Dungeon crawler board games represent one of the most immersive and varied genres in the tabletop world, offering deep gameplay and a wealth of engaging options. With so many excellent games to choose from, deciding where to start can be challenging. These games span a wide range of themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include popular franchises like Marvel and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, all of 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
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Defining what makes a dungeon crawler can be a topic of debate among enthusiasts, but these games generally feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons need not be literal; some of the best games in this category break away from the traditional fantasy RPG setting. What they do share, however, is a richness in lore and mechanics. If you're seeking lengthy cooperative campaigns, you're in the right place.
Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
### Frosthaven
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### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-120 mins
Gloomhaven has set the benchmark for deep dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Thankfully, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally immersive campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, meanwhile, provides a more streamlined experience with less prep time, addressing one of the original's few drawbacks. The two games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent entry point for newcomers due to its reduced setup time, yet both games cater to fans of fantasy epics.
These titles blend the essence of choose-your-own-adventure novels with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are long and rich, filled with lore and adventure. Characters may leave after achieving their goals, creating poignant moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. Both games are excellent for cooperative play and are among the best board games for two to four players.
For more insights into these tabletop gems, check out our reviews of Gloomhaven and our hands-on impressions of Frosthaven.
Descent: Legends of the Dark
### Descent: Legends of the Dark
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120-180 mins
While many dungeon board games feature plastic figures, Descent: Legends of the Dark stands out with its 3D cardboard scenery and spacious storage box. This third, fully cooperative iteration of the Descent series combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, allowing for seamless crafting, leveling up, and character progression. The randomized dungeon layouts and engrossing narrative campaign make it a compelling RPG and dungeon crawler. For a detailed look, read our in-depth review of Descent: Legends of the Dark.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
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Age: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 60-120 mins
Dungeons don't have to be fantasy labyrinths; the maintenance corridors of an Imperial base work 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 remains similar, involving looting, exploration, and tactical combat. Plus, you'll encounter favorite Star Wars characters. This game is a standout among many Star Wars board games.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
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Age: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-150 mins
Fans of the popular video game Slay the Spire will appreciate this board game's deck-building mechanics. The tabletop version lets you ascend the spire with friends, facing various monsters and bosses. The game retains the strategic and social elements, making it a compelling experience. Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the enjoyable gameplay.
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
### Mansions of Madness
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play 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 battle monsters while managing sanity. The game offers four scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest providing a deep campaign. An accompanying app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding to the immersive experience.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins
Don't let the "2" in the title deter you; Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a fresh take on the series. It's accessible to new players and offers a fun experience with its unique character classes and satisfying gameplay loop of defeating monsters, looting, and upgrading. Each class provides a different feel, enhancing replayability.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-180 mins
Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien series, though it's not officially licensed. Players navigate corridors, avoiding aliens while pursuing hidden objectives that may conflict with others. The game's tension is heightened by these secretive goals, and teamwork is crucial for survival, though trust can be elusive. Additional expansions and miniatures are available for further gameplay variety.
Cthulhu: Death May Die
### Cthulhu: Death May Die
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 90-120 mins
Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game where players stop dangerous rituals. Characters gain power as their 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 each time.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at Amazon
Age: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 45-90 mins
Clank! Catacombs challenges players to fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and avoid dragons. This entry in the Clank series is a standout dungeon crawler, featuring roguelike elements with shuffled tiles that ensure no two games are the same. Its smaller footprint makes it an excellent choice for those with limited space.
Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game
### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins
Marvel Zombies, part of the popular Zombicide series, brings the zombie outbreak to the Marvel universe. Players can control zombies and enjoy new mechanics that enhance the classic experience. The detailed miniatures and various expansions make it a must-have for comic book fans, and there are other great Marvel board games to explore.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
### Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 45-150 mins
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is an underrated dungeon crawler that appeals to fans of the franchise with its miniatures and unique cooperative mechanics. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering versatile gameplay for four or five players.
Resident Evil: The Board Game
### Resident Evil: The Board Game
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-90 mins
Fans of the Resident Evil video game series will appreciate the board game set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. It features puzzles, limited resources, and zombies, capturing the essence of the franchise. Though the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game remains the best entry point for fans.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
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Age: 13+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60 mins
Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and easy-to-learn gameplay. It introduces competitive elements with PvP quests, requiring players to face off during scenarios. While not playable solo, the campaign-driven game offers a unique and engaging experience for groups committed to playing through the entire campaign.
