Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games are a richly diverse genre, offering deep gameplay and a vast array of engaging titles. With so many excellent choices available, selecting the perfect game can be daunting. 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 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 AmazonDefining the dungeon crawler genre can be a contentious topic among tabletop enthusiasts. Generally, these games feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and dungeons, which may not always be literal. The best titles in this category often transcend the typical fantasy setting, offering rich lore and complex mechanics. For those seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns, this list is your gateway to adventure.

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 immersive dungeon crawler board games, but with the original out of print, Frosthaven offers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a more streamlined experience with less prep time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is ideal for newcomers due to its quicker setup, while Frosthaven is perfect for fans of expansive fantasy epics.

These games blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gameplay, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters may leave after fulfilling their objectives, adding emotional depth as players bid farewell to old companions and welcome new ones. Both titles excel as cooperative multiplayer experiences, ranking among the best board games for two to four players.

For more insights, explore our reviews of Gloomhaven and 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 crawlers boast impressive plastic miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark distinguishes itself with intricate 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. This fully cooperative game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, facilitating crafting, leveling up, and character development within a narrative campaign with randomized dungeon layouts. It's an outstanding RPG and dungeon crawler experience.

Read our comprehensive review of Descent: Legends of the Dark for more details.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 minsDungeons aren't limited to fantasy realms; they can be the corridors of an Imperial base. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a team of rebels battles against an Imperial player through a scenario-based campaign. While the weaponry shifts from medieval to futuristic, the core experience of looting, exploring, and tactical combat remains intact. Plus, you'll encounter iconic Star Wars characters, 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 this tabletop adaptation, which retains the deck-building essence while adding new content and streamlined mechanics. Players can now ascend the spire together, facing its varied monsters and bosses, blending social interaction with strategic gameplay. The thrill of curating your card deck and engaging in tactical battles is as engaging as ever.

Check out our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game to delve deeper into 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 gripping cooperative mystery horror game. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, gather weapons, and combat 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 experience with narration, music, and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding to the tension.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsDespite the sequel tag, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is accessible to newcomers. It embraces classic dungeon crawler elements while introducing six unique character classes that offer varied gameplay. The cycle of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is enjoyable across different scenarios, with each class providing a fresh experience.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsWhile not officially linked to the Alien franchise, Nemesis captures its essence with the tension of navigating corridors while evading aliens. Players receive hidden objective cards that may conflict with group interests, adding layers of distrust and strategy. Teamwork is crucial for survival, yet the presence of a potential traitor keeps everyone on edge. Nemesis also offers various expansions and additional miniatures.

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 focused on thwarting dangerous rituals. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, creating a thrilling risk-reward dynamic. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, with standalone scenarios that don't require the same group of players, 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, gather gold, and evade dragons. This iteration delves deeper into the dungeon crawler genre, featuring tiles that expand the map dynamically, creating a roguelike experience. With its compact design, Clank! Catacombs is ideal for those with limited space but a big appetite for adventure.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsInspired by the What If comic series, Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game brings the zombie apocalypse to the Marvel universe. This game isn't just a reskin; it allows players to control zombies and introduces new mechanics that refresh the Zombicide formula. With detailed miniatures and numerous expansions, it's a must-have for fans of both Marvel and Zombicide.

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 minsThough perhaps underappreciated, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is a gem for fans of the franchise. It features unique mechanics where dice rolls affect adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. Players can choose between fully cooperative or one-versus-many gameplay, making it an excellent choice 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 minsSet in the iconic Spencer Mansion, Resident Evil: The Board Game captures the essence of the video game series with puzzles, limited resources, and zombies. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game is considered the best. All three are must-plays for fans, with the original serving as an ideal entry point.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsWith its chibi art style and accessible gameplay, Arcadia Quest stands out in a genre often dominated by darker themes. It introduces competitive elements through PvP quests, requiring players to battle each other within scenarios. While not suitable for solo play and best enjoyed with a consistent group, Arcadia Quest offers a vibrant and engaging campaign experience.