The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games for an Epic Tabletop Adventure

Dungeon crawler board games offer some of the richest and most varied gameplay experiences in the tabletop hobby. The sheer number of fantastic options, however, can make choosing a starting point daunting. These games span a wide range of themes, from horror to fantasy, and even incorporate popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

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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While definitions vary, core elements of dungeon crawlers generally include tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and exploration of dungeons (though these dungeons can be metaphorical). Many also share rich lore and complex mechanics. These games often provide lengthy, cooperative campaigns.

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, though currently out of print, set a high bar for dungeon crawler board games. Frosthaven, its sequel, offers a similarly immersive campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined alternative with reduced setup time. Characters can even transfer between the two games. Jaws of the Lion is a better entry point for newcomers, but both offer extensive, story-rich campaigns. Both are excellent cooperative games, ideal for two to four players. For more details, see our Gloomhaven review and Frosthaven impressions.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

Descent: Legends of the Dark
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120-180 mins

This fully cooperative Descent iteration boasts impressive 3D cardboard scenery and a large storage box. The gameplay cleverly blends tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based management for crafting and leveling up, offering randomized dungeons and an engaging narrative campaign. It's a strong RPG and dungeon crawler hybrid. Read our in-depth review for more.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

Star Wars: Imperial Assault
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Age: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 60-120 mins

This Star Wars-themed game features rebel operatives battling the Empire across scenario-based campaigns. While the weapons change (lightsabers and blasters instead of swords and bows), the core dungeon-crawling elements remain: looting, exploration, and leveling up. The game also incorporates many popular Star Wars characters.

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

This adaptation of the popular video game retains the deck-building core mechanic. Players cooperatively ascend the spire, battling monsters and bosses in strategic card combat. Our review 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

This cooperative mystery horror game features investigators solving puzzles, collecting weapons, and fighting monsters while battling insanity. The app enhances the immersive storytelling with narration, music, and sound effects, streamlining gameplay.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins

This sequel offers a fresh take on the dungeon crawler formula with six unique character classes, providing varied gameplay experiences. The satisfying loop of monster slaying, looting, leveling up, and gear upgrades is enhanced by the diverse character options.

Nemesis

Nemesis
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-180 mins

Nemesis captures the suspense of the Alien franchise, albeit without official licensing. Players navigate treacherous corridors, avoiding aliens while pursuing hidden objectives, some of which may require betraying other players. The game emphasizes survival and teamwork, yet mistrust is always present.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

Cthulhu: Death May Die
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 90-120 mins

This cooperative Lovecraftian horror game involves preventing a ritual to summon powerful beings. A unique mechanic allows characters to gain strength as their sanity diminishes, adding a risk-reward element. The game is relatively easy to learn, despite its challenging gameplay.

Clank! Catacombs

Clank! Catacombs
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Age: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 45-90 mins

Clank! Catacombs stands out with its expanding map, creating a roguelike experience with varied gameplay each time. Its smaller footprint, compared to other dungeon crawlers, makes it a space-saving option.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game
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Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins

This Zombicide entry features Marvel characters battling a zombie outbreak. Players can even play as zombies, and new mechanics streamline the gameplay. It features many high-quality miniatures of Marvel characters and has several expansions.

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

This game features a unique mechanic where dice rolls affect adjacent players, emphasizing cooperative gameplay. It can be played cooperatively or with one player as the villain. It's particularly well-suited 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

Set in the Spencer Mansion, this cooperative survival horror game features puzzles, limited resources, and zombies. It's a strong entry point for fans of the Resident Evil franchise.

Arcadia Quest

Arcadia Quest
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Age: 13+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60 mins

Arcadia Quest offers a lighter, chibi-style aesthetic and easy-to-learn gameplay. It includes competitive PvP elements within the campaign, making it unsuitable for solo play and requiring consistent group participation.