in one to transfer to the other. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for new players due to its quicker setup, while Frosthaven caters to fans craving epic fantasy adventures.

Both titles combine the thrill of choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are lengthy and filled with lore and adventure. Characters depart after achieving their objectives, creating bittersweet moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. These games are ideal for cooperative play and rank among the best board games for two to four players.

For more insights, check out 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 minsWhile many dungeon board games boast intricate miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box to house it all. However, the game's appeal lies not just in its aesthetics but in its innovative blend of tactical gameplay, dice mechanics, and app-based resource management. This allows players to engage in crafting, character leveling, and other exciting elements while navigating randomized dungeon layouts within an engrossing narrative campaign. It stands out as both an exceptional RPG and dungeon crawler.

For a detailed analysis, see 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 need not be confined to fantasy realms; the labyrinthine corridors of an Imperial base serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates to thwart the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. While the weapons may shift from medieval to futuristic, the essence of looting crates, uncovering secrets, and leveling up remains the same. Plus, you'll encounter beloved Star Wars characters along the way. This game is a standout among the numerous Star Wars-themed board games.

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 this tabletop adaptation, which retains the deck-building mechanics while allowing players to ascend the spire together. The game offers new content and streamlined mechanics, making it both a social and strategic experience. The thrill of curating your deck and using it tactically against various foes remains as compelling as ever.

Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights its engaging gameplay.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

### Mansions of Madness

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-360 minsMansions of Madness: Second Edition is a cooperative mystery horror game where players select investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat monsters and insanity. The game includes four scenarios ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longer ones offering deep campaigns. An app enhances the experience with narrative storytelling, eerie music, and voiceovers, while also streamlining gameplay. This feature is widely praised for adding to the game's tension and ease of play.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsDespite the sequel label, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is accessible to new players. It adheres to classic dungeon crawler elements while introducing six unique character classes that offer distinct yet cohesive gameplay. The satisfying cycle of defeating monsters, looting dungeons, leveling up, and upgrading gear can be enjoyed across various scenarios. The diverse classes ensure that each playthrough feels fresh and exciting.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsAlthough not officially linked to the Alien franchise, Nemesis captures its essence with a tense atmosphere of sneaking through corridors to avoid deadly aliens. The game introduces hidden objective cards that influence player interactions, adding a layer of mistrust. While survival is the primary goal, the presence of potential traitors adds complexity. The base game is complemented by several expansions and additional miniatures.

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 involves stopping rituals to summon powerful beings across standalone scenarios. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. The game is easy to pick up yet challenging to master, with scenarios that can be played with different groups, 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. This entry in the Clank series dives deep into the dungeon crawler genre with dynamic map expansion via tiles, creating a roguelike experience. Each game offers a unique layout, ensuring varied playthroughs. Its compact design 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 minsMarvel Zombies, part of the acclaimed Zombicide series, brings the zombie outbreak to the Marvel universe. Players can even take on the role of zombies, and new mechanics refresh the gameplay experience. The detailed miniatures are a highlight for comic book fans, and numerous expansions extend the game's replayability. 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 minsThough perhaps underappreciated, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant offers a unique cooperative experience for fans of the franchise. Its standout mechanic involves dice rolls affecting adjacent teammates, reinforcing the theme of teamwork. The game can be played cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it suitable 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 Resident Evil video game series will appreciate this cooperative survival horror game set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. It features puzzles, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, the first game is considered the best. All three titles are worth exploring for franchise enthusiasts.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsArcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay. It introduces competitive elements through PvP quests, adding a unique twist to the genre. While it can't be played solo, the campaign-based structure encourages repeated play with the same group. For those who can gather a consistent group, Arcadia Quest offers a delightful and personality-filled dungeon crawler experience.