Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games are a rich and diverse genre within the tabletop gaming community, offering deep gameplay and a wide variety of themes, from horror to fantasy and beyond. Popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have successfully ventured into this genre, adding to the plethora of options available. With so many excellent games on the market, selecting the right one can be challenging, but it's an exciting journey to explore these immersive experiences.

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 enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. However, the dungeons don't have to be traditional; some of the best games in this category venture beyond typical fantasy settings. What unites these titles is their rich narratives and intricate mechanics. For those seeking extensive cooperative campaigns, this list is a great starting point.

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 has set the benchmark for deep dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, Frosthaven offers an equally immersive campaign in the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined experience with less setup time, making it an excellent choice for newcomers. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is a fantastic entry point for those new to the genre, while Frosthaven caters to fans of epic fantasy adventures.

These games blend the narrative depth of choose-your-own-adventure stories with tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are long and filled with lore and adventure, where characters may leave after achieving their goals, creating a mix of nostalgia and excitement as new characters join the fray. Both titles are top picks for cooperative multiplayer experiences, suitable for groups of two to four players.

For more insights into these tabletop gems, read 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 mins

While many dungeon board games boast impressive miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances this with detailed 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. More than just aesthetics, this fully cooperative game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-assisted resource management. This allows for seamless crafting, character leveling, and engaging with randomized dungeon layouts within an immersive narrative. It's a standout choice for fans of both RPGs and dungeon crawlers.

For a deeper dive into this game, check out our comprehensive 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 aren't limited to fantasy realms; the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base offer a thrilling setting in this Star Wars-themed dungeon crawler. Players take on the role of rebel operatives facing off against an Empire-controlled adversary in a scenario-driven campaign. The game retains the core elements of dungeon crawlers—looting, exploring, and leveling up—but with the added excitement of Star Wars icons joining the fray. It's a standout entry in the wide array of 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 mins

Adapted from the popular video game, Slay the Spire: The Board Game brings the thrill of deck-building to the tabletop. Players ascend the spire, a unique dungeon concept, working together to overcome a variety of monstrous foes and bosses. The social and strategic elements enhance the experience, retaining the addictive essence of card curation and tactical gameplay found in its digital counterpart.

Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights the engaging gameplay and strategic depth that fans will love.

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 captivating cooperative horror game where players assume the roles of investigators solving mysteries and battling monsters while managing their sanity. The game comes with four scenarios, ranging from quick sessions to deep campaigns. An accompanying app enhances the immersive storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, also streamlining gameplay and making it easier to learn and play.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

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

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a fresh take on its predecessor, accessible to newcomers and veterans alike. It embraces traditional dungeon crawler mechanics but distinguishes itself with six unique character classes, each offering a distinct gameplay experience. The game's loop of battling monsters, exploring dungeons, and upgrading gear is engaging and varied, making each playthrough feel new and exciting.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 mins

Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien series with its atmosphere of creeping dread as players navigate corridors to evade dangerous aliens. The game introduces hidden objectives that can pit players against each other, adding layers of tension and uncertainty. Despite the potential for betrayal, teamwork remains crucial for survival, making Nemesis a thrilling experience. Additional expansions and miniatures are available to further enhance the game.

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 focused on thwarting rituals to summon powerful beings. A unique mechanic allows characters to gain power as their sanity diminishes, adding a strategic risk-reward element. The game is easy to learn yet challenging to master, with standalone scenarios that make it accessible for different groups of players.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 mins

Clank! Catacombs blends dungeon crawling with roguelike elements, as players fight monsters, rescue prisoners, and collect treasure while evading a dragon. The game's modular tiles ensure no two sessions are the same, offering a fresh challenge each time. Its compact design makes it a great choice for those with limited space, yet it doesn't compromise on the depth and excitement of a traditional dungeon crawler.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

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

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game adds a unique twist to the popular Zombicide series by letting players control zombies as well as survivors. Inspired by the "What If" comics, this game introduces new mechanics that refresh the classic formula. The detailed miniatures of Marvel characters are a highlight for fans, and numerous expansions allow for further customization and replayability. For those interested in more Marvel-themed games, there are plenty of great options available.

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 a hidden gem among dungeon crawlers, particularly appealing to fans of the franchise. The game features detailed miniatures and a unique mechanic where dice rolls can affect nearby teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. It can be played fully cooperatively or with a one-versus-many mode, making it versatile and enjoyable for groups of 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 mins

Set in the iconic Spencer Mansion, Resident Evil: The Board Game captures the essence of the video game series with puzzles, limited resources, and zombies. Unlike the video game sequence, the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, but the first game remains the standout. Fans of the franchise will appreciate this cooperative survival horror experience and its connection to the broader series.

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, but it adds a competitive edge through PvP quests during scenarios. This twist means it cannot be played solo, and a consistent group is ideal for its campaign mode. For those who can gather a group, Arcadia Quest offers a delightful dungeon crawler experience filled with charm and personality.