Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games are a deeply engaging genre within the hobby, offering rich gameplay and a wide array of fantastic options. With so many excellent choices available, deciding where to start can be challenging. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into this space.

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 AmazonThe definition of a dungeon crawler can be debated among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games generally feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. However, these dungeons need not be literal; some of the best games in this category transcend the typical fantasy RPG setting. What unites these titles is their depth in lore and mechanics. For those seeking extensive 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 minsGloomhaven 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 set in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined alternative with reduced setup time, addressing a common critique of the original. These games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is an ideal starting point for newcomers due to its ease of setup, while Frosthaven appeals to fans of extensive fantasy epics.

Both titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are long and rich in lore and adventure. Characters may depart after achieving their goals, creating poignant moments of farewell and anticipation for new arrivals. Both games are excellent cooperative multiplayer experiences, suitable for both two and four players.

For detailed insights into these tabletop masterpieces, read 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 minsWhile many dungeon board games boast appealing plastic figures, seasoned gamers know that's just part of the allure. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative installment in the franchise, enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. Beyond its visual appeal, the game integrates tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, facilitating crafting, character leveling, and more. It offers randomized dungeon layouts within an engrossing narrative campaign, making it both a top RPG and dungeon crawler.

Explore our comprehensive review of Descent: Legends of the Dark for more insights.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 minsDungeons need not be fantasy labyrinths; the maintenance corridors of an Imperial base serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a team of rebels collaborates against an Empire-controlled player in a scenario-based campaign. Trading swords and bows for lightsabers and blasters, the game retains the essence of looting, exploration, and tactical combat. Encountering beloved Star Wars characters adds an extra layer of excitement, making this one of the standout Star Wars board games.

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 minsFans of the popular video game will appreciate its transition to a tabletop format. Slay the Spire: The Board Game retains the deck-building mechanics, allowing players to ascend a dungeon with friends. This social and strategic experience preserves the thrill of curating cards and engaging in tactical combat against diverse foes and bosses.

Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game captures the excitement of its gameplay.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

### Mansions of Madness

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-360 minsMansions of Madness: Second Edition is a compelling cooperative mystery horror game. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and battle monsters and insanity. The game unfolds through four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and making it accessible and immersive.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsDespite the "2" in its title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape diverges significantly from its predecessor. Accessible to new players, it combines classic dungeon crawler elements with six unique character classes, each offering a distinct play style. The game's loop of battling monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is engaging and varied, ensuring each playthrough feels fresh.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsThough not officially tied to the Alien franchise, Nemesis captures its essence with the tension of navigating corridors to avoid deadly aliens. The game introduces objective cards that influence player strategies, sometimes pitting players against each other. These hidden objectives create uncertainty and mistrust, yet survival often requires teamwork. Alongside the base game, various 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 minsInspired by H.P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game where players thwart rituals to summon powerful beings. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. The game is easy to learn yet challenging to master, with standalone scenarios that don't require the same group, enhancing its accessibility.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 minsClank! Catacombs challenges players to fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and evade a dragon. This entry in the Clank series dives deeply into the dungeon crawler genre, featuring tiles that expand the map, making each playthrough unique. Its smaller footprint, using cards and tiles, makes it an ideal 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 minsMarvel Zombies, part of the Zombicide series, is one of its standout entries. Inspired by the What If comic series, players can control zombies or heroes in a streamlined yet fresh experience. The game's detailed miniatures and new mechanics appeal to both Zombicide veterans and Marvel fans, with numerous expansions available for extended play.

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 minsDespite being underrated, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is a gem for fans of the franchise. It features miniatures, character cards, and a scenario booklet, all housed in an attractive box. A unique mechanic impacts adjacent teammates' dice rolls, enhancing cooperation. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it suitable 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 minsFans of the Resident Evil video game series will enjoy this cooperative survival horror game set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. Featuring puzzles, limited resources, and zombies, it captures the essence of the franchise. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, the first game remains the best entry point for fans.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsArcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay. It introduces competitive elements through PvP quests, requiring players to face off during scenarios. While not suitable for solo play, its campaign-based structure rewards consistent group play. This game offers a unique and personality-filled dungeon crawler experience.