Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures

Dungeon crawler board games are a beloved genre within the tabletop gaming community, offering deep gameplay experiences and a wide variety of themes. From horror to fantasy, and even incorporating popular franchises like Marvel and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these games provide an immersive escape into diverse worlds. The genre is known for its tactical combat, character progression, rich lore, and intricate mechanics, making it perfect for those who enjoy long, cooperative campaigns.

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

Dungeon crawlers are defined by their tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons don't always have to be literal; they can take on various forms, from fantasy realms to sci-fi settings. What ties these games together is their rich narratives and complex mechanics, ideal for players seeking extended cooperative campaigns.

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 a high standard for dungeon crawlers, but with the original currently out of print, its successor, Frosthaven, offers an equally immersive campaign in the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a more streamlined experience, addressing the original's critique of lengthy setup time. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is a great entry point for newcomers, while Frosthaven caters to fans of expansive fantasy epics.

These games blend the thrill of choose-your-own-adventure novels with tabletop gaming, offering long campaigns filled with lore and adventure. Characters may leave after fulfilling their objectives, adding a bittersweet touch as players say goodbye to familiar faces and welcome new ones. Both titles are excellent for cooperative play, perfect for groups of 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

Descent: Legends of the Dark stands out with its fully cooperative gameplay and stunning 3D cardboard scenery, enhancing the dungeon experience. This third iteration combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, making it easy to engage in crafting, leveling up, and other character-enhancing activities. The game's narrative campaign and randomized dungeon layouts offer a compelling RPG experience.

For a detailed look, 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

Star Wars: Imperial Assault reimagines dungeons as the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base, where rebel operatives battle against the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. Trading traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, players explore, loot, and level up while encountering iconic Star Wars characters. It's a thrilling addition to the Star Wars board game lineup.

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 mins

Slay the Spire: The Board Game transforms the popular video game into a cooperative tabletop experience. Players ascend the spire, facing its monstrous inhabitants and bosses, while engaging in strategic deck-building. The social aspect of playing with friends enhances the strategic gameplay, making it a unique dungeon crawler.

Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game highlights its engaging gameplay and social interaction.

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 solve puzzles and fight monsters as investigators. The game's immersive storytelling is enhanced by an app that narrates the story and manages player actions, adding tension with eerie music and voiceovers. This game offers a deep, engaging campaign with varied scenarios.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

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

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape offers a fresh take on the classic dungeon crawler formula, with six unique character classes that provide varied gameplay. Players can enjoy slaying monsters, looting dungeons, and leveling up in different scenarios, making each playthrough feel distinct and engaging.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

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

Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise with its tense gameplay and hidden objectives. Players navigate corridors, avoiding dangerous aliens, while secret objectives may lead to distrust among the crew. The game balances teamwork with potential betrayal, making every session unpredictable and thrilling.

Explore additional Nemesis expansions and miniatures for an even deeper experience.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

### Cthulhu: Death May Die

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 90-120 mins

Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, where players thwart dangerous rituals. The game's unique mechanic of gaining strength as sanity dwindles adds a thrilling risk-reward element. Its standalone scenarios make it accessible and challenging for players of all levels.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

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

Clank! Catacombs combines dungeon crawling with roguelike elements, as players explore ever-changing maps, fight monsters, and collect gold while avoiding a dragon. Its compact design makes it a great choice for those with limited space, offering a unique and engaging experience within the Clank series.

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 brings the popular Zombicide series into the Marvel universe, allowing players to play as zombies or heroes. New mechanics streamline the gameplay, making it a fresh entry for both new and experienced players. The game's detailed miniatures and expansions enhance the experience for comic book fans.

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 gem for TMNT fans, featuring unique mechanics that enhance the cooperative feel. Players' dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay. The game can be played fully cooperative or with one player as the villain, making it versatile and engaging.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

### Resident Evil: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 mins

Resident Evil: The Board Game captures the essence of the iconic video game series, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters and puzzles. The cooperative survival horror game offers a thrilling experience for fans, with the original game being the best entry point into the series.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

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

Arcadia Quest breaks from traditional dungeon crawlers with its chibi art style and easy-to-learn gameplay. It introduces competitive elements with PvP quests, requiring players to face off during scenarios. Though it can't be played solo, the game's campaign offers a fun and engaging experience for groups, making it a unique addition to the genre.