Welcome, fellow adventurers! Today we delve into a fantastic world where dice rolls determine your fate, danger lurks behind every corner, and treasures await those brave enough to face the unknown. No, we’re not talking about a trip to Las Vegas, but rather some epic tabletop adventure ideas for your next game night. So grab your gear, sharpen your swords and wits, and prepare for an epic journey to discover the best dungeon crawler board games on the market.
Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games in 2024
- Gloomhaven
- Nemesis
- Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
- Star Wars: Imperial Assault
- Zombicide 2nd Edition
- Cthulhu: Death May Die
- Clank!: Catacombs
- The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
- Tiny Epic Dungeons
- Descent: Legends of the Dark
- HeroQuest
How We Chose Our Favorites
Translating the fascinating world of tabletop adventures such as Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer into a viable board game format is tricky enough, but creating faithful representations of our favorite role-playing fantasy games is only a small part of what the genre of dungeon crawl board games has to offer.
From exploring murky caverns and arcane crypts to fighting off hordes of eldrich horrors, zombies, or imperial troopers, the games on our list are often very different in concept, style, and setting. What they all offer, though, is a chance for some righteous butt-kicking with friends. But, what makes a good dungeon crawler game, and how do we know what to look for?
First and foremost, we sought games that masterfully captured the essence of adventure, immersing players in rich narratives and captivating worlds. A seamless blend of strategy and unpredictability was also paramount, with well-designed mechanics that challenged tactical thinking and fostered a sense of camaraderie, rivalry, and suspense in equal measure.
We prioritized titles that struck a delicate balance between cooperative and competitive gameplay, fostering both collaboration and individual achievement. Finally, we looked at factors like originality, replayability, and the overall presentation.
Does the game feature beautiful artwork, meeples, and sturdy components? Are the rules well-explained and logical, or is there room for overpowered builds or the need to “cheese” the game just to get anywhere? Are there enough heroes, villains, scenarios, and stories to keep you invested for a long time? All of these factors played a role in our decision-making process.
The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games in 2023
Now that you are familiar with how we picked our games, let’s take a closer look at each one of our favorites.
1. Gloomhaven
Dungeon-Delving Daliances
Number of players: | 1 to 4 |
Playing time: | 60 – 120 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
Gloomhaven is a cooperative adventure game where players assume the roles of would-be heroes exploring a rich and sprawling fantasy world. The game excels in providing a sense of exploration and discovery, with an epic campaign full of branching storylines that harken back to RPG classics of old.
Like all good dungeon crawlers, the gameplay of Gloomhaven is masterfully designed, blending tactical combat, character progression, and moment-to-moment decision-making. Each player controls a unique character with their own abilities and gameplay style, and the game’s modular board, composed of interlocking tiles, allows for the creation of a vast number of dungeons and landscapes, ensuring no two sessions feel quite the same.
What truly sets Gloomhaven apart is its intricate storytelling and evolving narrative. The game unfolds through a branching scenario system where player choices have lasting consequences and help shape the course of the campaign.
Visually, Gloomhaven is a treat. Every game component was lovingly made to the highest standards, from the beautifully illustrated character cards and well-built miniatures to the atmospheric dungeon tiles.
In summary, Gloomhaven is a triumph of board game design. Its rich gameplay mechanics, immersive storytelling, and visually stunning presentation arguably make it the best dungeon-crawler board game on the market and an essential piece in every gamer’s collection.
Now all that is left to do is wait for the release of Gloomhaven’s second edition to find out if the experience will be the same or even better.
Pros:
- Lengthy, choice-driven campaign
- Tons of unique character classes
- Fantastic production quality
Cons:
- An absurdly large game that requires a serious commitment
2. Nemesis
It’s Game Over, Man
Number of players: | 1 to 5 |
Playing time: | 90 – 180 minutes |
Age: | 12+ |
Are you a dungeon crawler fan who also enjoys space horror and the possibility of backstabbing your friends? Want a cooperative dungeon crawler that’s also a competitive dungeon crawler? Want an epic adventure that can be played solo or enjoyed with friends? Welcome to Nemesis, my friends.
