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Dungeon crawler board games offer a rich and diverse gaming experience, boasting both deep gameplay and a wealth of fantastic options. The sheer number of choices, however, can make it challenging to know where to begin. These games span various themes, from horror to fantasy and beyond, encompassing even licensed properties like Marvel and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
TL;DR: The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant
While definitions vary, core elements of the genre typically include tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and exploration of dungeons (though these dungeons can be metaphorical). Many share rich lore and complex mechanics, ideal for players seeking extensive cooperative campaigns.
Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Age: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-120 mins
Gloomhaven, while currently out of print, set a high bar for dungeon crawlers. Frosthaven, its successor, offers a similarly immersive campaign within the same universe. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined alternative, reducing setup time. These games are interconnected, allowing character transfers. Jaws of the Lion is a great entry point for newcomers, while Frosthaven appeals to seasoned players. Both offer lengthy, narrative-driven campaigns with character departures adding emotional depth. They excel as cooperative games for two to four players.
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 large storage box. It blends tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based resource management (crafting, leveling) with randomized dungeon layouts and an engaging narrative campaign. A great RPG and dungeon crawler.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Age: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 60-120 mins
This Star Wars-themed game reimagines the dungeon as an Imperial base. Rebel operatives collaborate against an Empire-controlling player in scenario-based campaigns. While replacing fantasy weaponry with blasters and lightsabers, the core gameplay loop of looting, exploration, and leveling remains. Players encounter 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
Adapting the popular video game, this board game retains the deck-building core, adding social interaction through cooperative spire-climbing. Players team up to defeat monstrous denizens and bosses in strategic card battles.
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-360 mins
A cooperative mystery horror game where investigators solve puzzles, collect weapons, and fight monsters while battling insanity. The app enhances the immersive storytelling with narration, music, and streamlined gameplay.
Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape
Age: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60 mins
This sequel offers accessible dungeon-crawling with six unique character classes, providing diverse gameplay experiences within a satisfying loot and level-up loop.
Nemesis
Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 60-180 mins
Evoking the tension of the Alien franchise, Nemesis features hidden objectives that can pit players against each other, creating mistrust and suspense while requiring teamwork for survival.
Cthulhu: Death May Die
Age: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 90-120 mins
A cooperative Lovecraftian horror game where characters gain strength as sanity diminishes, creating a risk-reward mechanic. Multiple standalone scenarios offer replayability.
Clank! Catacombs
Age: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 45-90 mins
This entry in the Clank! series features expanding map tiles, creating a roguelike experience with high replayability. Its smaller footprint 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 installment featuring Marvel characters, allowing players to even play as zombies. New mechanics streamline the classic experience.
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 unique mechanic links player dice rolls to adjacent teammates, emphasizing cooperation. Playable cooperatively or with one player as the villain.
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 zombies, capturing the essence of the video game series.
Arcadia Quest
Age: 13+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60 mins
A lighter-hearted dungeon crawler with a chibi art style and easy-to-learn gameplay. It incorporates competitive elements through mandatory PvP quests within the campaign.
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