Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games are a treasure trove of depth and variety, offering rich gameplay experiences and a vast array of excellent choices. With so many fantastic options available, selecting the perfect game can feel overwhelming. These games span a wide range of themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include 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

Defining the dungeon crawler genre can be a contentious topic 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 venture beyond traditional fantasy settings. What unites these titles is their rich lore and intricate mechanics. For those seeking lengthy 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 experiences, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, Frosthaven continues the saga with an equally compelling campaign set in the same universe. For those new to the series, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined version that reduces setup time—one of the few critiques of the original. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers, while Frosthaven appeals to fans of epic fantasy adventures.

Both titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters can depart after fulfilling their objectives, creating poignant moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. These games excel as cooperative multiplayer experiences, ideal for groups of two to four players.

For detailed insights, 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

While many dungeon crawlers boast impressive miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark stands out with its detailed 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the game combines tactical gameplay, dice rolling, and app-driven resource management, facilitating crafting, leveling, and character development within randomized dungeon layouts and an engaging narrative campaign. This title excels as both an RPG and a dungeon crawler.

Dive deeper with our comprehensive 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 don't always mean fantasy labyrinths; the corridors of an Imperial base can serve the same purpose in Star Wars: Imperial Assault. In this game, rebel operatives team up against an opponent controlling the Empire's forces through a scenario-based campaign. Swapping traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, players explore, loot, and level up to defeat the Empire, encountering beloved Star Wars characters along the way. This game stands out among other Star Wars board games for its engaging gameplay.

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 Slay the Spire's transition to a tabletop format. This game retains its deck-building core, allowing players to ascend the spire—a dungeon you climb rather than crawl—collaboratively. The social and strategic elements are enhanced as players work together to face the spire's varied threats. The addictive nature of curating and deploying cards against foes remains a highlight.

Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game captures the excitement and depth of this tabletop adaptation.

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 cooperative mystery horror game where players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat monsters and insanity. The game unfolds through four different scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes. An app enhances the storytelling with its eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding tension. This game is praised for its immersive narrative and accessible gameplay, despite the mixed opinions on app integration in board games.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

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

Despite the sequel label, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is accessible to all, not just fans of the original. It embraces classic dungeon crawler elements while offering six unique character classes that provide diverse gameplay. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting, leveling, and upgrading gear is engaging and can be experienced through various scenarios. The different classes ensure each playthrough feels fresh and unique.

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 and evade aliens. Objective cards introduce hidden agendas, challenging players to balance teamwork with personal goals. The uncertainty of trust among players adds to the game's intensity, making survival a complex and thrilling endeavor.

Enhance your experience with Nemesis expansions and additional miniatures.

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 offers a cooperative horror experience where players thwart rituals to summon powerful beings. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, adding a risk-reward element to the gameplay. The game is easy to learn yet challenging to master, with standalone scenarios that don't require consistent player groups, 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, and collect gold while avoiding a dragon. This game deepens the dungeon crawler experience within the Clank series, with dynamic tiles that expand the map, creating a roguelike feel. Each game is unique due to the shuffled tiles, and the game's smaller footprint makes it an excellent 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

Marvel Zombies blends the Zombicide series with the Marvel universe, allowing players to control either heroes or zombies. New mechanics and streamlined gameplay set this game apart, making it appealing even to seasoned Zombicide fans. The detailed miniatures and various expansions enhance the experience, offering endless fun within the comic book world.

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 that appeals to fans of the franchise with its detailed miniatures and thematic elements. The game introduces a unique mechanic where dice rolls affect adjacent teammates, reinforcing the cooperative spirit. It can be played fully cooperatively or with a one-versus-many twist, making it ideal for groups of four or five.

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 appreciate this cooperative survival horror game set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. Featuring puzzles, limited resources, and zombies, the game captures the essence of the franchise. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released first, the original is considered the best. All three titles are worth exploring, with the first serving as an excellent entry point.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

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

Arcadia Quest brings a lighter, chibi art style to the dungeon crawler genre, making it visually and mechanically accessible. It introduces competitive elements with PvP quests, setting it apart from purely cooperative games. While it cannot be played solo, the campaign format encourages consistent group play, offering a delightful experience for those who can gather friends or family for repeated sessions.