The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games for an Epic Tabletop Adventure

Dungeon crawler board games are a beloved genre within the tabletop community, offering deep gameplay and a wide array of immersive experiences. With so many exceptional games available, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Dungeon crawlers span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into this exciting 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 the dungeon crawler genre can be a point of contention among tabletop 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 the category aren't traditional fantasy RPGs but still capture the essence of the genre. What these titles generally share is a richness in lore and mechanics, making them perfect for those seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns.

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 deep dungeon crawler board games, but with the original currently out of print, Frosthaven offers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, provides a streamlined experience with less prep time, addressing one of the original's few critiques. Both games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is an ideal starting point for newcomers due to its reduced setup time, while Frosthaven appeals to fans of epic fantasy adventures.

These titles blend the excitement of a choose-your-own-adventure novel with tabletop gaming. The campaigns are long and rich with lore and adventure. Characters can depart after fulfilling their objectives, creating a bittersweet moment where players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. Both games are excellent cooperative multiplayer experiences, perfect for groups of two to 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 plastic figures, seasoned gamers know that's only part of the appeal. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative iteration of the Descent series, elevates the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. More than just aesthetics, the game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, seamlessly integrating crafting, character leveling, and randomized dungeon layouts into an engrossing narrative campaign. It's a standout RPG board game and a top-tier dungeon crawler.

For our detailed analysis, 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 have to be fantasy labyrinths; the intricate corridors of an Imperial base can serve just as well. Star Wars: Imperial Assault immerses players in a scenario-based campaign where rebel operatives collaborate against an Empire-controlled player. While you swap traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, the core experience of looting, exploring, and tactical combat remains intact. Encountering favorite Star Wars characters adds an extra layer of excitement, making it one of the standout Star Wars 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 mins

Fans of the popular video game will appreciate Slay the Spire's transition to the tabletop, retaining its deck-building essence. The board game version allows players to ascend the spire together, facing its varied monsters and bosses in a social and strategic experience. The thrill of curating your card deck and engaging in tactical battles remains as addictive as ever.

We thoroughly enjoyed our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game and can't recommend it enough.

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 captivating cooperative mystery horror game where players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, gather weapons, and combat monsters and insanity. The game unfolds through four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longer sessions offering deep, immersive campaigns. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, while also streamlining gameplay, making it easier to start and teach. Whether you're a fan of apps in board games or not, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition strikes the right balance.

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 is a fresh take on its predecessor. Accessible to both newcomers and seasoned players, it embraces classic dungeon crawler elements while distinguishing itself with six unique character classes that offer diverse gameplay. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is engaging, and the variety of scenarios ensures high replayability.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

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

Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise without official ties, delivering a creeping sense of dread as players navigate corridors and evade aliens. The game introduces objective cards that influence individual strategies, potentially pitting players against each other. These hidden objectives create tension and uncertainty, yet teamwork remains crucial for survival. Nemesis offers a thrilling experience, enhanced by various expansions and additional miniatures.

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 thwart dangerous rituals to summon powerful beings. Characters gain strength as their sanity wanes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic that adds depth to the gameplay. The game's accessibility and standalone scenarios make it a great choice for groups, even if beating it can be challenging.

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 dragons. As a standout entry in the Clank series, it embraces the dungeon crawler genre with roguelike elements through expanding map tiles, ensuring each playthrough is unique. Its smaller footprint, achieved through cards and tiles rather than numerous miniatures, 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 mins

Marvel Zombies, part of the popular Zombicide series, brings a fresh twist by allowing players to play as zombies. Drawing from the What If comic series, it introduces new mechanics that streamline the classic experience. The detailed miniatures and various expansions appeal to fans of Marvel, while the game itself offers a unique take on the cooperative survival genre.

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 fans of the franchise. The game's unique mechanic, where dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, enhances the cooperative feel. It can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering versatile gameplay 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 series will appreciate Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. The game captures the essence of the series with puzzles, limited resources, and zombies. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game remains the best entry point for fans looking to dive into this 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, adding a competitive twist through PvP quests. While most dungeon crawlers are cooperative, Arcadia Quest introduces mandatory player confrontations, making it unsuitable for solo play. Its campaign structure encourages consistent group play, offering a fun and personality-filled dungeon crawler experience for those who can gather a regular gaming group.