Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games for Epic Tabletop Adventures %v

Dungeon crawler board games stand out as one of the most immersive and diverse genres in tabletop gaming, offering a rich tapestry of gameplay and thematic variety. Whether you're drawn to the dark corridors of horror or the epic adventures of fantasy, the genre spans a wide spectrum, including unexpected themes like Marvel superheroes and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With so many compelling options available, selecting the perfect dungeon crawler can feel overwhelming. Yet, this guide aims to illuminate the best choices and help you navigate this exciting category.

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 AmazonDefining the dungeon crawler genre can be a point of debate among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons aren't always literal; in fact, some of the best games in this category break away from the typical fantasy RPG setting. What these titles share, however, is a deep engagement with lore and mechanics. If you're seeking a lengthy cooperative campaign, you've found the perfect guide.

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 minsGloomhaven set the benchmark for deep dungeon crawler board games, but with the original currently out of print, Frosthaven emerges as its captivating successor, set in the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined experience with reduced prep time, addressing one of the original's main criticisms. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transition between them. Jaws of the Lion is an ideal entry point for newcomers due to its quicker setup, yet fans of fantasy epics will find both titles equally rewarding.

These games blend the narrative depth of a choose-your-own-adventure with the strategy of tabletop gaming. Their campaigns are extensive, filled with lore and adventure. Characters can leave the story after achieving their goals, creating poignant moments of farewell and excitement for new arrivals. Both are excellent cooperative multiplayer experiences, perfect for both two and four players.

For more insights into these tabletop masterpieces, 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 minsWhile many dungeon games boast impressive miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. Beyond its aesthetics, the game excels with a mix of tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-assisted resource management. This combination allows for smooth character development and randomized dungeon exploration within an engaging narrative campaign. It's not only a top-tier RPG board game but also a standout dungeon crawler.

For a detailed look at this game, 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 minsDungeons don't have to be fantasy realms; the intricate corridors of an Imperial base work just as well. Star Wars: Imperial Assault transports players into this scenario, where a team of rebels battles against an Empire-controlled player in a campaign-based setting. While the weapons may be lightsabers and blasters, the essence of exploring, looting, and combat remains intact. Plus, you'll encounter beloved Star Wars characters along the way, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise.

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 minsFans of the video game will appreciate the tabletop adaptation of Slay the Spire, which retains the deck-building mechanics that made it popular. The board game version allows you to ascend the spire with friends, turning a solo experience into a cooperative or competitive challenge. The thrill of strategizing with cards against various foes and bosses remains a highlight, making it a compelling choice for both solo and group play.

Our review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game captures the excitement and strategic depth this game offers.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

### Mansions of Madness

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-360 minsMansions of Madness: Second Edition is a cooperative horror game where players take on the roles of investigators, solving puzzles and battling monsters while managing their sanity. The game's four scenarios range from 60 to 360 minutes, offering deep and immersive campaigns. An accompanying app enhances the experience with storytelling and game management, making it both atmospheric and user-friendly. This integration of technology is often praised for adding tension and streamlining gameplay.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsMassive Darkness 2: Hellscape diverges significantly from its predecessor, offering a fresh experience that welcomes both new and returning players. With six unique character classes and a variety of scenarios, the game maintains classic dungeon crawler elements while providing fresh gameplay dynamics. The replayability is high, as switching characters offers a new perspective on the game.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise without an official license, delivering a tense atmosphere as players navigate corridors to avoid deadly aliens. The game introduces hidden objectives that can pit players against each other, adding a layer of mistrust and strategic depth. Despite potential conflicts, survival often requires cooperation, making each session a thrilling experience. Nemesis expansions and additional miniatures further enhance the game's replayability.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

### Cthulhu: Death May Die

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 90-120 minsInspired by H.P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu: Death May Die involves thwarting dangerous rituals to prevent the summoning of eldritch beings. The game's characters grow stronger as their sanity diminishes, introducing a risk-reward element. Its standalone scenarios and easy-to-grasp mechanics make it accessible, even if challenging to master. The flexibility of playing with different groups adds to its appeal.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 minsClank! Catacombs offers a dynamic dungeon crawler experience with tasks like fighting monsters, freeing prisoners, and collecting gold, all while evading a dragon. Its roguelike nature, with ever-changing maps, ensures varied gameplay. The game's compact design is ideal for those with limited space, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking to add a new dungeon crawler to their collection.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsMarvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game brings the popular Zombicide series into the Marvel universe, allowing players to experience the outbreak as superheroes or zombies. New mechanics and streamlined gameplay differentiate it from other Zombicide titles, making it an appealing choice for both newcomers and seasoned players. The game's detailed miniatures and numerous 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 minsTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is a hidden gem in the dungeon crawler genre, particularly appealing to fans of the franchise. The game introduces unique mechanics where player actions affect teammates, emphasizing cooperation. It can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering versatile gameplay suited 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 minsResident Evil: The Board Game brings the iconic video game series to the tabletop, set in the Spencer Mansion with familiar characters and puzzles. Unlike the video games, the board game series started with Resident Evil 2 and 3 before the original, which remains the best entry. It's a must-try for fans of the franchise, offering a cooperative survival horror experience with limited resources and plenty of zombies.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsArcadia Quest stands out with its chibi art style and accessible gameplay, though it adds a competitive edge with PvP quests. This twist means it cannot be played solo, and a consistent group is recommended for its campaign mode. Despite these limitations, Arcadia Quest delivers a fun and engaging dungeon crawler experience, perfect for those who can gather a regular gaming group.