Dungeon crawler board games are a thrilling and immersive genre within the tabletop gaming community, offering deep gameplay and a rich variety of thematic experiences. From horror to fantasy, and even extending into beloved franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the range of options can make choosing a starting point challenging. These games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot collection, and exploration of dungeons, which may not always be literal but are always filled with engaging lore and mechanics. For enthusiasts looking for extensive cooperative campaigns, this guide highlights some of the best dungeon crawler board games available, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players.
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 AmazonDungeon crawlers, while diverse in theme, generally share common elements such as tactical combat, character development, loot acquisition, and exploration of dungeons, which can be metaphorical or literal. These games are renowned for their rich storytelling and intricate mechanics, providing players with lengthy cooperative campaigns that are both engaging and challenging.
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 has set a high standard for dungeon crawler board games, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, Frosthaven, its successor, offers a similarly immersive campaign set in the same universe. Meanwhile, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a more streamlined experience with reduced setup time, making it an excellent entry point for new players. Both games are interconnected, allowing characters to transfer between them. They blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gaming, offering long, lore-rich campaigns where characters can complete their arcs and new ones can be introduced, adding depth and emotion to the gameplay. These titles are fantastic for cooperative play, ranking among the best board games for two and four players.
For a deeper look, check out our comprehensive 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 crawlers boast impressive miniatures, Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances its appeal with detailed 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. This fully cooperative game combines tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, streamlining character crafting, leveling, and progression within a dynamic narrative campaign. The game's integration of physical and digital elements creates an engaging and strategic RPG experience, making it a standout choice for fans of both genres.
Our in-depth review of Descent: Legends of the Dark offers more insights into this remarkable game.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
### Star Wars: Imperial Assault
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 60-120 minsStar Wars: Imperial Assault reimagines dungeon crawling in the iconic Star Wars universe, where players navigate the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base. In this scenario-based campaign, rebel operatives team up against an Empire player, using lightsabers and blasters instead of traditional fantasy weapons. The game captures the essence of dungeon crawlers with looting, exploration, and tactical combat, enriched by encounters with beloved Star Wars characters. This game stands out among numerous Star Wars board games as a top choice for fans.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 minsAdapted from the popular video game, Slay the Spire: The Board Game brings the deck-building experience to the tabletop. Players ascend a dungeon, working together to overcome the spire's challenges and bosses. The game retains the strategic depth of its digital counterpart while adding a social element, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy both strategy and cooperation. Our review highlights the engaging gameplay that fans of the original will appreciate.
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 mystery horror game where players take on the roles of investigators solving puzzles and fighting off monsters and insanity. The game's immersive storytelling is enhanced by an app that narrates the plot and manages game mechanics, adding tension with eerie music and voiceovers. With scenarios ranging from one to six hours, it offers deep, engaging campaigns and a streamlined gameplay experience, making it a favorite among horror enthusiasts.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsMassive Darkness 2: Hellscape diverges from its predecessor, welcoming new players with its accessible gameplay. Featuring six unique character classes, the game offers a satisfying loop of combat, looting, leveling, and gear upgrading across various scenarios. Each class provides a distinct playstyle, ensuring that replaying with different characters feels fresh and engaging, making it a versatile choice for dungeon crawler fans.
Nemesis
### Nemesis
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of survival horror, reminiscent of the Alien franchise, without being officially tied to it. Players navigate corridors, evading dangerous aliens while pursuing individual objectives that may conflict with others. The game's hidden objective cards create an atmosphere of distrust and tension, requiring teamwork yet introducing the possibility of betrayal. With numerous expansions and miniatures available, Nemesis offers a thrilling and unpredictable experience.
Cthulhu: Death May Die
### Cthulhu: Death May Die
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 90-120 minsInspired by H.P. Lovecraft's works, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game where players work to stop dangerous rituals. The game's unique mechanic involves characters gaining strength as their sanity diminishes, adding a risk-reward element to the gameplay. With standalone scenarios that don't require the same group of players, it's an accessible yet challenging dungeon crawler, perfect for fans of Lovecraftian horror.
Clank! Catacombs
### Clank! Catacombs
5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 minsClank! Catacombs immerses players in a dungeon crawler experience with a roguelike twist, where the map expands dynamically through tile placement. Players fight monsters, free prisoners, and collect gold while evading a dragon, ensuring no two games are the same. Its compact design, utilizing cards and tiles, makes it a great option for those with limited space, offering an engaging and replayable experience.
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 take on the role of zombies or heroes. New mechanics enhance the classic gameplay, making it a fresh experience even for seasoned Zombicide players. With detailed miniatures and multiple expansions, it's a must-have for fans of both Marvel and cooperative survival games.
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 an underrated gem for TMNT fans, featuring detailed miniatures and a scenario booklet. The game introduces a cooperative mechanic where players' dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, enhancing the teamwork aspect. It can be played fully cooperatively or with one player as the villain, offering versatility and excitement for groups of four or five players.
Resident Evil: The Board Game
### Resident Evil: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsSet in the iconic Spencer Mansion, Resident Evil: The Board Game brings the survival horror of the video game series to the tabletop. Players navigate puzzles, manage limited resources, and face off against zombies, capturing the essence of the franchise. As the original game in the series, it's a great starting point for fans, with subsequent titles expanding on the experience.
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 twist with PvP quests. This feature sets it apart from purely cooperative dungeon crawlers, requiring players to engage in direct confrontations during scenarios. While not playable solo, its campaign-based structure makes it ideal for groups committed to a full playthrough, offering a unique and lively dungeon crawling experience.