Dungeon crawler board games are a thrilling and deep genre within the hobby, offering a rich tapestry of gameplay and a vast array of exceptional titles. With so many fantastic options available, it can be overwhelming to choose where to start. These games span a wide range of themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into this space.
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 the dungeon crawler genre can be a topic of debate among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. However, dungeons in these games don't always have to be literal; some of the best titles in the genre break away from the traditional fantasy RPG setting. What they do share is a depth of lore and engaging mechanics. If you're looking for lengthy cooperative campaigns, you're in the right place.
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 the benchmark for deep dungeon crawler board games, although the original is currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined experience that reduces prep time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is a great starting point for newcomers due to its shorter setup time, but fans of epic fantasy adventures will find both games immensely satisfying.
These titles blend the narrative depth of a choose-your-own-adventure novel with the strategic elements of a tabletop game. Their campaigns are long and rich with lore and adventure. Characters in the game may depart after achieving their goals, creating bittersweet moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. Both are excellent cooperative multiplayer options, perfect for groups of two or four players.
For more insights, check out our detailed 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 miniatures, seasoned gamers know that's only part of the allure. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative iteration in the Descent series, enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box to store it all. Beyond the aesthetics, the game combines tactical gameplay, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, making it easy to craft items, level up characters, and explore randomized dungeon layouts within an engaging narrative campaign. It's a standout RPG board game as well as a top-notch dungeon crawler.
For a comprehensive look at this game, see 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 need not be fantasy-themed; the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base can serve the same purpose. Star Wars: Imperial Assault immerses players in a scenario-based campaign where a group of rebel operatives battles against the Empire's forces, controlled by another player. You'll trade traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, but the essence remains—looting crates, uncovering secrets, and leveling up as you engage in tactical combat against the Empire. Plus, you'll encounter iconic Star Wars characters to aid your cause. This game is 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 Slay the Spire will appreciate its transition to the tabletop. The board game retains the deck-building core while allowing players to ascend the spire together, facing its varied monsters and bosses. The social aspect enhances the strategic gameplay, and the thrill of curating and using cards against foes remains as compelling as ever.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the engaging gameplay and strategic depth.
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. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, gather weapons, and combat both monsters and insanity while unraveling intricate mysteries. The game includes four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longer ones offering deep, immersive campaigns. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and increasing tension. While opinions on apps in board games vary, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition uses it effectively to enhance the overall experience.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Don't let the "2" in the title mislead you; Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a fresh take on its predecessor. It's accessible to newcomers, offering a fun experience with dice rolling and monster slaying. The game follows classic dungeon crawler tropes but stands out with six unique character classes that play differently yet cohesively. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is satisfying and can be enjoyed across various scenarios. The diverse classes ensure that each playthrough feels unique.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins
Though not officially tied to the Alien franchise, Nemesis captures its spirit through the tension of navigating corridors to avoid dangerous aliens. The game introduces objective cards that influence player strategies, some requiring actions against other players. These hidden objectives create uncertainty about trust, yet teamwork is essential for survival. Alongside the base game, various 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 mins
Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game with standalone scenarios focused on thwarting dangerous rituals. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, with scenarios flexible enough to be played with different groups, making it highly accessible.
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. It's the most dungeon crawler-centric entry in the Clank series, with a roguelike feel thanks to expanding map tiles shuffled before each game, ensuring no two sessions are the same. Its smaller footprint, relying on 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 – A Zombicide Game brings the popular Zombicide series into the Marvel universe, inspired by the What If comic series. This isn't just a reskin; players can also play as zombies, and new mechanics refresh the classic experience. The detailed miniatures are a highlight for comic book fans, and numerous expansions are available. It's one of many great Marvel board games for fans of the universe.
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, especially appealing to TMNT fans. It features unique mechanics where part of a player's dice roll impacts adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it ideal 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. It retains the series' puzzles, limited resources, and zombie encounters. Though the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, the first game remains the best entry point for fans of the franchise.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 mins
In a genre often dominated by darker themes, Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay. It introduces competitive elements through PvP quests during scenarios, making it unique among cooperative dungeon crawlers. However, it cannot be played solo and is best enjoyed with a consistent group throughout its campaign. For those who can gather friends or family, Arcadia Quest offers a delightful and personality-filled dungeon crawling experience.
