The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games for an Epic Tabletop Adventure

Dungeon crawler board games offer a rich and diverse gaming experience, boasting both deep gameplay and a wealth of excellent choices. The sheer variety can be overwhelming, but this guide helps navigate the options, encompassing everything from fantasy and horror to unique settings based on 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 usually include tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and, of course, dungeons (though these can be creatively interpreted). Many also share rich lore and intricate mechanics. These games often offer extensive cooperative campaigns ideal for extended playtime.

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 a high bar for complex dungeon crawlers, but its out-of-print status led to Frosthaven, a similarly immersive campaign in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined experience with reduced setup time. These games are interconnected, even allowing character transfers. Jaws of the Lion is a great entry point for newcomers, while Frosthaven provides a deeper challenge for experienced players. Both offer extensive, story-rich campaigns with memorable characters and satisfying character progression, making them excellent choices for 2-4 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 stands out with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a large storage box. The gameplay blends tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based management for crafting and leveling up, all within randomized dungeon layouts and an engaging narrative campaign. It's a strong RPG and dungeon crawler hybrid.

Read our in-depth Descent: Legends of the Dark review.

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 against an Imperial player in a scenario-based campaign. While swapping lightsabers and blasters for swords and bows, the core dungeon crawler mechanics remain: looting, exploration, leveling up, and tactical combat. The added bonus of iconic Star Wars characters enhances the experience.

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 addictive deck-building mechanics, allowing cooperative ascension of the spire. The social aspect enhances the strategic gameplay, making it a fun and engaging experience for friends.

See our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
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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 and insanity. The app enhances the immersive storytelling with narration, music, and streamlined gameplay, making it accessible and engaging.

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 unique experience with six distinct character classes, providing replayability and varied gameplay. 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

Evoking the suspense of the Alien franchise, Nemesis features hidden objectives that can create tension and mistrust among players. While survival is the primary goal, the potential for betrayal adds a layer of complexity.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

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

This cooperative horror game features scenarios focused on preventing dangerous rituals. The unique mechanic of gaining strength with dwindling sanity adds a risk-reward element.

Clank! Catacombs

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

This entry in the Clank! series offers a roguelike experience with expanding map tiles, ensuring high replayability. Its smaller footprint makes it a convenient 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 installment features Marvel characters and allows players to even play as zombies. New mechanics streamline the classic experience, offering a fresh take on the popular formula.

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 teammates, emphasizing cooperative gameplay. It can be played cooperatively or with one player as the villain.

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, capturing the essence of the video game series.

Arcadia Quest

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

This game features a chibi art style and easy-to-learn gameplay, with a competitive twist through PvP quests. It's a campaign-driven game best played with the same group of players.