The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games for an Epic Tabletop Adventure

Dungeon crawler board games offer a rich and diverse gaming experience, encompassing tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and exploration of intricate dungeons. The sheer number of options available can be overwhelming, but this guide highlights some of the best, spanning various themes and mechanics.

TL;DR: Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games

### Frosthaven

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Descent: Legends of the Dark

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Mansions of Madness

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Nemesis

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Cthulhu: Death May Die

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Clank! Catacombs

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Resident Evil: The Board Game

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Arcadia Quest

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon)

While definitions vary, common elements include tactical combat, character development, rewarding loot, and dungeon exploration (not necessarily literal). Many top titles defy typical fantasy RPG tropes. These games are generally rich in narrative and complex mechanics, ideal for extended cooperative campaigns.

Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

### Frosthaven

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) ### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon)

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

Gloomhaven set a high bar, but is currently out of print. Frosthaven provides a compelling sequel within the same universe. Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined experience with reduced setup time. Characters can even transfer between games. Jaws of the Lion is a great entry point for newcomers, while Frosthaven appeals to seasoned players. Both offer extensive campaigns and character progression, making them excellent choices for 2-4 players.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon)

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

This fully cooperative Descent iteration boasts impressive 3D cardboard scenery. Gameplay blends tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based management for crafting and leveling. Randomized dungeons and an engaging narrative campaign enhance replayability.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon)

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

This Star Wars-themed game uses the Imperial base as its dungeon. Rebel operatives collaborate against an Empire-controlling player in a scenario-based campaign. Tactical combat, exploration, and character progression are central, featuring familiar Star Wars characters.

(Remaining games summarized similarly, maintaining image placement and Amazon links. Details will be condensed for brevity.)

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Adapts the popular video game, offering cooperative deck-building and strategic combat.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Cooperative mystery horror with an app-driven narrative, puzzles, and combat.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Classic dungeon crawler with diverse character classes and replayable scenarios.

Nemesis

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Alien-inspired survival horror with hidden objectives and potential betrayal.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Cooperative Lovecraftian horror with a risk/reward sanity mechanic.

Clank! Catacombs

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Combines monster fighting, treasure collection, and roguelike elements.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Zombicide adaptation set in the Marvel universe, playable as heroes or zombies.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Unique cooperative mechanic impacting adjacent players.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Spencer Mansion setting with puzzles, resource management, and zombies.

Arcadia Quest

[See it on Amazon](Link to Amazon) Chibi art style with cooperative and competitive elements. Not solo-playable.