Dungeon crawler board games are a beloved genre in the tabletop gaming community, offering deep and immersive gameplay experiences that range from horror to fantasy and even incorporate popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With a wide array of fantastic options available, choosing the perfect dungeon crawler can be challenging. These games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and intricate dungeons, though the dungeons can take various forms beyond the traditional fantasy setting. What unites them is their rich lore and engaging mechanics, making them perfect for those seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns.
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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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
Frosthaven and Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion stand out as pillars of the dungeon crawler genre. Frosthaven, the follow-up to the groundbreaking Gloomhaven, offers a deeply engaging campaign within the same rich universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined entry point with less prep time, making it an excellent starting point for newcomers. Both games intertwine seamlessly, allowing character transfers between them, and offer a choose-your-own-adventure style experience packed with lore and thrilling gameplay. Perfect for cooperative play, these titles are ideal for both two and four players, delivering unforgettable gaming sessions.
For more insights, 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
Descent: Legends of the Dark brings a new level of immersion to dungeon crawlers with its stunning 3D cardboard scenery and expansive storage box. This fully cooperative game blends tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, allowing players to enjoy crafting, leveling up, and exploring randomized dungeons within a gripping narrative. It's a standout RPG board game that excels in both its mechanics and storytelling.
Check out our in-depth review of Descent: Legends of the Dark for a closer look.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 mins
Star Wars: Imperial Assault reimagines dungeon crawling within the iconic Star Wars universe. Players take on the role of rebel operatives navigating the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base, facing off against the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. The game retains the core elements of dungeon crawlers—looting, exploring, and leveling up—while adding the thrill of battling with lightsabers and blasters alongside beloved Star Wars characters.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 mins
Slay the Spire: The Board Game transforms the popular video game into a cooperative tabletop adventure. Players work together to ascend the spire, facing off against various monsters and bosses through strategic deck-building and tactical card play. The game retains the addictive gameplay of its digital counterpart, making it a must-try for fans and newcomers alike.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights its engaging gameplay and social elements.
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 an immersive cooperative horror experience. Players take on the roles of investigators solving mysteries, collecting weapons, and battling monsters while navigating a haunting narrative driven by an app. The app enhances the game's atmosphere with eerie music and voiceovers, making it a standout in the genre.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 mins
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a fresh take on the dungeon crawler genre. Despite being a sequel, it's accessible to new players with its unique character classes and engaging gameplay. The game's replayability is enhanced by the variety of scenarios and class differences, ensuring a unique experience each time you play.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins
Nemesis captures the essence of survival horror with its tense gameplay and hidden objectives. Players must navigate a spaceship filled with dangerous aliens, managing teamwork and betrayal as they strive to survive. The game's atmosphere and mechanics make it a thrilling experience, further expanded by numerous additional miniatures and expansions.
Cthulhu: Death May Die
### Cthulhu: Death May Die
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 90-120 mins
Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's works. Players work to stop dangerous rituals, gaining strength as their sanity diminishes. The game's risk-reward mechanics and easy-to-learn gameplay make it an accessible and thrilling dungeon crawler.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 mins
Clank! Catacombs is a standout in the Clank series, diving deep into the dungeon crawler genre. With expanding map tiles and roguelike elements, each game offers a unique experience. Its smaller footprint makes it an excellent choice for those with limited space, without sacrificing the fun and excitement of a dungeon crawl.
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 incorporating the Marvel universe. Players can take on the roles of zombies or heroes, with new mechanics that streamline the gameplay. The game's detailed miniatures and various expansions make it a must-have for fans of both Marvel and cooperative survival 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 offers a unique cooperative experience with a twist. Players can engage in fully cooperative play or a one-versus-many mode, with mechanics that emphasize teamwork and impact adjacent players. The game's detailed miniatures and scenarios make it a standout for TMNT fans.
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, featuring puzzles, limited resources, and zombies within the Spencer Mansion. While the board game series released entries out of order, the original game is considered the best. It's a must-play for fans of the Resident Evil franchise.
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 easy-to-learn gameplay, introducing a competitive twist with PvP quests. While it can't be played solo, its engaging campaign and unique aesthetic make it a fantastic choice for groups looking for a dungeon crawler with personality.
