Discover the Top 19 Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games of All Time: Adventure, Strategy, and Tabletop Fun Await

Dungeon crawler board games offer an immersive experience where players navigate through labyrinthine paths, battle monsters, and uncover hidden treasures. The allure of these games lies in their blend of strategic depth, cooperative gameplay, and often rich, narrative-driven adventures. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, these games promise an exhilarating journey through dark dungeons and mysterious realms. Here, we present the 20 best dungeon crawler board games that are sure to captivate and challenge you.

Castle Ravenloft

Castle Ravenloft is a classic title in the dungeon crawler genre. Designed for 1 to 5 players, this cooperative game takes you on various adventures within the eerie confines of Castle Ravenloft. Players must confront terrifying monsters and complete objectives to emerge victorious. The modular board design ensures that each playthrough offers a fresh experience, keeping the game engaging and replayable.

The game features multiple scenarios and challenging quests, requiring players to strategize and collaborate effectively. Its rich lore and atmospheric setting draw players into a world filled with danger and suspense. Castle Ravenloft’s easy-to-understand mechanics make it accessible to both newcomers and veteran board gamers alike.

With its blend of horror elements and cooperative gameplay, Castle Ravenloft is a must-have for fans of the dungeon crawler genre. The variety of scenarios and the modular board provide endless possibilities, ensuring that no two games are ever the same.

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate combines the thrill of exploration with the suspense of hidden traitors. Set in the iconic city of Baldur’s Gate, players must explore its haunted alleys and deadly catacombs while working together to survive. However, the game’s mechanics introduce an element of unpredictability, as players can turn against each other, becoming traitors with their own sinister agendas.

The game boasts 50 unique scenarios, ensuring a high replay value and keeping each session fresh and exciting. This variety practically excludes the possibility of playing the game the same way twice, providing a unique experience every time. The mix of cooperative play and the potential for betrayal adds a layer of tension and strategy, making Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate a captivating choice for any game night.

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Its richly detailed setting, engaging mechanics, and the ever-present possibility of treachery make Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate a standout in the dungeon crawler genre. Whether you’re a fan of the original Betrayal at House on the Hill or new to the series, this game offers a thrilling adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

DOOM: The Board Game

DOOM: The Board Game brings the intense action of the legendary video game to the tabletop. This adaptation pits players against the legions of Hell, with one player taking on the role of the invader controlling the demons, while the others play as marines fighting for survival. The game can be played one versus one or cooperatively with up to four players on the marine team.

The modular game board and claustrophobic environment faithfully recreate the atmosphere of the video game, making every mission a thrilling battle for survival. The game features a variety of monsters, each with its own unique abilities, challenging players to adapt their strategies continuously. The visceral combat and fast-paced gameplay capture the essence of DOOM, providing an adrenaline-fueled experience.

DOOM: The Board Game stands out for its immersive theme and intense action, making it a perfect choice for fans of the franchise and anyone looking for a high-octane dungeon crawler. The blend of cooperative and competitive elements ensures that each game is a dynamic and unpredictable experience.

Mice and Mystics

Mice and Mystics is a charming dungeon crawler that is perfect for family game nights. Suitable for players aged seven and up, this game offers a rich, story-driven adventure that younger players can enjoy alongside adults. In this cooperative game, players take on the roles of brave mice who must work together to save their kingdom from various threats.

The game features a beautifully crafted narrative, where players face countless enemies such as rats, cockroaches, and spiders while making their way through the game’s different paths. The detailed miniatures and engaging storyline make each session feel like stepping into a fairy tale. Mice and Mystics’ approachable mechanics and enchanting theme make it an excellent choice for introducing younger players to the dungeon crawler genre.

With its blend of cooperative gameplay, captivating story, and accessible rules, Mice and Mystics offers a delightful experience for players of all ages. It’s a testament to how dungeon crawlers can be both challenging and family-friendly.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game transports players into the heart of Raccoon City’s horror-filled streets and underground labs. This cooperative game is based on the iconic video game and tasks players with fighting iconic monsters, uncovering secrets, and ultimately escaping from the nightmare. The game’s claustrophobic settings and relentless tension capture the essence of the survival horror genre.

