Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games stand out as one of the most immersive genres within the tabletop gaming community. With a vast array of exceptional titles available, choosing where to start can be daunting. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include popular franchises like Marvel and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into this space.

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 typically involve tactical combat, character progression, loot collection, and exploration of dungeons—although the dungeons don't always have to be literal. Some of the best games in this category break away from traditional fantasy settings and monster-battling RPGs. What these titles share is their depth in lore and intricate mechanics. If you're seeking extensive cooperative campaigns, you've come to 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 mins

Gloomhaven set the benchmark for immersive dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, delivers an equally compelling campaign within the same universe. On the other hand, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined version that significantly reduces setup time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. These games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion serves as a more accessible entry point for newcomers due to its quicker setup, but both titles cater to fans of expansive fantasy epics.

Both games blend elements of choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are extensive, rich in lore and adventure. Characters may depart after achieving their goals, creating poignant moments where players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. These games shine as cooperative multiplayer experiences, ranking among the best board games for two and four players.

For detailed insights, explore our reviews 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 detailed plastic miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark elevates the experience with impressive 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box for storage. This fully cooperative entry in the Descent series combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management. It facilitates crafting, character leveling, and other engaging mechanics within a narrative-driven campaign featuring randomized dungeon layouts. It stands out as both an excellent RPG and dungeon crawler board game.

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 always be fantasy-themed; the labyrinthine corridors of an Imperial base can 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 you might trade traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, the core experience remains—looting, exploring, and leveling up to defeat foes. The game brings iconic Star Wars characters into the fray, enhancing the experience. It's 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 will appreciate how Slay the Spire: The Board Game retains its deck-building essence in a tabletop format. This version allows players to ascend a dungeon together, enhancing the social aspect while maintaining strategic depth. The thrill of crafting your card deck and engaging in tactical battles against various enemies and bosses remains a key feature of this engaging experience.

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 mins

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition offers a captivating cooperative mystery horror experience. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat monsters while battling insanity. The game includes four scenarios ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longer ones providing deep, immersive campaigns. An accompanying app enhances the narrative with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding to the tension. While opinions on apps in board games vary, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is widely praised for its effective integration.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins

Don't be misled by the "2" in the title; Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape significantly diverges from its predecessor. It's accessible to all tabletop enthusiasts, offering enjoyable gameplay regardless of prior familiarity. This game embraces classic dungeon crawler elements but distinguishes itself with six unique character classes, each providing a distinct yet cohesive gameplay experience. The cycle of battling monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is engaging across multiple scenarios, with replayability enhanced by different character choices.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins

Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise, even without official ties. The game replicates the tension of navigating corridors to avoid deadly aliens. Players receive objective cards that can conflict with group interests, adding a layer of distrust and strategic depth. While survival is the ultimate goal, hidden objectives may lead to betrayal, making teamwork essential yet challenging. Nemesis also offers various expansions and additional miniatures to 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 centered around thwarting dangerous rituals. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. Although easy to learn, the game can be challenging to master. Its standalone scenarios allow for flexible player groups, increasing its accessibility and appeal.

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 installment of the Clank series deeply integrates dungeon crawler elements, making it the best entry yet. The game's use of expanding map tiles creates a roguelike experience, with each playthrough offering a unique layout. Despite the genre's typical preference for extensive miniatures, Clank! Catacombs opts for a more compact setup, appealing to 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 games, and Marvel Zombies stands out as a top entry. Drawing from the "What If" comic series, it places the zombie outbreak within the Marvel universe. Players can take on the role of zombies, and new mechanics refresh the gameplay, appealing even to seasoned Zombicide fans. The game's miniatures are a delight for comic book enthusiasts, and numerous expansions expand the experience further. 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 underappreciated gem among dungeon crawlers. While it may not appeal to those unfamiliar with the franchise, TMNT fans will appreciate its miniatures, character cards, scenario booklet, and stylish box. The game introduces a unique mechanic where a player's dice roll impacts adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative theme. It can be played fully cooperative or with one player as the villain, offering a versatile and engaging experience suitable for 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

For fans of the iconic video game series, Resident Evil: The Board Game offers a cooperative survival horror experience set in the Spencer Mansion. It features familiar characters and elements like puzzles, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. Unlike the video game series, the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, which is considered the best. All three titles are worth exploring for fans, with the original serving as an excellent starting point.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 mins

In a genre often characterized by dark themes, Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and approachable gameplay. It adds a competitive twist through PvP quests, requiring players to confront each other during scenarios. Although not suitable for solo play, Arcadia Quest thrives in a campaign setting, ideally with a consistent group of players. This setup may limit its accessibility, but for those who can gather a group, it offers a unique and personality-filled dungeon crawler experience.