Dungeon crawler board games offer some of the most immersive and engaging experiences in the tabletop gaming world. With a vast selection of games spanning from horror to fantasy and even integrating popular franchises like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the genre caters to a wide array of preferences. Choosing the right dungeon crawler can be challenging due to the extensive options available, but it's a rewarding journey that can lead to hours of thrilling 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

The essence of a dungeon crawler is often debated, but they generally feature tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. However, these dungeons don't always have to be traditional; they can vary widely in theme and setting. What ties these games together is their depth in lore and mechanics, offering players rich, often cooperative campaigns that can last for hours.

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 a high benchmark for dungeon crawlers, though it's currently out of print. Fortunately, its successor, Frosthaven, continues the legacy with an equally compelling campaign in the same universe. For those seeking a less time-consuming experience, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined alternative with a shorter setup time, making it an ideal starting point for newcomers. Both games are interconnected, allowing character progression to carry over, and they offer a narrative-rich adventure akin to a choose-your-own-adventure novel. Characters may leave after fulfilling their objectives, adding a poignant element to the gameplay. These titles are excellent for cooperative multiplayer, suitable for two to four players, making them some of the best board games in their category.

For more insights into these games, you can read our detailed reviews 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 crawlers boast impressive plastic figures, Descent: Legends of the Dark enhances the experience with 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. This fully cooperative game integrates tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, streamlining character development and offering randomized dungeon layouts within an engaging narrative. It's a standout choice for fans of RPGs and dungeon crawlers alike.

For a comprehensive review, check out our in-depth analysis 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

Star Wars: Imperial Assault transforms the classic dungeon crawler setting into the corridors of an Imperial base, where a team of rebels battles against the Empire's forces. Featuring lightsabers and blasters instead of swords and bows, this game offers a familiar feel with the added thrill of encountering iconic Star Wars characters. It's a standout choice among the many Star Wars-themed board games available.

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-150 mins

Slay the Spire: The Board Game brings the popular video game's deck-building mechanics to the tabletop, allowing players to ascend the spire together. This social and strategic experience retains the original's addictive card management and tactical combat, making it a must-try for fans of the digital version.

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

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 is a cooperative mystery horror game where players choose investigators to solve puzzles and fight monsters while navigating through eerie scenarios. The game's app enhances the experience with immersive storytelling, eerie music, and voiceovers, making it a standout in its genre. It's widely praised for its integration of technology and engaging gameplay.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

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

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape offers a fresh take on the classic dungeon crawler formula with six unique character classes, ensuring varied gameplay. It's accessible to new players and veterans alike, providing a satisfying loop of monster-slaying, looting, and character progression across different scenarios.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

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

Nemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise's suspense without official ties, immersing players in a tense survival scenario. With hidden objectives that can pit players against each other, it adds a layer of intrigue and betrayal to the cooperative gameplay. The game's expansions and additional miniatures further enhance its replayability.

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 work to stop dangerous rituals. Its unique mechanic of gaining strength as sanity dwindles adds a thrilling risk-reward element. The game's standalone scenarios and ease of play make it an accessible choice for horror enthusiasts.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

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

Clank! Catacombs combines dungeon crawling with roguelike elements, offering a fresh experience each time through its dynamic map expansion. Its smaller footprint and focus on cards and tiles make it a great choice for those with limited space. It's a standout entry in the Clank series, perfect for fans of the genre.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

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

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game brings the popular Zombicide series into the Marvel universe, allowing players to play as zombies or heroes. Its unique mechanics and detailed miniatures appeal to both Zombicide fans and Marvel enthusiasts, with numerous expansions available to enhance the experience.

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 offers a unique cooperative experience with a dice mechanic that impacts adjacent teammates, true to the franchise's theme. While it may not appeal to those outside the TMNT fandom, it's a delightful choice for fans, offering both cooperative and one-versus-many gameplay options.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

### Resident Evil: The Board Game

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

Set in the iconic Spencer Mansion, Resident Evil: The Board Game captures the essence of the video game series with puzzles, limited resources, and zombies. It's an excellent entry point into the Resident Evil board game series, appealing to fans of the franchise.

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, introducing a competitive twist through PvP quests. While it requires a consistent group for its campaign, it offers a unique and engaging dungeon crawling experience, perfect for those looking for a game with personality and charm.