Players take on the roles of familiar characters from the Resident Evil series, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. The game’s mechanics emphasize strategic planning and teamwork, as players must manage limited resources and face off against powerful adversaries. The various scenarios and objectives ensure that each playthrough offers a fresh and terrifying challenge.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game excels in delivering a truly immersive and horrifying dungeon crawler experience. Its faithful adaptation of the video game’s atmosphere and gameplay mechanics makes it a must-play for fans of the series and horror enthusiasts alike.

Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia plunges players into the depths of Hell, where the stakes are high, and the environment is perilous. This asymmetrical game allows one player to control a group of humans navigating the hellish landscape, while another player takes on the role of the demons trying to thwart their progress. The game is driven by scenario-based objectives, each offering unique challenges and story elements.

The straightforward mechanics make Claustrophobia easy to learn, yet its strategic depth keeps players engaged. The game’s rich narrative and immersive setting add to its appeal, making each session a gripping adventure. The modular board ensures varied gameplay, with each scenario presenting new obstacles and opportunities.

Claustrophobia’s blend of horror, strategy, and asymmetrical gameplay provides a unique and compelling dungeon crawler experience. Its accessible rules and intense scenarios make it a great choice for players looking for a game that is both easy to pick up and deeply engaging.

Tiny Epic Dungeons

Tiny Epic Dungeons packs a full dungeon crawler experience into a small, portable package. This game is perfect for gamers on the go, offering a compact yet comprehensive adventure. In Tiny Epic Dungeons, players control a band of heroes exploring a dungeon room by room, searching for treasures, battling monsters, and ultimately facing off against a formidable boss.

The game’s solo play option and cooperative gameplay for up to four players make it versatile and accessible. Despite its small size, Tiny Epic Dungeons offers a rich and immersive experience with detailed miniatures and a modular board that changes with each playthrough. The strategic depth and variety of hero abilities keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

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Tiny Epic Dungeons stands out for its ability to deliver a full-fledged dungeon crawling experience in a compact format. It’s a testament to how big adventures can come in small packages, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.

Arcadia Quest

Arcadia Quest offers a vibrant and competitive dungeon crawling experience. This campaign-based game allows 2 to 4 players to embark on an epic quest, blending PvE (player vs. environment) and PvP (player vs. player) elements. In Arcadia Quest, players control heroes who must battle not only the monsters within the dungeons but also heroes controlled by other players.

The game’s competitive nature sets it apart, as players must strategically navigate through various scenarios, vying for resources and achievements. The beautifully designed miniatures and rich, colorful artwork enhance the immersive experience. The blend of competitive and cooperative elements ensures that each game is dynamic and full of surprises.

Arcadia Quest’s unique gameplay mechanics, engaging campaign, and stunning visual design make it a standout in the dungeon crawler genre. Its mix of competition and collaboration provides a fresh twist, making it an exciting choice for gamers looking for something different.

Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)

Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) is a classic dungeon crawler that offers deep strategic gameplay and a richly detailed narrative. This asymmetrical game pits one player, the overlord, against up to four heroes who embark on quests through dangerous caves, ancient ruins, dark dungeons, and haunted forests. The heroes must work together to thwart the overlord’s evil plans.

The game features a variety of settings and scenarios, each with unique challenges and objectives. The modular board and diverse quest options ensure high replayability. The detailed miniatures and immersive story elements draw players into a world of adventure and danger, where every decision can change the course of the game.

Descent’s blend of strategic depth, narrative richness, and varied gameplay make it a cornerstone of the dungeon crawler genre. Its asymmetrical mechanics offer a unique challenge, providing endless hours of engaging and exciting play.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth takes players on an epic journey through the beloved world of J.R.R. Tolkien. This cooperative game leverages app integration to enhance the gameplay experience, guiding players through treacherous quests, battles with monsters, and the uncovering of hidden secrets. Players can choose to play solo or with up to five companions.

The game mechanics are designed to immerse players in the rich lore of Middle-Earth, with each quest bringing new challenges and story developments. The app-driven gameplay ensures a smooth and dynamic experience, with the app managing the game’s intricate details and narrative twists. This allows players to focus on strategy and cooperation.

Journeys in Middle-Earth excels in delivering a deeply immersive and richly detailed adventure. Its seamless integration of digital and physical elements, combined with its engaging narrative, makes it a standout title for fans of both The Lord of the Rings and dungeon crawler board games.

Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress

Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress transports players to the far reaches of space, offering a unique twist on the dungeon crawler genre. In this game, players take on the roles of explorers navigating the labyrinthine halls of a vast, ancient space station. Each step reveals new secrets, challenges, and enemies, as players uncover the mysteries of the Blackstone Fortress.

