Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games are a deep and varied genre within the hobby, offering complex gameplay and a wide array of exceptional titles. With so many outstanding options available, selecting the right game can be a challenge. Dungeon crawlers span a broad spectrum, 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 AmazonDefining the dungeon crawler genre can spark debate 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; in fact, some of the best games in the category break away from traditional fantasy settings. However, these titles often share rich lore and intricate mechanics. If you're seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns, you're in 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 standard for deep dungeon crawler board games, but as it's currently out of print, its follow-up, Frosthaven, offers an equally engrossing campaign set in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined option with less prep time, addressing one of the original's few critiques. Both games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for new players due to its reduced setup time, while fans of fantasy epics will find both titles satisfying.

These games blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gameplay, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters may leave after achieving their goals, adding emotional depth as players say goodbye to old companions and welcome new ones. Both are fantastic cooperative multiplayer experiences, perfect for two or four players.

For more insights, check out 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 games dazzle with plastic miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark elevates the experience with 3D cardboard scenery and a large storage box. The game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, seamlessly integrating crafting, leveling up, and other engaging mechanics into a narrative campaign with randomized dungeon layouts. It's a standout RPG and dungeon crawler.

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

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 minsDungeons aren't confined to fantasy; the Imperial base's corridors in Star Wars: Imperial Assault serve the same purpose. In this game, a group of rebels faces off against an Imperial player in a scenario-based campaign. Players swap traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, yet the core experience of looting, exploring, and tactical combat remains, enhanced by encounters with Star Wars characters. It's a standout among 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 video game will appreciate the deck-building mechanics translated to the tabletop. Players now climb the spire together, facing its monsters and bosses in a social and strategic experience. The card curation and tactical gameplay remain as captivating as ever.

We thoroughly enjoyed our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game.

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 cooperative mystery horror game where players choose investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and battle monsters and insanity. The game offers four scenarios, ranging from 60-360 minutes, with an app enhancing the storytelling through narration, music, and voiceovers. The app also streamlines gameplay, making it easier to start and teach.

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 is a fresh take on its predecessor, accessible to all players. It adheres to classic dungeon crawler tropes but stands out with six unique character classes that offer varied gameplay. The satisfying loop of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear can be experienced across numerous scenarios, with each class providing a unique replay experience.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise without official ties, delivering a tense experience of navigating corridors while avoiding deadly aliens. Objective cards influence individual strategies, potentially pitting players against each other. Although the game promotes teamwork for survival, hidden objectives add layers of distrust. Nemesis expansions and additional miniatures are available for further customization.

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 dangerous rituals to summon powerful beings. Characters gain strength as sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. The game is easy to pick up 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, collect gold, and evade a dragon. It's the most dungeon-crawler-focused entry in the Clank series, with dynamic map expansion via tiles, turning it into a tabletop roguelike. The game's smaller footprint, relying on cards and tiles, 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 minsMarvel Zombies, part of the popular Zombicide series, brings the outbreak to the Marvel universe. Players can assume the role of zombies, and new mechanics streamline and refresh the classic gameplay. The detailed miniatures are a treat for comic book fans, and numerous expansions are available. Explore other great Marvel board games for more comic-themed fun.

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 minsTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is an underrated dungeon crawler that may not appeal to non-fans of the franchise. However, TMNT enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed miniatures, character cards, and scenario booklet. A unique mechanic where dice rolls impact adjacent teammates enhances the cooperative feel. The game can be played cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it ideal 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 Spencer Mansion. It features puzzles, limited resources, and zombies, reminiscent of the video games. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game remains the best entry point for franchise 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 approachable gameplay. It introduces competitive PvP quests within scenarios, adding a twist to the typically cooperative genre. As it's not playable solo and built around a campaign, it's best enjoyed with a consistent group of players. Arcadia Quest offers a unique and engaging dungeon crawler experience.