The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games for an Epic Tabletop Adventure

Dungeon crawler board games offer a wealth of engaging experiences, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. This guide highlights some of the best, spanning various themes and mechanics. While definitions can be debated, these games generally share elements like tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and dungeon exploration (though "dungeon" can be interpreted broadly). They also tend to be rich in lore and complex mechanics, perfect for extended cooperative campaigns.

Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games:

Frosthaven (See it on Amazon)

Descent: Legends of the Dark (See it on Amazon)

Star Wars: Imperial Assault (See it on Amazon)

Slay the Spire: The Board Game (See it on Amazon)

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition (See it on Amazon)

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape (See it on Amazon)

Nemesis (See it on Amazon)

Cthulhu: Death May Die (See it on Amazon)

Clank! Catacombs (See it on Amazon)

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game (See it on Amazon)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant (See it on Amazon)

Resident Evil: The Board Game (See it on Amazon)

Arcadia Quest (See it on Amazon)

Featured Games: In-depth looks at standout titles.

Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion:

Frosthaven (See it on Amazon) Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion (See it on Amazon)

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

Gloomhaven set a high bar, and Frosthaven continues the legacy with a similarly immersive campaign. Jaws of the Lion offers a streamlined entry point. Both feature extensive campaigns, character progression (including character retirement!), and blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with tactical gameplay. Excellent for 2-4 players.

Descent: Legends of the Dark:

Descent: Legends of the Dark (See it on Amazon)

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

A fully cooperative experience, Descent features stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a well-integrated app for managing character progression and dungeon generation. Combines tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based resource management.

This is just a selection; many other excellent dungeon crawlers exist. Consider your preferred theme, player count, and desired level of complexity when making your choice.