Dungeon crawler board games offer an immersive experience, blending deep gameplay with rich narratives that span across various themes, from horror to fantasy and beyond. With a plethora of excellent options available, it can be challenging to decide where to start. This genre isn't confined to traditional fantasy settings; it extends to iconic franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, each bringing their unique flair to the dungeon-crawling experience.
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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Dungeon crawlers are defined by several key elements: tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and, of course, the exploration of dungeons. These dungeons can take many forms, not just the typical underground lairs. The genre is also known for its rich lore and complex mechanics, making it perfect for those seeking long, cooperative campaigns.
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 a high bar for dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, delivers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined experience with reduced setup time, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transition between them, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned player, both titles offer a choose-your-own-adventure style campaign, rich in lore and excitement. Characters may leave after achieving their goals, creating a dynamic narrative where players bid farewell to old companions and welcome new ones. These games are ideal for cooperative multiplayer, perfect for groups of two or four players.
For a detailed look at these titles, explore our reviews of Gloomhaven and 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 crawlers boast impressive miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark elevates the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a comprehensive storage solution. This fully cooperative game seamlessly blends tabletop tactics, dice mechanics, and app-driven resource management. Players can engage in crafting, character leveling, and explore randomized dungeon layouts within an immersive narrative campaign. It stands out as both an exceptional RPG and a top-tier dungeon crawler.
For more insights, read 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 mins
Star Wars: Imperial Assault transforms the iconic franchise into a thrilling dungeon crawler. Set in the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base, players control a team of rebels against the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. The game maintains the essence of traditional dungeon crawlers with elements like loot and character progression, but with the added thrill of encountering Star Wars characters. 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
Adapted from the popular video game, Slay the Spire: The Board Game brings its deck-building mechanics to the tabletop. Players ascend a dungeon, collaborating to overcome its challenges and bosses. This social and strategic experience retains the addictive essence of curating and deploying cards in tactical combat, making it a must-try for fans of the original game.
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 mins
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition offers a gripping cooperative horror experience. Players choose from eight investigators to solve mysteries, collect weapons, and battle monsters while navigating sanity challenges. The game includes four scenarios of varying lengths, supported by an app that enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers. This app not only adds to the immersion but also streamlines gameplay, making it accessible and enjoyable.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape stands out as a sequel that welcomes both newcomers and fans of the series. With six distinct character classes and a variety of scenarios, it delivers a classic dungeon crawler experience with a fresh twist. The gameplay loop of defeating monsters, exploring dungeons, and upgrading gear remains satisfying, with each class offering a unique playstyle that enhances replayability.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins
Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise, offering a tense experience of sneaking through corridors while evading deadly creatures. The game introduces hidden objectives that can pit players against each other, adding a layer of intrigue and mistrust. Despite the potential for conflict, survival often requires cooperation, making for a compelling and unpredictable gameplay experience. Nemesis also offers expansions and additional miniatures for further customization.
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 challenges players to thwart dangerous rituals in a cooperative horror setting. As characters lose sanity, they gain strength, adding a strategic element of risk and reward. The game's scenarios are standalone, making it easy to play with different groups, and its straightforward mechanics make it approachable despite the challenging gameplay.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 mins
Clank! Catacombs immerses players in a dynamic dungeon-crawling adventure, combining monster fighting, prisoner freeing, gold collecting, and dragon evasion. Its roguelike nature, with shuffled tiles that change each game, ensures a fresh experience every time. Despite the genre's typical large footprint, Clank! Catacombs offers a compact setup, making it an excellent 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 a fresh twist to the popular Zombicide series by integrating the Marvel universe. Players can take on the role of zombies, and new mechanics enhance the classic gameplay, making it appealing even to seasoned players. The game's miniatures are a highlight for comic book enthusiasts, and numerous expansions offer further adventures within the Marvel Zombies 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 may be underrated, but it's a gem for fans of the franchise. With detailed miniatures and a unique mechanic where dice rolls impact nearby teammates, it truly embodies cooperative play. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering flexibility and excitement for groups of 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
Resident Evil: The Board Game brings the iconic video game series to the tabletop with a cooperative survival horror experience set in the Spencer Mansion. Featuring puzzles, limited resources, and zombies, it captures the essence of the original games. While the board game series released entries for Resident Evil 2 and 3 before the original, the first game is considered the best starting point for fans of the franchise.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 mins
Arcadia Quest introduces a playful twist to the genre with its chibi art style and easy-to-learn gameplay. However, it adds competitive elements through PvP quests, setting it apart from purely cooperative dungeon crawlers. Though it cannot be played solo and requires a consistent group for its campaign, Arcadia Quest offers a vibrant and engaging experience for those who can gather a group of friends or family.
