Dungeon crawler board games are a rich and diverse genre, offering deep gameplay and a vast array of exceptional titles. With so many outstanding options available, it can be challenging to decide where to start. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include beloved franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which have successfully ventured into this space.
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 the dungeon crawler genre can be a contentious topic among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically include tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. However, these dungeons don't necessarily have to be literal. Some of the best board games in this category break away from the stereotypical fantasy RPG setting. What these titles share, though, 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 set the benchmark for deep dungeon crawler board games, though the original is currently out of print. Fortunately, its sequel, Frosthaven, offers an equally immersive campaign set in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, provides a streamlined experience that requires less prep time, addressing one of the original's main criticisms. The two games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is a great starting point for new players due to its reduced setup time, but fans of epic fantasy adventures will find both titles equally captivating.
Both games blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gameplay. Their campaigns are long and rich with lore and adventure. Characters may depart after fulfilling their primary objectives, creating bittersweet moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. These games are excellent for cooperative multiplayer, ranking among the best board games for two players and the best board games for four players.
For more insights into these tabletop masterpieces, check out our review of Gloomhaven and 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 boast impressive miniatures, seasoned gamers know that's only part of the story. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative iteration of the Descent series, enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. More than just aesthetics, the game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management. This allows for seamless crafting, character leveling, and other engaging mechanics, all within a narrative campaign featuring randomized dungeon layouts. It's an outstanding RPG board game and a top-tier dungeon crawler.
For our detailed review, check out our in-depth analysis 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 always have to be fantasy labyrinths; the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base work just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives teams up against another player controlling the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. Swapping traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, the game retains the essence of looting, exploring, and leveling up through tactical combat. You'll encounter many beloved Star Wars characters to fight alongside, making it a standout among the numerous Star Wars board games available.
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 will appreciate its deck-building roots translated into a tabletop format. The board game version offers new content and streamlined mechanics, allowing players to ascend the spire—a dungeon you climb rather than crawl—cooperatively. This social and strategic experience retains the addictive allure of curating and using cards tactically against various monsters and bosses.
We thoroughly enjoyed our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game and loved every moment of the 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 captivating cooperative mystery horror game. Players select from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat both monsters and insanity. The game unfolds through four different scenarios, ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, with the longest offering a deep, engrossing campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with immersive narratives, eerie music, and excellent voiceovers, while also streamlining gameplay for easier setup and teaching.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins
Don't be misled by the "2" in the title; Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a significant departure from its predecessor. It's accessible to any tabletop fan, offering a fun experience with dice rolling, monster slaying, and dungeon exploration. The game adheres to classic dungeon crawler tropes but distinguishes itself with six unique character classes that play differently yet cohesively. The satisfying loop of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear can be enjoyed across various scenarios, with each class providing a fresh experience.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-180 mins
Although the Alien franchise has several licensed board games, Nemesis captures its spirit without official ties. The game evokes the tension of sneaking through corridors to evade dangerous aliens. Objective cards, which players keep secret until the game's end, add intrigue and potential betrayal, as some objectives may conflict with group survival. Despite the surface goal of teamwork, the presence of a hidden traitor heightens the suspense.
In addition to the base game, there are numerous Nemesis expansions and additional miniatures available for purchase.
Cthulhu: Death May Die
### Cthulhu: Death May Die
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 90-120 mins
Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. It features various standalone scenarios centered around thwarting dangerous rituals meant to summon powerful beings. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward mechanic where losing too much sanity can lead to disaster. The game is easy to learn yet challenging to master, and its flexibility with different player groups enhances its accessibility.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
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Age: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 45-90 mins
Clank! Catacombs challenges players to fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and avoid the dragon. It's the most dungeon crawler-focused entry in the Clank series and arguably the best. The game uses tiles to expand the map dynamically, creating a roguelike experience where no two games are the same. Despite the genre's tendency for large boxes filled with miniatures, Clank! Catacombs opts for a smaller footprint, using cards and tiles for gameplay, making it a great 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
The Zombicide series is renowned for its cooperative survival gameplay, and Marvel Zombies is one of its standout entries. Inspired by the What If comic series, this game brings the zombie outbreak to the Marvel universe. It's more than just a reskin, allowing players to play as zombies and introducing new mechanics that enhance and streamline the classic experience. The detailed miniatures are a highlight for comic book fans, and numerous expansions are available to extend the fun. For those interested in more Marvel-themed games, there are plenty of 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 gem in the dungeon crawler genre. While it might not appeal to those unfamiliar with the franchise, TMNT fans will appreciate the detailed miniatures, character cards, scenario booklet, and attractive box. The game introduces a unique mechanic where dice rolls affect adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative theme. It can be played fully cooperatively or as a one-versus-many experience, making it ideal 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
For fans of the iconic video game series, Resident Evil: The Board Game offers a cooperative survival horror experience set in the Spencer Mansion, featuring familiar characters. Like the video games, it includes puzzles that unlock new map areas, limited resources, and plenty of 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 for franchise enthusiasts, with the original serving as an excellent starting point.
Arcadia Quest
### Arcadia Quest
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Age: 13+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60 mins
In a genre often characterized by dark themes and gruesome monsters, Arcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay. It introduces a competitive twist with PvP quests during scenarios, setting it apart from typical cooperative dungeon crawlers. However, this means it cannot be played solo and is best enjoyed with a consistent group throughout its campaign. For those who can gather friends or family, Arcadia Quest offers a delightful and personality-filled dungeon crawling experience.
