Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games stand out as one of the richest genres in the hobby, offering a deep dive into gameplay and a wide array of engaging options. With so many excellent choices available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include beloved franchises like Marvel and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, all of 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

Defining the dungeon crawler genre can spark debate among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons don't have to be literal; some of the best games in this category break away from the traditional fantasy RPG setting. What these titles share, however, is a richness in lore and mechanics. If you're seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns, you've come to the right place.

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 deep dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally immersive campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, provides a streamlined experience with less prep time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. The two games are interconnected, allowing characters created in one to transfer to the other. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers due to its reduced setup time, but fans of fantasy epics will find both games compelling.

Both titles blend the essence of a choose-your-own-adventure novel with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are long and rich with lore and adventure. Characters may depart after achieving their goals, creating bittersweet moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. These games are excellent cooperative multiplayer experiences, ideal for both two and four players.

For more 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 miniatures, seasoned gamers know that's only part of the appeal. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative iteration of the Descent series, enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. Beyond the aesthetics, the game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, allowing for seamless crafting, character leveling, and exploration of randomized dungeon layouts within an engaging narrative campaign. It's a standout RPG board game and an exceptional dungeon crawler.

For a detailed analysis, check out 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; the labyrinthine corridors of an Imperial base serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates to thwart the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. While you swap traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, the core experience remains the same: looting, exploring, and leveling up to defeat the enemy in tactical combat. Plus, you'll encounter many 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 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. The board game retains the deck-building mechanics while adding new content and streamlined gameplay. Now, players can ascend the spire together, facing its varied monsters and bosses in a social and strategic experience. The thrill of curating your deck and engaging in tactical battles remains as captivating as ever.

We thoroughly enjoyed our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game and recommend it to fans of the genre.

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 insanity. The game unfolds through four different scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with immersive narration, eerie music, and voiceovers, while also streamlining gameplay. Whether you view apps in board games as a pro or con, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition uses it effectively to heighten tension and ease of play.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins

Don't be misled by the "2" in the title; Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a fresh take on its predecessor. This sequel is accessible to all tabletop fans, offering a fun experience regardless of familiarity with the original. It adheres to classic dungeon crawler tropes but distinguishes itself with six unique character classes that offer varied gameplay while maintaining cohesion. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is engaging across multiple scenarios, and the different classes ensure each playthrough feels distinct.

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 official ties. The game evokes the same creeping terror as sneaking through corridors to evade dangerous aliens. Nemesis introduces objective cards that influence player strategies, some of which may conflict with others' goals. These hidden objectives create uncertainty and tension, as players must collaborate to survive, yet remain wary of potential traitors. Alongside the base game, numerous expansions and additional miniatures are available.

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 various standalone scenarios. The narrative typically involves thwarting a dangerous ritual to summon powerful beings. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. While easy to learn, the game can be challenging to master. Its flexibility allows different groups to play different scenarios, 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. This entry in the Clank series is the most aligned with the dungeon crawler genre and is considered the best to date. The game's tiles expand the map during play, creating a roguelike experience where no two games are the same. While many dungeon crawlers feature large boxes with detailed miniatures, Clank! Catacombs uses cards and tiles for a smaller footprint, making 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

The Zombicide series is renowned for its cooperative survival games, and Marvel Zombies is a standout entry. Inspired by the What If comic series, it brings the zombie outbreak to the Marvel universe. Unlike a mere reskin, Marvel Zombies allows players to play as zombies and introduces new mechanics that enhance the classic experience. The detailed miniatures are a treat for comic book fans, and numerous expansions are available. 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. While it may not appeal to those unfamiliar with the franchise, TMNT fans 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 a versatile experience ideal for 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 iconic video game series will enjoy Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. Like the video games, it features puzzles that unlock new areas, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, the first game is considered the best. All three titles are worth exploring for fans of the franchise, with the original serving as an excellent starting point.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 mins

In a genre often filled with dark themes, Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay. It adds a competitive twist with PvP quests that require players to face off during scenarios, deviating from the typical cooperative nature of dungeon crawlers. Unfortunately, this means it cannot be played solo, and the campaign format suggests playing with the same group each time. However, those who can gather a consistent group will enjoy a vibrant and engaging dungeon crawler experience.