Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games [IGN]

Defining the dungeon crawler genre can be a contentious topic among tabletop enthusiasts, but these games typically include tactical combat, character progression, loot, and, of course, dungeons. These dungeons don’t have to be literal, however. In fact, some of the best board games in the category aren’t stereotypical monster-battling RPGs set in a fantasy world. One other thing these titles do generally have in common, though, is that they are rich in lore and mechanics. For those looking for lengthy cooperative campaigns, you have come to the right place.

TL;DR The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games

• Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
• Mansions of Madness
• Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
• Nemesis
• Cthulu: Death May Die
• Clank! Catacombs
• Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
• Resident Evil
• Arcadia Quest

Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

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

Gloomhaven arguably set the standard for deep dungeon crawler board games, but the original is currently out of print. Fortunately, its follow-up, Frosthaven offers an equally engrossing campaign set in the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, on the other hand, gives gamers a streamlined option that requires far less prep time – addressing one of the original’s few critiques. The two games themselves are interconnected; even the characters created in one can transfer over to the other. Jaws of the Lion is arguably a better starting point for newer players due to its decreased setup time, but fans of fantasy epics can’t go wrong with either.

Both titles serve as a sort of choose-your-own-adventure novel meets tabletop game. The respective campaigns are long and rich with both lore and adventure. Characters within the game will even depart after completing their primary objectives, serving as a bittersweet moment where players say goodbye to old familiar faces but excitedly welcome in new ones. Both options are great cooperative multiplayer titles, serving as some of the best board games for two players and the best board games for four players.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

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

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is an engaging cooperative mystery horror game. Each player selects one of eight investigators to solve puzzles and collect weapons while attempting to fight off both monsters and insanity. Meanwhile, an intricate set of mysteries begins to unfold. The box contains four different scenarios that range from 60-360 minutes with the latter boasting quite a deep and engrossing campaign. Aiding in the immersive storytelling is an app that narrates the story and keeps track of various player actions. Apps in board games are either a pro or a con depending on who you ask, but it is widely agreed that Mansions of Madness: Second Edition got it right with this one. Not only does the app add to the tension with its eerie music and excellent voiceovers, but it also helps streamline the game, making it easier to start and teach.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

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

Don’t let the “2” in the title fool you; this follow-up is quite the departure from its predecessor. Sequels can often be offputting for those unfamiliar with the original, but just about any tabletop fan can pick up Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape, throw some dice, slay some monsters, and have a great time, regardless of their familiarity level with the series. Massive Darkness 2 follows many of the classic dungeon crawler tropes, but it sets itself apart with six unique character classes that play differently from one another while still feeling cohesive. Beating down monsters, looting dungeons, leveling up, and upgrading gear is a satisfying loop that can be played across a wide variety of scenarios. Not to mention, the various classes included in the box change up the game so much that replaying as a different character feels like a wholly unique experience.

Nemesis

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

While the Alien franchise does have several licensed board games, arguably none of them embody the spirit of the series quite like Nemesis. No, Nemesis doesn’t have any official ties to the film saga, but the creeping terror that accompanies sneaking through corridors while attempting to avoid dangerous aliens will likely be a familiar feeling to fans. To further ramp up the tension, Nemesis gives players objective cards that affect their approach to the game – several of these cards require players to go against the best interests of other players. Because these cards are kept hidden until the end of the game, it’s difficult to know who to trust. Still, as survival is the main objective, teamwork is generally required. On the surface, everyone is striving toward the same goal, but you never know whether a traitor is secretly operating amongst the crew.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

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

Cthulhu: Death May Die is a cooperative horror game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. There are various standalone scenarios packed in, but the story generally involves stopping a dangerous ritual meant to summon powerful beings. Interestingly, the characters in Cthulhu: Death May Die gain strength as their remaining sanity dwindles throughout the game. This is a sort of risk, reward mechanic, however, as losing track of your character’s sanity entirely could spell disaster. Unlike some other popular dungeon crawlers, Cthulhu: Death May Die is rather easy to pick up – even if it can be difficult to beat. Seeing as the different scenarios don’t have to be played with the same group of players, this dice chucker is even more accessible.

