Dungeon crawler board games represent one of the most immersive and diverse genres within the tabletop gaming world, offering deep gameplay and a vast array of captivating options. With so many exceptional choices available, selecting the right game can be daunting. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and have even been embraced by popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, showcasing their versatility and widespread appeal.
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 what constitutes a dungeon crawler can spark debate among enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and exploration of dungeons, which can vary from literal underground labyrinths to more abstract settings. Despite their diversity, these titles often share rich lore and intricate mechanics. For those seeking extended cooperative campaigns, you've come to the perfect 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, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally immersive campaign set in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, provides a streamlined experience that requires less preparation time – addressing one of the original's main criticisms. These two games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for new players due to its reduced setup time, but fans of fantasy epics will find both games rewarding.
Both titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, featuring long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters may depart after achieving their objectives, adding a poignant element as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. These games are excellent cooperative multiplayer options, ranking among the best board games for two players and the best board games for four players.
For detailed 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 just part of the experience. This third, fully cooperative iteration of the Descent franchise elevates the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box for storage. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the game excels with a mix of tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, facilitating crafting, character leveling, and other engaging elements within a dynamic, narrative-driven campaign. It stands out as both a top RPG board game and a premier dungeon crawler.
For a deeper dive into this game, read our comprehensive Descent: Legends of the Dark review.
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 realms; the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base serve equally well. This Star Wars-themed dungeon crawler immerses players in a scenario-based campaign where a group of rebels faces off against the Empire, controlled by another player. While the weapons may shift from swords to lightsabers and blasters, the core experience remains thrilling as players loot, explore, and level up while engaging in tactical combat. The added bonus of encountering beloved Star Wars characters enhances the experience, making this 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 the seamless transition to a tabletop format. This board game version retains the deck-building essence while adding new content and streamlined mechanics. Players can now ascend the spire—a dungeon you climb rather than crawl—with friends, making the strategic gameplay a social experience. The thrill of curating a deck and using it tactically against various foes remains as captivating as ever.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights our enjoyment of 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 is a captivating cooperative mystery horror game where players select investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat both monsters and madness. The game unfolds through four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, offering a deep and immersive campaign. An accompanying app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding to the tension. While opinions on app integration in board games vary, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is widely praised for its effective use.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Despite the "2" in its title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a distinct departure from its predecessor, welcoming both new and returning players. It embraces classic dungeon crawler elements while distinguishing itself with six unique character classes that offer varied gameplay. The satisfying loop of defeating monsters, looting dungeons, leveling up, and upgrading gear can be enjoyed across multiple scenarios. The diverse character classes ensure that each playthrough feels fresh and engaging.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins
While the Alien franchise has inspired several board games, Nemesis captures its essence without any official ties. The game evokes the same creeping terror as players navigate corridors to avoid deadly aliens. Hidden objective cards add tension, as players may need to act against each other, making trust a scarce commodity. Despite the potential for betrayal, survival often requires teamwork, creating a complex dynamic as players strive toward common goals while suspecting hidden agendas.
Alongside the base game, Nemesis offers various expansions and additional miniatures for an even richer 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 where players work to thwart dangerous rituals. The game introduces a unique mechanic where characters gain power as their sanity decreases, adding a risk-reward element. Despite its challenging nature, the game is relatively easy to learn, and its standalone scenarios make it accessible even for groups that change players between sessions.
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 a standout in the Clank series, embracing the dungeon crawler genre with roguelike elements through expandable map tiles. Each game offers a unique experience due to the shuffled tiles. While many dungeon crawlers feature large boxes with numerous miniatures, Clank! Catacombs offers a more compact experience, ideal 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
The Zombicide series is renowned for its cooperative survival gameplay, and Marvel Zombies stands out as a top entry. Inspired by the "What If" comic series, this game allows players to take on the role of zombies, introducing new mechanics that refresh the classic formula. The detailed miniatures are a delight for comic book fans, and numerous expansions are available to extend the experience. For those seeking more Marvel-themed fun, there are plenty of great Marvel board games to explore.
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 in the dungeon crawler genre. While it may primarily appeal to fans of the franchise, it offers a rich experience with detailed miniatures, character cards, and a comprehensive scenario booklet. The game introduces a unique mechanic where dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. It can be played fully cooperatively or as a one-versus-many experience, 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. The game replicates the survival horror experience with puzzles, limited resources, and 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, with the original serving as an excellent entry point.
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 adds a competitive edge with PvP quests that pit players against each other during scenarios. While many dungeon crawlers focus on cooperation, Arcadia Quest introduces these mandatory confrontations, making it unsuitable for solo play. Designed around a campaign, it's best enjoyed with a consistent group, offering a unique and personality-filled dungeon crawler experience.