This complex board game features a massive 84 x 56 cm cardboard map, 280 cards, and as many as 25 beautiful miniatures, ranging from diminutive player characters to the colossal alien queen. The art style is phenomenal, and the overall presentation quality goes toe-to-toe with the likes of Gloomhaven, making your dungeon-crawling escapades all the more immersive.
Just like the other dungeon-crawling board games on the market, Nemesis is positively brimming with atmosphere. Players must navigate an alien-infested ship, complete objectives, and deal with unexpected events while contending with the lurking alien menace. Each player also has secret objectives, which often clash, creating a tension-filled atmosphere as trust becomes scarce.
The game does have a steep learning curve. The rulebook can be overwhelming at first, and understanding the various mechanics may require a few practice rounds. Additionally, it takes quite a while to set up the game, and the gaming sessions can be quite lengthy too. If you can get past all that, though, you’ll be treated to one of the best dungeon crawl board games the market has to offer.
Pros:
- Highly thematic and immersive
- Numerous equally fun and challenging game modes
- Brilliant artwork and miniatures
Cons:
- Takes a long time to set up
3. Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
Welcome to My Haunted Crib
Number of players: | 2 to 4 |
Playing time: | 60 minutes |
Age: | 13+ |
Mansions of Madness (Second Edition) is an atmospheric and immersive cooperative dungeon crawler set in the mysterious and eerie world of 1920s Lovecraftian horror. This fantastic game combines elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and suspenseful storytelling to create a captivating experience that most dungeon crawlers can’t match.
One of the standout features of Mansions of Madness is the integration of a free companion app, which serves as the dungeon master and adds a dynamic and unpredictable element to the gameplay. The app generates the map layout, controls the enemy encounters, and provides atmospheric sound effects, greatly enhancing the game’s immersion.
As expected from a title inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and published by Fantasy Flight Games (FFG) , Mansions of Madness is a highly atmospheric and immersive game. Alone or with up to four friends, you’ll fight monsters, solve puzzles, and complete quests in a variety of well-crafted scenarios with branching story paths and unexpected plot twists.
The game is also a visual delight, with beautiful artwork and detailed miniatures that further immerse you into its dark and spooky world. Just be aware – this is not a light game by any stretch of the imagination. The scenarios can take hours to complete, and much like other heavy-weight dungeon crawler games such as Gloomhaven or Nemesis, you’ll want to plan a whole gaming session around this one.
Pros:
- Positively brimming with atmosphere
- Fun playable characters
- Excellent replayability
Cons:
- The heavy reliance on the companion app may not suit everyone
4. Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Rebellions Are Built on Hope
Number of players: | 1 to 5 |
Playing time: | 60 – 120 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
From video game adaptations to RPG systems for adventure games, the fantastic world of the Star Wars universe has been a rich well of inspiration over the years. In the world of board gaming, one title stands above all others for any Star Wars fan worth their glitterstim: SW: Imperial Assault.
Set during the infamous Galactic Civil War, the game introduces players to the legendary conflict between the Galactic Empire and the brave Resistance fighters. offering a unique blend of tactical combat and immersive narrative-driven gameplay.
While many other dungeon crawlers on the market are happy to settle for a simple cooperative dungeon crawl, Imperial Assault offers a unique blend of asymmetric gameplay, with one player taking on the role of the Imperial forces, while the others control a team of rebel heroes. This dynamic creates an engaging and strategic experience as both sides employ different tactics and abilities to achieve their objectives.
As epic as the campaign mode is, sometimes you just want a quick duel with that pesky rebel-loving friend, and this is where skirmish mode comes in handy. Instead of epic quests and exciting adventures across the galaxy, here you just assemble a crew of rebels, imperials, or mercs, and duke it out on the table.
SW: Imperial Assault is one of the top 10 dungeon-crawler board games of all time and an easy recommendation for anyone who loves Star Wars. Everything from its theme to its mechanics and visual design is done to a level of quality few other titles can match. This is the game you’re looking for.
