Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games represent one of the richest genres in the world of tabletop gaming, offering deep gameplay and a wide array of thrilling options. With so many exceptional games to choose from, deciding where to start can be daunting. These games span a variety of 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 Amazon

Defining 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 this category break away from the traditional monster-battling fantasy RPGs. What these titles share is a richness in lore and intricate mechanics. If you're seeking lengthy 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 mins

Gloomhaven set the benchmark for deep dungeon crawler board games, but with the original currently out of print, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally captivating campaign set in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, meanwhile, provides a streamlined experience with significantly less setup time, addressing one of the original's few criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters created in one to transfer to the other. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers due to its ease of setup, while Frosthaven appeals to fans of expansive fantasy epics.

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 are ideal for cooperative multiplayer sessions, making them some of the best board games for two to four players.

For more insights, explore 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 mins

While many dungeon board games boast impressive plastic miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. This fully cooperative third iteration in the Descent series combines tactical gameplay, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, seamlessly integrating crafting, leveling up, and character development into a narrative-rich campaign with randomized dungeon layouts. It stands out as both an excellent RPG and a top-tier dungeon crawler.

For a detailed analysis, check out our in-depth 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 need not be confined to fantasy realms; the maintenance corridors of an Imperial base can serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates to thwart the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. While you swap traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, the core experience of looting, exploring, and tactical combat remains intact. Plus, you'll encounter a variety of beloved Star Wars characters. This game is one of many excellent 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 mins

Fans of the popular video game will appreciate the transition of Slay the Spire to the tabletop, retaining its deck-building essence. This board game version allows players to ascend the spire together, facing its varied monsters and bosses. The social and strategic elements enhance the addictive experience of curating and using cards in tactical combat.

Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the engaging gameplay and new content.

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 features four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep, immersive campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers while streamlining gameplay, making it both accessible and tense.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

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

Don't let the "2" in the title mislead you; Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape significantly diverges from its predecessor. This sequel is welcoming to new players, offering a fun experience regardless of familiarity with the original. It retains classic dungeon crawler elements while introducing six unique character classes that offer varied gameplay. The game's loop of battling monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear across diverse scenarios ensures replayability.

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 to avoid deadly aliens. Objective cards add complexity by potentially pitting players against each other, though teamwork is often essential for survival. The uncertainty of hidden agendas among players adds a thrilling layer to the game, which 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 mins

Inspired 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 their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward dynamic. The game is easy to learn yet challenging to master, with standalone scenarios that don't require the same group of players each time.

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, collect gold, and evade a dragon. As the best entry in the Clank series to date, it expands the map with tiles, creating a roguelike experience where no two games are the same. 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 mins

The Zombicide series is renowned for cooperative survival games, and Marvel Zombies stands out as one of its best. Inspired by the What If comic series, it allows players to take on the role of zombies and introduces new mechanics that refresh the classic gameplay. The detailed miniatures appeal to comic book enthusiasts, and the game's expansions offer further exploration of the Marvel universe.

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 dungeon crawler that may not appeal to non-fans of the franchise. However, TMNT enthusiasts will appreciate the miniatures, character cards, scenario booklet, and box design. The game introduces a unique mechanic where a player's dice roll impacts adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative theme. It can be played fully cooperative or with one player as the villain, 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 enjoy Resident Evil: The Board Game, set in the iconic Spencer Mansion with familiar characters. The game retains the series' essence with puzzles unlocking new map areas, limited resources, and zombies. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released before the original, the first game is considered the best. All three are worth exploring, with the original serving as an excellent entry point.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

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

Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay, adding a competitive twist through PvP quests. While many dungeon crawlers are strictly cooperative, Arcadia Quest includes mandatory player confrontations, making solo play impossible. Designed around a campaign, it's best enjoyed with a consistent group, offering a unique and personality-filled dungeon crawler experience.