The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games for an Epic Tabletop Adventure

Dungeon crawler board games represent one of the most immersive and expansive genres within the tabletop gaming world, offering a diverse array of options that cater to various themes and preferences. From horror to fantasy, and even incorporating popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these games provide a rich tapestry of experiences. The genre's versatility means that whether you're delving into dark dungeons or navigating the halls of an Imperial base, there's a dungeon crawler to suit every taste. These games are known for their deep mechanics, engaging narratives, and the thrill of tactical combat, character progression, and loot collection, making them a beloved choice for gamers seeking both solo and cooperative adventures.

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

5See 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 AmazonDungeon crawlers are renowned for their tactical combat, character progression, and the thrill of exploring dungeons, which can take various forms beyond the traditional fantasy setting. What these games share is a rich depth of lore and intricate mechanics, making them perfect for players who enjoy lengthy cooperative campaigns filled with adventure and narrative.

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 has 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 seeking a more streamlined experience, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides an accessible entry point with reduced setup time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them, making Jaws of the Lion an excellent starting point for newcomers, while Frosthaven appeals to fans of epic fantasy adventures.

Both titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters can leave after achieving their goals, creating poignant moments as players bid farewell to old allies and welcome new ones. These games are ideal for cooperative play, suitable for both two and four players, and are among the best in their category.

For detailed insights, explore our review 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 minsWhile many dungeon games boast impressive miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances its appeal with detailed 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. This fully cooperative game combines tactical gameplay, dice mechanics, and app-based resource management, allowing players to engage in crafting, character leveling, and navigating randomized dungeon layouts within a compelling narrative campaign. It stands out as both an excellent RPG and a top-tier dungeon crawler.

Our in-depth review of Descent: Legends of the Dark provides a comprehensive look at this remarkable game.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 minsStar Wars: Imperial Assault reimagines the dungeon crawler genre in the iconic Star Wars universe, where players take on the role of rebel operatives navigating the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base. The game retains the essence of traditional dungeon crawlers with loot collection, exploration, and tactical combat, but adds the thrill of encountering beloved Star Wars characters. It's a standout choice 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 minsAdapted 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 its diverse monsters and bosses in a social yet strategic setting. The game retains the addictive nature of curating and using cards effectively against foes, making it a must-try for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the enjoyable gameplay it offers.

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 choose investigators to solve puzzles, gather weapons, and battle monsters and insanity. The game unfolds through various scenarios, supported by an app that enhances the narrative with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding to the immersive experience. This title is celebrated for its integration of technology, making it a favorite among fans of horror-themed dungeon crawlers.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsMassive Darkness 2: Hellscape offers a fresh take on its predecessor, welcoming new and seasoned players alike. With six unique character classes, the game provides diverse gameplay while maintaining a cohesive feel. Players can enjoy the classic dungeon crawler loop of combat, looting, and character progression across various scenarios, with each class offering a distinct experience, making every playthrough feel fresh and exciting.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise's tension and horror, despite lacking an official license. Players navigate corridors while evading aliens, with hidden objectives that can lead to distrust among the crew. The game challenges players to cooperate for survival, yet the possibility of a traitor adds a thrilling layer of uncertainty. Alongside the base game, numerous expansions and additional miniatures are available to enhance the experience.

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 challenges players to thwart dangerous rituals in various standalone scenarios. The game introduces a unique mechanic where characters grow stronger as their sanity diminishes, adding a risk-reward element to the gameplay. Its accessibility and standalone scenarios make it an appealing choice for horror enthusiasts and dungeon crawler fans alike.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 minsClank! Catacombs blends dungeon crawling with roguelike elements, expanding the map through tile placement and offering varied gameplay experiences. Players must fight monsters, free prisoners, and collect gold while avoiding a dragon. The game's compact design makes it an attractive option for those with limited space, delivering a full dungeon crawler experience without the bulk.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsMarvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game brings the popular Zombicide series into the Marvel universe, allowing players to take on the roles of both heroes and zombies. The game introduces new mechanics that refresh the classic formula, making it a must-play for fans of the series and Marvel comics. With various expansions available, it offers endless replayability and is part of a broader selection of Marvel-themed 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 minsTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant stands out as an underrated gem in the dungeon crawler genre, particularly appealing to fans of the franchise. The game introduces a unique mechanic where dice rolls affect adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative experience. It can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering flexibility and fun 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 minsResident Evil: The Board Game brings the iconic video game franchise to the tabletop, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. The game replicates the series' puzzles, limited resources, and zombie encounters, offering a cooperative survival horror experience. While different from its video game counterparts, the board game version of the original Resident Evil is a compelling entry point for fans of the series.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsArcadia Quest distinguishes itself with a chibi art style and approachable gameplay, yet adds a competitive edge through PvP quests. While many dungeon crawlers are fully cooperative, Arcadia Quest includes mandatory player confrontations, making it unsuitable for solo play. The game is best enjoyed with a consistent group throughout its campaign, offering a unique and personality-filled dungeon crawling experience.