Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games are a thrilling and immersive genre within the tabletop gaming community, offering deep gameplay and a wide variety of fantastic titles. With so many exceptional options available, selecting the perfect game can be challenging. These games span genres from horror to fantasy, and even include adaptations from popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, showcasing the genre's versatility and appeal.

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 spark debate among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and dungeons, which may not always be literal. Some of the best games in this category break away from the traditional fantasy RPG mold, yet they share a richness in lore and mechanics. For those seeking extensive cooperative campaigns, you're in the right place.

Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

### Frosthaven

0See it at Amazon### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

12See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play 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 captivating campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, meanwhile, provides a streamlined experience with less prep time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers due to its reduced setup time, while Frosthaven appeals to fans of epic fantasy adventures.

These titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are long and rich in lore and adventure. Characters may leave after fulfilling their goals, creating poignant moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. Both are superb cooperative multiplayer experiences, ranking among the best board games for two and four players.

For more insights, check out our reviews of Gloomhaven and hands-on impressions of Frosthaven.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120-180 mins

While many dungeon board games boast impressive plastic miniatures, seasoned gamers know that's just 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 seamlessly integrates tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, enabling crafting, leveling up, and other enjoyable mechanics within a narrative-rich campaign with randomized dungeon layouts. It's an excellent RPG board game and a top-notch dungeon crawler.

For a deeper dive, check out our comprehensive review of Descent: Legends of the Dark.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 60-120 mins

Dungeons aren't limited to fantasy realms; the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates to thwart the Empire, controlled by another player, in a scenario-based campaign. Trading swords and bows for lightsabers and blasters, the game maintains the essence of dungeon crawling—looting crates, uncovering secrets, and leveling up through tactical combat. Plus, you'll encounter beloved Star Wars characters along the way. 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 Amazon

Age: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-150 mins

Fans of the popular video game Slay the Spire will appreciate its transition to a tabletop format. The board game retains the deck-building core while allowing players to ascend the spire—a dungeon you climb rather than crawl—cooperatively. This social and strategic experience enhances the addictive thrill of curating cards and using them tactically against various enemies and bosses.

We thoroughly enjoyed our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game, capturing every engaging moment of its gameplay.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

### Mansions of Madness

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play 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 fend off monsters and insanity. The game unfolds through four different scenarios, lasting from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep and immersive campaign. An app enhances the experience with eerie music, excellent voiceovers, and streamlined gameplay, adding to the tension and ease of play.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins

Despite the "2" in its title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape significantly diverges from its predecessor, making it accessible to all tabletop fans. It follows classic dungeon crawler tropes but distinguishes itself with six unique character classes, each offering a distinct yet cohesive gameplay experience. The game loop of slaying monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is satisfying and varied across multiple scenarios, ensuring replayability.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-180 mins

While the Alien franchise has inspired several board games, Nemesis captures its essence without official ties. The game evokes the creeping terror of navigating corridors while evading dangerous aliens. Players receive objective cards that influence their strategies, some requiring actions against others' interests, adding layers of tension and mistrust. Despite the potential for hidden traitors, teamwork is crucial for survival.

Alongside the base game, various Nemesis expansions and additional miniatures are available for purchase.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

### Cthulhu: Death May Die

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 90-120 mins

Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Players tackle various standalone scenarios to thwart dangerous rituals and summonings. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward dynamic. The game is easy to learn yet challenging to master, with flexible player groups enhancing its accessibility.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

5See it at Amazon

Age: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 45-90 mins

Clank! Catacombs challenges players to fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and avoid a dragon. Among the Clank series, Catacombs fully embraces the dungeon crawler genre and is arguably the best installment yet. Its roguelike elements, with tiles expanding the map during play, ensure no two games are the same. Despite the genre's preference for large boxes with detailed miniatures, Clank! Catacombs maintains a smaller footprint, using cards and tiles for gameplay.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins

The Zombicide series is renowned for cooperative survival games, and Marvel Zombies stands out as a top entry. Inspired by the What If comic series, it brings the zombie outbreak to the Marvel universe. Unlike other Zombicide games, players can control zombies, and new mechanics refresh the classic experience. The game includes fantastic miniatures of comic book characters and offers numerous expansions. For more Marvel fun, explore other great Marvel board games.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

### Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 45-150 mins

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is an underrated gem in the dungeon crawler genre. While it may not appeal to non-fans of the franchise, TMNT enthusiasts will appreciate the miniatures, character cards, scenario booklet, and stylish box. The game introduces a unique mechanic where dice rolls affect adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. It can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering an excellent experience for four or five players.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

### Resident Evil: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon

Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-90 mins

Fans of the Resident Evil video game series will enjoy Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the iconic Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. Like the video games, it features puzzles that unlock new map areas, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. Unlike the video game series, the board game adaptations of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, which remains the best entry. All three are worth exploring, with the original serving as an ideal starting point.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at Amazon

Age: 13+
Players: 2-4
Play 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 twist with PvP quests, requiring players to face off during scenarios. While most dungeon crawlers are cooperative, Arcadia Quest's mandatory confrontations prevent solo play. Its campaign structure means consistent group play is ideal, which may be a barrier for some. However, for those who can gather a regular group, Arcadia Quest offers a delightful dungeon crawler full of personality.