Dungeon Crawler (2010) Board Game

Dungeon Crawler is a cooperative board game that was released in in 2010. Designed by Daniel Alexander, David Bezzina, Ricardo Boronat, Steve Brigantino, and several others, this game has become popular among fans of card games and fantasy genres. With a runtime of 60 minutes and suitable for players aged 13 and above, Dungeon Crawler offers a unique gaming experience with its hand management and trading mechanics.

Game Components of Dungeon Crawler

Three different decks of cards: Adventurer cards, Dungeon cards, and Crawler cards.

Tokens: Used for tracking various values in the game.

Quest cards: Represent the objectives players must complete.

How To Setup Dungeon Crawler

To set up the game, players start by shuffling the Adventurer, Dungeon, and Crawler decks. The Adventurer cards are arranged in order of strength, with the strongest first. The Dungeon Deck is placed furthest away, and the Crawler Deck closer. Quest cards are selected and placed to the right of the Adventurer cards. Tokens are kept nearby for easy access. Players draw five Crawler cards to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Build the Encounter: Draw Dungeon Crawler cards to create an encounter, ensuring the total value does not exceed the maximum for the game difficulty level.

Respond: Players use equipment, magic, skills, and tactics to prepare for the encounter, within the limits of what their adventurers can equip.

Combat: Adventurers attack first; the goal is to meet or exceed the encounter’s total defenses. Failure results in damage to the adventurers.

End Encounter: Clean up the encounter by removing used cards, dropping unnecessary cards, and drawing new Crawler cards.

Objective: Complete the selected Quests successfully to win the game.

Player Experience

Dungeon Crawler offers a dynamic and strategic experience, requiring players to plan ahead, manage dangers, and act decisively. The game is highly replayable due to its customizable and expandable nature, allowing players to purchase additional decks for a richer experience. Players must balance their adventurers’ strengths and weaknesses to overcome encounters.

Pros

Easy to learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

High replayability: Customizable decks and multiple quests ensure varied gameplay.

Strategic depth: Requires careful planning and tactical decision-making.

Expandable: Allows players to purchase more decks for added complexity and options.

Cons

Steep learning curve for advanced strategies: While the basic rules are simple, mastering the game can take time.

Potential for repetitive encounters: Depending on the cards drawn, some encounters might feel similar.

No visual exploration component: The game relies on card encounters rather than a physical dungeon map.

Personal Thoughts on Dungeon Crawler

Dungeon Crawler is ideal for players who enjoy strategic gameplay and the customization that comes with card-based systems. It suits those looking for a game that combines elements of RPGs and dungeon crawlers without the complexity of full-fledged RPGs. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a visually immersive dungeon exploration experience or those who prefer more straightforward, rules-light games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.