Dungeon crawler board games represent one of the most immersive and varied genres in the world of tabletop gaming. With an overwhelming number of excellent options available, selecting the right game can be a daunting task. These games span a broad spectrum of themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include popular franchises such as Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into this genre.
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
0See it at AmazonThe definition of a dungeon crawler can vary among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, crucially, dungeons. These dungeons don't have to be traditional; some of the most compelling games in this category deviate from the typical fantasy RPG setting. What these games share, however, is a rich tapestry of lore and mechanics. For those seeking extensive cooperative campaigns, you're in the perfect place.
Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
### Frosthaven
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### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
12See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-120 minsGloomhaven set a high bar for deep, engaging dungeon crawler experiences, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, Frosthaven, its successor, delivers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a more streamlined experience with reduced setup time, addressing one of the original's main criticisms. These games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers due to its ease of setup, while Frosthaven caters to fans of epic fantasy narratives.
Both titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, featuring long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters can depart after fulfilling their objectives, adding emotional depth as players bid farewell to old allies and welcome new ones. These games are ideal for cooperative multiplayer, suitable for both two and four players.
For more 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 minsBeyond the allure of plastic miniatures, seasoned gamers know the true value lies in gameplay. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative entry in the Descent series, enhances its dungeons with impressive 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. The game excels with a mix of tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-assisted resource management, facilitating crafting, character leveling, and more within a dynamic narrative campaign. This game stands out as both a top RPG and dungeon crawler.
Discover our in-depth review of Descent: Legends of the Dark for a closer look.
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 settings; the corridors of an Imperial base offer an equally thrilling backdrop. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a team of rebels battles the Empire's forces in a scenario-driven campaign. Players exchange traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, but the essence of looting, exploration, and tactical combat remains. Plus, you'll encounter iconic Star Wars characters, adding to the game's appeal. This is one of the standout Star Wars board games available.
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 essence of deck-building while introducing new content and streamlined mechanics. Players now ascend the spire together, facing various monsters and bosses in a cooperative, strategic challenge. The social aspect enhances the game's addictive card-based combat.
Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the enjoyable gameplay experience.
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
### Mansions of Madness
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-360 minsMansions of Madness: Second Edition offers a gripping cooperative mystery horror experience. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, gather weapons, and combat both monsters and madness. The game's four scenarios vary in length, with the longest offering a deep campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and increasing immersion. The app's integration is widely praised for enhancing the overall experience.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsDespite its sequel status, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is accessible to newcomers and offers a fresh take on the series. It retains classic dungeon crawler elements but distinguishes itself with six unique character classes, each providing a different playstyle. The game's core loop of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is engaging and versatile across multiple scenarios, ensuring a unique experience with each character.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise's tension without official ties. Players navigate corridors, evading dangerous aliens while pursuing personal objectives that may conflict with others. These hidden objectives add intrigue and mistrust, making teamwork essential yet challenging. Alongside the base game, numerous expansions and additional miniatures are available for deeper exploration.
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 summoning eldritch beings. Characters grow stronger as their sanity wanes, creating a compelling risk-reward dynamic. The game's standalone scenarios are easy to learn yet challenging to master, making it accessible for varied player groups.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 minsClank! Catacombs challenges players to battle monsters, rescue prisoners, gather gold, and evade dragons. This installment in the Clank series is the most aligned with the dungeon crawler genre, featuring dynamic map expansion through shuffled tiles for a roguelike experience. Its compact design, focusing 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 minsThe Zombicide series is renowned for its cooperative survival gameplay, and Marvel Zombies is a standout. Drawing from the What If comic series, players can take on the role of zombies, and new mechanics refresh the classic formula. The detailed miniatures appeal to comic book fans, and numerous expansions enhance the experience. For more Marvel fun, explore other great Marvel board games.
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 minsWhile perhaps underappreciated, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is a gem for TMNT fans. The game includes appealing miniatures, character cards, and a scenario booklet, all packed in a stylish box. A unique mechanic links players' dice rolls, fostering true cooperative play. It can be enjoyed fully cooperative or with a player as the villain, 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 minsFans of the Resident Evil video game series will appreciate this cooperative survival horror game set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. It features puzzles, limited resources, and plenty of zombies, echoing the video game experience. While the board game adaptations of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game is considered the best. All three titles are worth exploring, with the original serving as a great starting point.
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 a competitive element through PvP quests, setting it apart from purely cooperative dungeon crawlers. Unfortunately, it's not playable solo and is best enjoyed with a consistent group throughout its campaign. For those who can gather a regular gaming group, Arcadia Quest offers a delightful and personality-filled dungeon crawling experience.
