Dungeon crawler board games represent one of the richest genres in tabletop gaming, offering deep gameplay and a wide array of captivating options. With so many excellent choices available, selecting the perfect game can be a daunting task. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even extend to popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into this genre.
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
The dungeon crawler genre is often debated among tabletop enthusiasts, yet it typically includes elements like tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and, of course, exploration of dungeons. These dungeons can vary widely, not always adhering to the traditional fantasy setting. What most of these games share is a richness in lore and mechanics. For those seeking extensive cooperative campaigns, you've found the perfect guide.
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. Thankfully, its successor, Frosthaven, offers a similarly engaging campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, however, provides a more streamlined experience with reduced setup time, making it an excellent choice for newcomers. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is the ideal starting point for those new to the genre due to its accessibility, while Frosthaven caters to fans of epic fantasy adventures.
These titles blend the narrative depth of a choose-your-own-adventure novel with the strategic gameplay of a tabletop game. Their campaigns are lengthy and filled with rich lore and exciting adventures. Characters can complete their arcs and depart, creating a poignant experience as players bid farewell to familiar heroes and welcome new ones. Both options are excellent for cooperative multiplayer, suitable for groups of two to four players.
For more insights into these tabletop gems, 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
Many dungeon board games dazzle with plastic miniatures, but Descent: Legends of the Dark elevates the experience with detailed 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. This fully cooperative third iteration of the Descent series combines tactical gameplay, dice mechanics, and app-driven resource management. Players can craft, level up, and navigate through randomized dungeon layouts within an immersive narrative campaign. It's a standout RPG board game and an exceptional dungeon crawler.
For a comprehensive look at this game, read 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 aren't limited to fantasy realms; they can also be the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base in Star Wars: Imperial Assault. In this game, a team of rebels collaborates against an opponent controlling the Empire's forces through scenario-based campaigns. While the weapons might shift from swords to lightsabers, the core experience remains thrilling as players loot, explore, and level up to defeat the enemy. Plus, you'll encounter iconic Star Wars characters to aid your mission. This game is a stellar addition to the array of 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 the transition of Slay the Spire to a tabletop format. This board game retains the deck-building essence of the original while adding new content and streamlined mechanics. Players can now ascend the spire together, facing off against various monsters and bosses, turning the game into a social and strategic experience. The thrill of curating your deck and engaging in tactical battles against diverse foes remains as captivating as ever.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Slay the Spire: The Board Game, as detailed in our review.
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 monsters and madness. The game unfolds through four distinct scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, offering a deep and immersive campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with atmospheric music and voiceovers, while also simplifying game setup and management. This app integration is widely praised for adding tension and streamlining play.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Despite the sequel title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape diverges significantly from its predecessor, making it accessible to new players. This game embraces classic dungeon crawler elements while introducing six unique character classes, each offering distinct gameplay. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting dungeons, and upgrading gear remains satisfying, with multiple scenarios and class variations ensuring diverse replay experiences.
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, immersing players in a tense atmosphere as they navigate corridors to evade deadly aliens. The game introduces objective cards that influence individual strategies, some of which may conflict with group goals. These hidden objectives create uncertainty and distrust, 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 focused on thwarting dangerous rituals. Characters gain power as their sanity decreases, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. While easy to learn, the game challenges players to succeed in various standalone scenarios. Its accessibility is heightened by the flexibility to play scenarios with different groups of players.
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 iteration of the Clank series dives deep into the dungeon crawler genre, featuring dynamic map expansion through shuffled tiles, creating a roguelike experience. Despite the genre's preference for large boxes and numerous miniatures, Clank! Catacombs opts for a compact design, using cards and tiles to keep gameplay engaging and space-efficient.
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 is a standout entry. Inspired by the What If comic series, this game lets players take on the role of zombies within the Marvel universe. It introduces new mechanics and streamlines the classic Zombicide experience, appealing even to seasoned players. The detailed miniatures are a treat for comic book fans, and the game's expansions further enrich the experience. 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 underrated gem in the dungeon crawler genre, especially appealing to fans of the franchise. It features unique mechanics where players' dice rolls can affect their teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering versatile gameplay options 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
Fans of the Resident Evil video game series will enjoy this cooperative survival horror board game, set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. The game incorporates puzzles to unlock new areas, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. Although the board game adaptations of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, the first game is considered the best. All three titles are worthwhile for fans, with the original serving as an excellent entry point.
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 approachable gameplay, introducing a competitive twist with PvP quests during scenarios. While many dungeon crawlers are purely cooperative, Arcadia Quest requires players to face off against each other, making it unsuitable for solo play. Its campaign-based structure means it's best enjoyed with a consistent group of players, offering a unique and personality-filled dungeon crawling experience.