Pros:
- A brilliant adaptation of SW source material
- Phenomenal gameplay and combat mechanics
- Fantastic campaign
Cons:
- Limited character progression
5. Zombicide 2nd Edition
A Real No-Brainer
Number of players: | 1 to 6 |
Playing time: | 60 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
Zombicide 2nd Edition is a revamped version of the classic cooperative survival board game, featuring enhanced gameplay mechanics and improved components. Players take on the role of zombie-slaying apocalypse survivors, each with unique abilities and skills. To survive the ever-growing undead threat, they must work together across 25 missions, with objectives ranging from collecting specific items to all-out zombie slaughter. The core gameplay loop involves killing zeds, finding better gear, improving your characters, and then facing tougher foes.
One of the standout differences in this version is the updated rulebook, which is clearer and more organized, making it easier for both new and experienced players to dive into the action. There are also new character dashboards, which offer a more intuitive gaming experience, allowing players to better manage their survivor’s equipment, skills, and experience. It also features improved miniatures, which are now both sturdier and more detailed.
The revised edition of Zombicide maintains the fast-paced and cooperative nature of the original while incorporating meaningful enhancements, but still heavily relies on random elements, which may not be to everyone’s liking. That said, whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the series, this edition offers a compelling and immersive gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat, so it’s an easy recommendation from us.
Pros:
- Fun and addictive gameplay
- Meaningful improvements over the original
- Beautiful minis
Cons:
- Still very RNG-heavy
6. Cthulhu: Death May Die
R’lyeh Damn Good
Number of players: | 1 to 5 |
Playing time: | 90 – 120 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
We’re not sure what ole H.P. would have thought about board games as a pastime, but his mythos certainly became one of the most fertile grounds for board game adaptations around. Cthulhu: Death May Die joins the ranks of legendary horror-themed cooperative game titles such as Eldrich Horror and Mansions of Madness, offering up to five players a compelling cooperative romp through the compelling and scary world of Lovecraft’s cosmic horror mythos.
The game offers multiple standalone scenarios, that don’t need to be played in order. It features intense but straightforward gameplay mostly based on rolling dice. You’ll battle fierce monsters while leading badass protagonists such as an African-American Indiana Jones and a shotgun-wielding nun. One unique and fun addition is that characters get stronger and tougher as their sanity erodes, but let it get too out of hand and it’s game over for your investigator, making it much harder for the others to win.
Each of the six core game scenarios presents different challenges and objectives, ensuring a high replay value even without getting into expansion territory. The inclusion of multiple Elder Ones, each with their own unique abilities and mechanics, also adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience.
The production quality is top-notch, with beautifully illustrated cards, modular boards, and highly thematic components. All in all, Cthulhu: Death May Die is a gripping and challenging cooperative experience and a strong contender for the best dungeon crawl board game inspired by the Cthulhu mythos.
Pros:
- The game’s theme is brilliantly realized
- Beautiful artwork and components
- Fun playable characters
Cons:
- Some investigator teams work way better than others
7. Clank!: Catacombs
Bone-fide Larceny
Number of players: | 2 to 4 |
Playing time: | 45 – 90 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
Clank! Catacombs is the fourth title in the beloved Clank! series and perhaps the best and most original take on the formula yet. It takes the fun deck-building and dungeon-crawling experience of the original Clank! game and puts a neat spin on it: instead of pulling off a master heist by optimizing a route through a pre-set map, the players take on the role of thieves who are truly clueless about where they need to go and how much treasure they can take without getting caught by the dragon.
This is achieved by replacing the pre-generated map with a randomized underground labyrinth full of new challenges and treasures. The catch is that new tiles get revealed only as you explore, adding a sense of randomness and unpredictability to the proceedings.
Additionally, the introduction of new mechanisms, such as teleports, prisoners to free, and wayshrines to visit, adds fun twists and strategic depth to the gameplay. Of course, this standalone expansion also introduces a ton of new cards, monsters to fight, and treasures to discover.
The artwork in Clank! Catacombs remains as vibrant, atmospheric, and evocative as it ever was. From the sprawling underground labyrinth map to the tokens, character illustrations, and card designs, the game’s visuals are both colorful and informative without ever creating confusion.
Clank! Catacombs is a very good game. While there’s perhaps a bit less tactical gameplay compared to other games in the series, its inherent randomness better captures the feeling of playing bumbling adventurers stumbling through menacing dungeons in search of that sweet loot.
