Dungeon crawler board games offer a rich and diverse gaming experience, encompassing tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and exploration of intricate dungeons. The genre's appeal extends beyond traditional fantasy settings, encompassing horror, sci-fi, and even licensed properties like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The sheer number of excellent options can be overwhelming, so this guide highlights some of the best.

TL;DR: The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games

Frosthaven

Descent: Legends of the Dark

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

Mansions of Madness

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

Nemesis

Cthulhu: Death May Die

Clank! Catacombs

Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

Resident Evil: The Board Game

Arcadia Quest

These games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, rewarding loot systems, and immersive dungeon exploration. While many adhere to the classic fantasy monster-battling formula, others offer unique twists on the genre, exploring diverse themes and mechanics.

Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

Frosthaven

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-120 mins

Gloomhaven, while currently out of print, established a high benchmark for intricate dungeon crawlers. Frosthaven, its successor, delivers a similarly immersive campaign within the same universe. Jaws of the Lion provides a more streamlined experience, reducing setup time. Both games offer extensive campaigns, character progression with character retirement, and are excellent choices for cooperative play (especially for 2-4 players).

Descent: Legends of the Dark

Descent: Legends of the Dark

Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120-180 mins

This fully cooperative Descent iteration boasts impressive 3D cardboard scenery and a clever blend of tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based resource management for crafting and leveling. Randomized dungeon layouts and an engaging narrative campaign further enhance the experience.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

Age: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 60-120 mins

This Star Wars-themed dungeon crawler replaces fantasy settings with the labyrinthine corridors of an Imperial base. Rebel operatives collaborate against an Empire-controlling player in scenario-based campaigns, utilizing lightsabers and blasters in tactical combat while encountering familiar Star Wars characters.

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

Age: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-150 mins

This adaptation of the popular video game retains the addictive deck-building mechanics, allowing players to collaboratively ascend the spire, battling monsters and bosses in strategic card combat. The social aspect adds to the strategic depth.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

Mansions of Madness

Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-360 mins

A cooperative mystery horror game where investigators solve puzzles, fight monsters, and battle insanity across four scenarios. The app enhances the immersive storytelling with narration, music, and streamlined gameplay.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins

This sequel offers a standalone experience with six unique character classes, providing varied gameplay within the satisfying loop of monster-battling, looting, leveling, and gear upgrades. Each class offers a distinct feel.

Nemesis

Nemesis

Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-180 mins

This game evokes the suspense of the Alien franchise, with players navigating dangerous environments and facing off against alien threats. Hidden objective cards introduce an element of distrust and strategic deception, requiring both cooperation and careful consideration of potential betrayals.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

Cthulhu: Death May Die

Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 90-120 mins

A cooperative horror game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, where players work together to prevent a dangerous ritual. The unique mechanic of gaining strength as sanity diminishes adds a layer of risk and reward.

Clank! Catacombs

Clank! Catacombs

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

This entry in the Clank! series features a roguelike element with expanding map tiles, ensuring high replayability. The smaller footprint compared to other dungeon crawlers makes it a space-saving option.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins

A Zombicide game featuring Marvel characters, with the unique option of playing as zombies. New mechanics streamline the classic experience, making it appealing to both veteran and new players.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 45-150 mins

A cooperative or one-versus-many game featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The unique mechanic of dice rolls affecting adjacent teammates enhances the cooperative aspect.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

Resident Evil: The Board Game

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 plenty of zombies, capturing the essence of the video game series.

Arcadia Quest

Arcadia Quest

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

This game features a chibi art style and easy-to-learn gameplay, with a unique competitive twist through player-versus-player quests within the campaign. Note that it is not playable solo.