Clank! Catacombs

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

Clank! Catacombs asks players to do it all; fight monsters, free prisoners, collect gold, and beware the dragon. There are several great iterations in the Clank series, but Clank! Catacombs dives most into the dungeon crawler genre, and it’s arguably the best entry in the franchise to date. What makes this installation great are various tiles that expand the map as you play, essentially turning Clank! Catacombs into a tabletop roguelike. As these tiles are shuffled before each game, no two playthroughs of Clank! Catacombs are the same.

While fans of the dungeon crawler genre generally appreciate massive boxes with dozens of detailed miniatures, Clank! Catacombs opts for a smaller footprint thanks to most of the game playing out through various cards and tiles. So, if your board game closet or bookshelf is starting to get a bit overstuffed, Clank! Catacombs might just be the dungeon crawler to grab.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

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

The Zombicide titles are an incredibly popular series of cooperative survival board games, but Marvel Zombies is arguably one of the best entries to date. Taking inspiration from the What If comic series, Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game takes the outbreak to the heroes of the Marvel universe. Marvel Zombies isn’t just a reskin of the popular series, either. For one thing, Marvel Zombies lets players play as the zombies. Additionally, new mechanics change up the formula and streamline the classic experience, so even experienced Zombicide players might want to check out this iteration. Not to mention, the various miniatures are fantastic for fans of the comic book characters. Not unlike the more traditional Zombicide titles, there are plenty of expansions to the Marvel Zombies line. Additionally, there are plenty of great Marvel board games for those looking for even more fun in the comic book universe.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant is arguably one of the most underrated dungeon crawlers in the medium. Perhaps the biggest knock against TMNT: Change Is Constant is that those who aren’t fans of the franchise won’t likely find much of interest here. That said, fans of TMNT will likely love the various miniatures, character cards, the scenario booklet, and even the lovely box itself. Aside from the fanfare, Change is Constant introduces a unique mechanic where part of the player’s dice roll impacts their adjacent teammates. This makes TMNT really feel like a cooperative game true to its theme. Change is Constant can be played as a fully cooperative game or as a one-versus-many experience with one player operating as the villain. Either option offers an excellent experience, making TMNT: Change is Constant ideal for four or five players.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

• Age: 14+
• Players: 1-4
• Play Time: 60-90 mins

There are already great horror recommendations on this list, but fans of the historic video game franchise may want to check out Resident Evil: The Board Game. The cooperative survival horror game is set in the iconic Spencer Mansion and features recognizable characters from the series. Like the video games, Resident Evil: The Board Game features puzzles that unlock new areas of the map, limited resources, and, of course, plenty of zombies.

Unlike the video game series, however, the board game versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3 both came out before the original. Also unlike the video game series, the original is arguably the best. That being said, all three titles are worth checking out for fans of the franchise, with Resident Evil: The Board Game serving as an ideal starting point.

Arcadia Quest

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

In a genre full of gruesome monsters and darker themes, Arcadia Quest opts for a different approach with a chibi art style. This welcoming aesthetic is matched by its easy-to-pick-up gameplay. However, Arcadia Quest adds a slight competitive twist with PvP quests that ask players to face off against each other during a scenario. While dungeon crawlers can often be entirely cooperative, Arcadia Quest plays against type and appearance a bit through these mandatory face-offs. Unfortunately, this means Arcadia Quest cannot be played solo. Seeing as how the game is built around a campaign, it means you’ll probably want the same group of players at the table each time as well. That might be a bit of a barrier to entry for some, but those who can manage to wrangle up some friends or family members to play through an entire campaign are in for a fantastic dungeon crawler loaded with personality.

For even more recommendations check out the best cooperative board games or even our best board games for adults. Those looking for titles that offer a bit of something for everyone may want to peruse our list of the best family board games.