Pros:
- Same excellent core gameplay but enriched with new features
- Excellent replayability
- Highly approachable for new players
Cons:
- May not appeal to players who loved the map-strategizing aspect of the previous games
8. The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
The Game Everyone’s Tolkien About
Number of players: | 1 to 5 |
Playing time: | 60 – 120 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth is another FFG classic, this time taking us to Tolkien’s iconic fantasy world as one of the renowned heroes of the realm. As with other iconic FFG titles like Mansions of Madness and Star Wars: Imperial Assault, this cooperative board game captures the essence of a beloved setting in a truly immersive and engaging way.
The players each take on the role of one of six available heroes, including both legendary figures such as Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Bilbo, and two newcomers, a Dúnedain called Beravor, and an elven bard called Elena.
As a fellowship of heroes, you’ll embark on perilous quests and battle fierce enemies, watching your characters grow more powerful with each adventure through a fun and rewarding character progression system. The gameplay seamlessly blends strategic decision-making, cooperative play, and thematic storytelling in an epic campaign where every gaming session will be played out as a single adventure.
The game uses a proprietary app that acts as a guide, storyteller, and enemy AI, while also providing ambient music and sounds to enhance atmosphere and immersion. The components are of exceptional quality, featuring detailed miniatures, beautifully illustrated cards, and a meticulously crafted game board that showcases Middle-Earth’s diverse landscapes. As usual with FFG games, the attention to detail is second to none.
All told, The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth is easily one of the best dungeon crawler board games on the market, and it gets a hearty recommendation from us.
Pros:
- Highly thematic and immersive
- Great app
- Meaningful character progression
Cons:
- Could have used more iconic LOTR characters instead of newly-made ones
9. Tiny Epic Dungeons
Walk Softly and Carry Your Dungeon With You
Number of players: | 1 to 4 |
Playing time: | 30 – 60 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
Tiny Epic games by Gamelyn were a real game-changer on the market: pocket-size titles that could fit on almost any desk, take up very little room on your gaming shelf, and still contain enough complexity not to feel like simple warm-up or party games. Tiny Epic Dungeons follows this proud legacy by packing a ton of game into a minuscule package.
The players take on the roles of would-be heroes scouring procedurally-generated dungeons in search of sweet loot and a boss they can send to early monster retirement. On each turn, they’ll roll custom dice to uncover new room tiles, which could contain anything from new items to deadly traps and foes. The decisions about where to go next are never easy, as one wrong move can lead to disastrous consequences.
The modular design of the dungeon tiles lets them be arranged in countless configurations, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh and unpredictable. Though, much like its dice-based combat, this randomness can sometimes lead to unfair-seeming scenarios. And while it’s perhaps not the best solo dungeon crawl board game you’ll ever play, Tiny Epic Dungeons does offer a fun alternative to team dungeoneering if you’d rather have a go at it alone.
It also features wonderful artwork and well-designed (though tiny) miniatures. The player, monster, and loot cards are all clearly marked with easy-to-understand symbols, so even beginners will get the gist of the game very quickly. Overall, this is a lovely little title that can be a great pocket-sized alternative to larger dungeon-delving experiences such as Gloomhaven.
Pros:
- Lots of game in a tiny package
- Excellent replay value
- Fun though basic combat
Cons:
- Can sometimes feel unfair
10. Descent: Legends of the Dark
Hello Darkness My Old Friend
Number of players: | 1 to 4 |
Playing time: | 120 – 180 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
FFG offers some of the best dungeon crawler board games on the market and has been honing a great formula for over a decade now. Descent: Legends of the Dark is their biggest and most ambitious title so far, and it’s an absolute monster of a game in every sense.
Over the course of its mammoth 35-hour campaign, up to four players will try to save the land of Terrinoth from demon-tainted Uthuk Y’llan barbarians, undead hordes, and other unsavory baddies. Although loosely based on a formula used in FFG’s previous role-playing games, everything from the skills and items to the fatigue and combat systems was reimagined and modernized to feel fresh, new, and exciting.
As expected, the game’s presentation is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll marvel at the phenomenal new 3D cardboard terrain and curse it in equal measure, as the initial setup time will require almost as much time as some rivals take to complete. With 46 beautiful 3D map tiles and 40 detailed hero and monster miniatures, this is easily one of the most gorgeous-looking games on the market.