The game can be played solo or cooperatively, with each explorer bringing unique skills and abilities to the team. The richly detailed miniatures and immersive narrative draw players into a dark and foreboding world, where danger lurks around every corner. The modular board and evolving story ensure high replayability, with each game session offering new discoveries and challenges.

Blackstone Fortress stands out for its innovative setting and engaging gameplay. Its blend of exploration, strategy, and narrative depth makes it a compelling choice for fans of the Warhammer universe and dungeon crawlers alike.

Sword & Sorcery

Sword & Sorcery is an epic fantasy cooperative board game that pits players against the forces of evil in a richly detailed, story-driven quest. Designed for solo play or up to five players, Sword & Sorcery features a robust narrative where heroes embark on adventures to defeat monstrous foes and reclaim their lost souls. The game stands out for its deep lore and intricate mechanics, which offer a high level of strategic depth.

Players take on the roles of legendary heroes, each with unique abilities and skills. The game’s AI-driven mechanics control the actions of the enemy forces, providing a challenging and dynamic gameplay experience. The detailed miniatures and beautiful artwork enhance the immersive quality of the game, making each encounter feel significant and thrilling.

Sword & Sorcery’s combination of cooperative gameplay, complex strategy, and rich storytelling make it a standout title in the dungeon crawler genre. Its epic scope and engaging mechanics ensure a rewarding experience for both casual players and hardcore board game enthusiasts.

Bloodborne: The Board Game

Bloodborne: The Board Game brings the dark, gothic world of the popular video game to life on the tabletop. This campaign-based action-adventure game has players take on the roles of hunters who must work together to uncover and solve hidden mysteries. The game is known for its unique card-driven combat system, where success or failure hinges on player choices and strategy.

Set in a dark, gothic world filled with horrifying creatures and challenging encounters, Bloodborne emphasizes cooperative gameplay and narrative depth. Each hunter possesses unique abilities, and players must carefully manage their resources and make strategic decisions to survive. The richly detailed miniatures and atmospheric artwork capture the essence of the Bloodborne universe, creating an immersive experience.

Bloodborne: The Board Game excels in translating the intense, strategic combat and rich lore of the video game into a compelling board game format. Its combination of cooperative play, challenging gameplay, and immersive storytelling makes it a must-play for fans of the franchise and dungeon crawlers alike.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

Star Wars: Imperial Assault transports players to the heart of the Star Wars universe, offering a blend of tactical combat and narrative-driven missions. Though not set in traditional dungeons, the game mechanics and strategic gameplay firmly place it within the dungeon crawler genre. Players can engage in a campaign where they take on the roles of Rebel heroes fighting against the Galactic Empire, or they can compete in skirmish mode for head-to-head battles.

The game’s richly detailed miniatures and modular board allow for a variety of missions and scenarios, ensuring high replayability. The strategic depth and thematic richness provide an immersive experience, whether players are uncovering secrets, battling stormtroopers, or completing objectives. The game’s narrative-driven campaign mode, supported by expansions and additional content, offers a continually evolving adventure.

Star Wars: Imperial Assault combines the beloved lore of Star Wars with engaging tactical gameplay, making it a standout choice for fans of the franchise and dungeon crawler enthusiasts. Its detailed miniatures, strategic depth, and compelling narrative make it an unforgettable experience.

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients offers a unique blend of old western themes and horror elements in a cooperative dungeon crawler. Players assume the roles of Old West heroes exploring dark mines filled with supernatural threats. The game’s innovative setting and mix of genres provide a fresh take on the dungeon crawler format.

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Players must navigate through the mines, facing off against demons and otherworldly creatures while uncovering ancient artifacts and hidden secrets. The game features modular boards and a variety of scenarios, ensuring that each playthrough offers new challenges and discoveries. Heroes can even step through portals to explore alien worlds on the other side, adding an extra layer of adventure and unpredictability.

Shadows of Brimstone stands out for its creative setting and the seamless integration of western and horror elements. Its cooperative gameplay, rich narrative, and high replayability make it a captivating choice for those looking to explore new and exciting worlds within the dungeon crawler genre.

