Dungeon crawler board games represent one of the most immersive and diverse genres within the hobby, offering a wide range of gameplay experiences from horror to fantasy and beyond. With so many exceptional options available, deciding where to start can be challenging. These games not only vary in theme—from traditional fantasy to popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—but also in mechanics, providing players with rich narratives and engaging gameplay.

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 be a topic of debate among enthusiasts, but these games typically involve tactical combat, character progression, loot collection, and exploration of dungeons, which don't necessarily need to be literal. What unites many of these titles is their deep lore and intricate mechanics. If you're seeking a lengthy cooperative campaign, you've come to the right place.

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 the benchmark for in-depth dungeon crawler experiences, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, Frosthaven offers a similarly immersive campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, provides a more streamlined experience that significantly reduces setup time, addressing one of the original game's few criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers due to its quicker setup, yet both are ideal for fans of epic fantasy adventures.

These titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters may leave after fulfilling their objectives, creating a poignant farewell as players welcome new heroes. Both games excel as cooperative multiplayer experiences, ranking among the best board games for two or four players.

For more detailed 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

While many dungeon crawler games boast detailed plastic miniatures, seasoned gamers know that's only part of the appeal. Descent: Legends of the Dark stands out with its stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious box to store everything. The game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, facilitating crafting, character leveling, and other engaging mechanics within randomized dungeon layouts and a compelling narrative campaign. It's a standout choice for both RPG and dungeon crawler enthusiasts.

For a deeper understanding, take a look at 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 settings; the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base serve just as well. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a group of rebel operatives collaborates against an opponent controlling the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. Players exchange traditional weapons for lightsabers and blasters, yet the core experience of looting, exploring, and leveling up remains intact. Encountering beloved Star Wars characters adds to the thrill, making this one of the standout 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

Fans of the popular video game will appreciate the transition to tabletop, with new content and streamlined mechanics. Slay the Spire: The Board Game allows players to ascend a dungeon collaboratively, facing a variety of monsters and bosses. The game retains the strategic depth and excitement of deck-building and tactical combat, making it a social and strategic experience.

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

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 offers a cooperative mystery horror experience. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, gather weapons, and combat monsters and insanity. The game's four scenarios span from 60 to 360 minutes, offering a deep narrative campaign. An app enhances the storytelling with atmospheric music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding to the tension. Whether you're a fan of apps in board games or not, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is celebrated for its implementation.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

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

Despite its title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a standalone game that diverges significantly from its predecessor. It's accessible to newcomers and veterans alike, offering classic dungeon crawler elements with six unique character classes that play differently yet cohesively. The gameplay loop of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is engaging, with scenarios that ensure replayability. Each class provides a fresh experience, making every playthrough feel new.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

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

Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise without official ties, immersing players in a tense atmosphere as they navigate corridors to avoid dangerous aliens. Objective cards influence individual strategies, often pitting players against each other. Hidden until the game's end, these cards create uncertainty and mistrust, yet cooperation is crucial for survival. Alongside the base game, various expansions and additional miniatures enhance the experience.

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 where players thwart dangerous rituals. Characters gain strength as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward dynamic. While easy to learn, the game can be challenging to master. Its standalone scenarios make it versatile for different player groups, enhancing its accessibility.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

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

Clank! Catacombs challenges players to fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and evade a dragon. This installment in the Clank series fully embraces the dungeon crawler genre, with tiles that expand the map during play, creating a roguelike experience. Each game offers a unique layout, ensuring variety. Its compact design is perfect for those with limited space, making it an excellent choice for dungeon crawler enthusiasts.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

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

Marvel Zombies, part of the popular Zombicide series, brings the outbreak to the Marvel universe. Players can even take on the role of zombies, and new mechanics refresh the gameplay. The detailed miniatures appeal to comic book fans, and the game's expansions offer further exploration. For those seeking more Marvel-themed fun, there are numerous great Marvel board games 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 an underrated gem in the dungeon crawler genre. While primarily appealing to TMNT fans, its unique mechanic—where dice rolls affect adjacent teammates—enhances the cooperative experience. The game can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, making it ideal for groups of four or five.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

### Resident Evil: The Board Game

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

Fans of the Resident Evil video game series will enjoy the cooperative survival horror experience set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. The game features puzzles, limited resources, and plenty of zombies. While the board game adaptations of Resident Evil 2 and 3 preceded the original, the first game remains the best entry point for franchise enthusiasts.

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, adding a competitive edge through PvP quests. Unlike fully cooperative dungeon crawlers, players engage in mandatory face-offs, making it unsuitable for solo play. The game's campaign structure encourages consistent player groups, offering a unique and engaging dungeon crawler experience filled with personality.