Finally, let’s talk about the app, by now a staple of FFG games. It elevates the gameplay to new heights, allowing for more complex combat scenarios, advanced status effects and enemy strategies, and more. All told, Descent: Legends of the Dark is a phenomenal game that may not be perfect but comes awfully close. If you can afford it – go get it now!
Pros:
- Absolutely massive campaign
- Proven gameplay formula that hooks you in
- Impressive 3D terrain
Cons:
- Long setup time and hefty price
11. HeroQuest
Creaking Bones
Number of players: | 2 to 5 |
Playing time: | 90 minutes |
Age: | 14+ |
Six years before the legendary Warhammer Quest, Hero Quest introduced the world of fantasy tabletop gaming to board gamers everywhere, paving the way for games like Gloomhaven and Zombicide. And while it may look and feel dated in 2023, it’s amazing how well a game originally released in 1989 still holds up against its much younger peers, especially if you nab the recent re-release by Hasbro/Avalon Hill.
It’s a classic setup: up to four players take on the roles of classic fantasy archetypes (Rogar the Barbarian, Ladril the Elf, Durgin the Dwarf, and Telor the Wizard), while another takes on the DM-like role of the evil sorcerer Zargon, whose army of skeletons, orcs, goblins, and other fodder stands in their way. The combat is dice-based with skulls representing hits and shields representing successful deflections, which stop both heroes and enemies from taking damage.
The campaign contains fourteen different quests, which mostly involve killing everything and looting anything that’s not nailed down, though there are some surprises here and there. Between the quests, they can visit shops and upgrade or buy new gear in classic D&D fashion.
The new edition seriously improved on the comically ugly miniatures from the original and added a few new rules, such as line of sight and attacks of opportunity, but, for the most part, kept the soul of the original game intact. There are better dungeon crawlers out there these days, for sure, but we may not have gotten them if HeroQuest hadn’t paved their way.
Pros:
- The granddaddy of all board game dungeon crawlers
- Easy to teach and quick to learn
- Lovely miniatures
Cons:
- Feels dated in a lot of ways compared to modern titles it inspired
Why Do We Love Dungeon Crawler Board Games?
Dungeon crawlers hold a special place in many board gamers’ hearts, especially those of us with a background in other tabletop gaming hobbies, such as Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying and Warhammer 40k.
One of the key reasons for their widespread appeal is the sense of exploration and wonder they offer. Players are transported into richly detailed fantasy worlds, where they can explore mysterious dungeons, find hidden treasures, and face off against formidable foes. The element of progression and character development adds depth and replayability, allowing players to get fully invested in their characters and watch them grow in power with each gaming session.
The best dungeon crawler board games truly feel like fantasy roleplaying adventures but with shorter and more focused game sessions and beautiful miniatures, terrains, and other components that further raise the immersion factor. The cooperative nature of many of these tiles also fosters camaraderie and teamwork as players band together to overcome seemingly overwhelming odds.
In essence, dungeon crawlers provide a perfect blend of adventure, strategy, and social interaction, appealing to our innate desires for exploration, escapism, storytelling, and shared experiences with friends.
FAQ
-
What is the most popular dungeon crawler?
Ever since its release in 2017, Gloomhaven has been dominating the genre in popularity and sales. Other popular titles include Nemesis, Mansions of Madness, and Star Wars: Imperial Assault, to name a few.
-
What makes a good dungeon crawler board game?
A mix of good storytelling, character progression, and fun and balanced combat systems are the core pillars of any good dungeon crawler.
-
Which dungeon-crawl board game is easy to learn?
HeroQuest is considered by many to be the original inspiration behind most modern dungeon crawlers, and it remains to this day one of the simplest and most approachable games in the genre.
-
What board game is most like Dungeons and Dragons?
Our list of the best dungeon crawler board games has many titles that fit the bill, including HeroQuest, Gloomhaven, Descent: Legends of the Dark, Tiny Epic Dungeons, and Clank!: Catacombs.
Ivan Stevanovic
Ivan is our wordsmith extraordinaire and a passionate board gamer and RPG veteran. A gaming nerd since an early age, he got started with computer gaming back in the ZX Spectrum days (yeah, he is that old) and with board gaming while playing Monopoly as a kid.