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Mansions of Madness (Second Edition)

Mansions of Madness (Second Edition) is a cooperative, app-driven board game that immerses players in a world of horror and mystery. Set in the Lovecraftian universe of Arkham, this game tasks players with solving complex puzzles, collecting weapons and tools, and battling otherworldly monsters. The app integration guides the story, manages the monsters, and keeps the narrative flowing, allowing players to focus on strategy and cooperation.

The game is designed for 1 to 5 players, and each session is a unique experience, thanks to the app’s dynamic storytelling and scenario management. The richly detailed miniatures and atmospheric artwork contribute to the game’s immersive quality, drawing players into a world of madness and horror. The intricate scenarios and challenging gameplay ensure that Mansions of Madness remains engaging and unpredictable.

Mansions of Madness excels in creating a deeply immersive and narrative-rich experience. Its blend of cooperative gameplay, app integration, and Lovecraftian horror makes it a standout title for fans of mystery and dungeon crawler games.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape brings classic fantasy RPG elements to the dungeon crawler genre, offering an action-packed campaign for 1 to 6 players. Each player controls a hero with unique abilities, navigating through a modular board filled with monsters and challenges. The game features different hero classes, each with its own playstyle, providing a variety of strategic options.

The game’s narrative-driven campaign and high replayability ensure that each playthrough is a new adventure. The richly detailed miniatures and vibrant artwork enhance the fantasy setting, making each encounter visually stunning. The cooperative gameplay requires players to work together, combining their unique skills to overcome obstacles and defeat powerful bosses.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape stands out for its engaging gameplay, diverse hero options, and immersive fantasy world. It’s a must-have for fans of dungeon crawlers looking for a game that offers depth, variety, and a compelling narrative.

Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven is widely regarded as one of the best dungeon crawler board games available. This cooperative game tasks players with clearing out dungeons and the forgotten ruins of evil forces. Gloomhaven is known for its deep storyline, complex mechanics, and high replayability, making it a favorite among board game enthusiasts.

Players control mercenaries with unique abilities and skills, navigating through a modular board that changes with each scenario. The game’s card-driven combat system requires strategic planning and tactical execution, ensuring that each decision has a significant impact. The richly detailed world and immersive narrative draw players into a sprawling adventure filled with danger and discovery.

Gloomhaven’s combination of strategic depth, narrative richness, and replayability make it a standout in the dungeon crawler genre. Its complex mechanics and engaging gameplay offer a rewarding experience for those looking for a challenging and immersive board game.

Middara: Unintentional Malum

Middara: Unintentional Malum is a massive dungeon crawler set in a unique fantasy world. This game offers full character customization, allowing players to create and develop their heroes as they see fit. With a vast campaign, rich narrative, and numerous encounters, Middara provides an expansive and immersive experience.

The game features 45 unique miniatures, over 60 encounters, and a dynamic AI system that controls the monsters. Players can explore dangerous dungeons, make interactive decisions, and uncover hidden secrets as they progress through the story. The high level of detail in both the miniatures and the narrative adds to the game’s immersive quality, making each playthrough a captivating adventure.

Middara: Unintentional Malum excels in delivering a deeply customizable and richly detailed dungeon crawler experience. Its expansive world, engaging story, and intricate mechanics make it a standout title for fans of the genre looking for a comprehensive and immersive game.

Dungeon Crawl Board Games

Dungeon crawler board games offer a unique blend of strategy, storytelling, and cooperative gameplay that can captivate players of all ages. From the eerie halls of Castle Ravenloft to the vast reaches of Blackstone Fortress, these games provide endless hours of adventure and excitement. Whether you prefer the classic fantasy settings or innovative genre blends, there is a dungeon crawler board game on this list that will suit your tastes.

We hope this list has inspired you to explore these fantastic games and discover new adventures. Share your favorite dungeon crawler board games in the comments, and let us know which titles have provided the most memorable experiences for you and your gaming group. Happy gaming!

Paul Bellow

LitRPG Author Paul Bellow

Paul Bellow is a LitRPG author, gamer, RPG game developer, and publisher of several online communities. In other words, an old school webmaster. He also developed and runs LitRPG Adventures, a set of advanced RPG generators powered by GPT-3 AI. Here at LitRPG Reads, he publishes articles about LitRPG books, tabletop RPG books, and all sorts of DND content that's free to use in your personal tabletop campaign - i.e. non-commercial use. Enjoy your stay and reach out on Twitter or Discord if you want to make contact.

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