Dungeon crawler board games are a treasure trove for enthusiasts, offering rich gameplay and a plethora of fantastic options. With so many excellent games to choose from, selecting where to start can be daunting. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy, and even include popular franchises like Marvel and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, all of which have successfully ventured into this genre.

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 AmazonThe dungeon crawler genre, often debated among tabletop enthusiasts, typically features tactical combat, character progression, loot, and dungeons, though not always in the traditional sense. Some of the best games in this category venture beyond the typical fantasy RPG setting, yet they share a common thread of being rich in lore and mechanics. For those seeking extended cooperative campaigns, this genre offers a wealth of options.

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 immersive dungeon crawler board games, but with the original out of print, its sequel, Frosthaven, offers an equally captivating campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, however, provides a more streamlined experience with reduced prep time, addressing a common critique of the original. These games are interconnected, allowing character transfers between them. Jaws of the Lion is an excellent starting point for newcomers due to its shorter setup, while Frosthaven is perfect for fans of epic fantasy adventures.

Both titles blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tabletop gameplay, offering long, lore-rich campaigns. Characters can leave the game after fulfilling their objectives, creating emotional moments as players bid farewell to familiar faces and welcome new ones. These games are ideal for cooperative multiplayer, ranking among the best for both two and four players.

For detailed insights into these tabletop masterpieces, explore our reviews of Gloomhaven and 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 board games boast impressive miniatures, the true essence lies deeper. Descent: Legends of the Dark, the third fully cooperative iteration of the Descent series, enhances the experience with stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a spacious storage box. The game skillfully integrates tabletop tactics, dice rolling, and app-based resource management, allowing players to craft, level up, and explore randomized dungeons within an engaging narrative campaign. It's an outstanding RPG board game and an exemplary dungeon crawler.

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 minsDungeons aren't limited to fantasy realms; they can also be the maze-like corridors of an Imperial base. In Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a team of rebels battles the Empire's forces in a scenario-based campaign. Trading swords and bows for lightsabers and blasters, players loot, explore, and level up while engaging in tactical combat. The game features beloved Star Wars characters, making it a standout among many Star Wars-themed 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 minsFans of the popular video game will appreciate the transition to tabletop, where players can now ascend the spire together. This cooperative experience maintains the deck-building and strategic elements of the original, offering new content and streamlined mechanics. The social aspect adds a new layer to the game, making it both strategic and enjoyable with friends.

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 minsMansions of Madness: Second Edition immerses players in a cooperative mystery horror game. Players choose from eight investigators to solve puzzles, collect weapons, and combat monsters and insanity. The game includes four scenarios ranging from 60 to 360 minutes, offering deep campaigns. An app enhances the storytelling with eerie music and voiceovers, streamlining gameplay and adding tension.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsDespite the "2" in the title, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape is a fresh take on its predecessor, accessible to new players. It follows classic dungeon crawler tropes but stands out with six unique character classes, each offering a different play style. The game's loop of defeating monsters, looting, leveling up, and upgrading gear is satisfying across various scenarios, with each class providing a unique experience.

Nemesis

### Nemesis

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-5Play Time: 60-180 minsNemesis captures the essence of the Alien franchise without official ties, delivering a tense experience as players navigate corridors to evade dangerous aliens. Objective cards add complexity, sometimes pitting players against each other. Despite the hidden objectives, teamwork is essential for survival, though trust is hard to come by.

Explore Nemesis expansions and additional miniatures for an even richer 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, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game focused on stopping dangerous rituals. Characters gain strength as their sanity dwindles, introducing a risk-reward mechanic. The game is easy to pick up yet challenging to master, with standalone scenarios that don't require the same group of players each time.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

5See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 45-90 minsClank! Catacombs challenges players to fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and evade a dragon. This entry in the Clank series delves deeply into the dungeon crawler genre, featuring expanding map tiles that create a roguelike experience. With a smaller footprint, it's perfect for those with limited space.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

0See it at AmazonAge: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 60 minsMarvel Zombies, part of the popular Zombicide series, introduces the zombie outbreak to the Marvel universe. Players can even take on the role of zombies, with new mechanics that refresh the classic formula. The game's miniatures are a delight for comic book fans, and numerous expansions add to the experience. For more Marvel-themed fun, explore other great Marvel board 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 fans of the franchise. It features unique mechanics where dice rolls impact adjacent teammates, enhancing the cooperative feel. 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 minsFans of the Resident Evil video game series will enjoy this cooperative survival horror game set in the iconic Spencer Mansion. Featuring puzzles, limited resources, and zombies, it captures the essence of the franchise. While the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released first, the original stands out as the best entry point for fans.

Arcadia Quest

### Arcadia Quest

0See it at AmazonAge: 13+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60 minsArcadia Quest offers a lighter, chibi-style take on the dungeon crawler genre, with easy-to-learn gameplay and a competitive twist through PvP quests. While it can't be played solo, it's perfect for groups willing to commit to a campaign. The game's unique style and engaging mechanics make it a standout choice for those looking for a dungeon crawler with personality.