Dungeon crawler board games offer some of the richest and most engaging gameplay experiences in the tabletop hobby. The sheer variety, ranging from fantasy epics to horror adventures and even licensed titles like Marvel Zombies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, can make choosing a starting point overwhelming. But fear not, this guide highlights some of the best dungeon crawler board games available.
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
0While definitions vary, most dungeon crawlers share core elements: tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and exploration of dungeons (which can be literal or metaphorical). These games often boast rich lore and complex mechanics, ideal for those seeking lengthy, immersive cooperative campaigns.
Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Frosthaven
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Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
12Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-120 mins
Gloomhaven, while currently out of print, set a high bar for dungeon crawlers. Frosthaven, its successor, offers a similarly engaging campaign in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined experience, reducing setup time. Both are interconnected, allowing character transfers. Jaws of the Lion is a great entry point for newcomers, but both offer rich, long campaigns with character progression and a choose-your-own-adventure feel. They're excellent for 2-4 players.
For more details, see our Gloomhaven review and Frosthaven impressions.
Descent: Legends of the Dark
Descent: Legends of the Dark
0Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120-180 mins
This fully cooperative Descent iteration boasts impressive 3D cardboard scenery and a clever blend of tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based resource management (crafting, leveling). The randomized dungeons and engrossing narrative campaign make it a standout RPG and dungeon crawler.
Read our Descent: Legends of the Dark review for a deeper dive.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
0Age: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 60-120 mins
This Star Wars-themed game sets its dungeon within an Imperial base. Rebel operatives collaborate against an Empire-controlling player in scenario-based campaigns. While the weapons change (lightsabers and blasters), the core dungeon crawler elements remain: looting, exploration, and leveling up. It features beloved Star Wars characters.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
0Age: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-150 mins
This adaptation of the popular video game retains the deck-building mechanics. Players cooperatively ascend the spire, battling monsters and bosses, with the strategic card play intact. The social aspect adds to the experience.
See our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review.
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
Mansions of Madness
0Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-360 mins
A cooperative mystery horror game where investigators solve puzzles, fight monsters, and battle insanity. The app enhances the immersive storytelling with narration, music, and streamlined gameplay.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins
This sequel offers a satisfying loop of monster slaying, looting, leveling, and gear upgrades. Six unique character classes provide diverse gameplay experiences.
Nemesis
Nemesis
0Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-180 mins
Evoking the suspense of Alien, players navigate a spaceship, avoiding aliens and managing hidden objectives that may pit them against each other. Trust and teamwork are crucial for survival.
Cthulhu: Death May Die
Cthulhu: Death May Die
0Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 90-120 mins
A cooperative Lovecraftian horror game where players stop a dangerous ritual. A unique mechanic involves gaining strength as sanity diminishes, adding risk and reward.
Clank! Catacombs
Clank! Catacombs
5Age: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 45-90 mins
This entry in the Clank! series offers a roguelike experience with expanding map tiles, ensuring replayability. It balances dungeon crawling elements with a smaller footprint.
Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game
Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game
0Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins
A Zombicide title featuring Marvel characters, with the option to play as zombies. New mechanics streamline the classic experience.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
0Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 45-150 mins
A unique mechanic where dice rolls affect adjacent players enhances the cooperative gameplay. Playable as a fully cooperative game or one-versus-many.
Resident Evil: The Board Game
Resident Evil: The Board Game
0Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-90 mins
Set in the Spencer Mansion, this cooperative survival horror game features familiar characters, puzzles, limited resources, and zombies.
Arcadia Quest
Arcadia Quest
0Age: 13+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60 mins
A lighter-hearted dungeon crawler with a chibi art style and easy-to-learn gameplay. Includes competitive PvP elements within the campaign.
