The Top 10 Dungeon Crawls of all Time (2024 edition)

[@shaneannigans]

Yes! Can't wait for your Top 10 Overland Adventure Games (my favourite board game genre)

[@MrJankTv]

Thank you so much and I’m super happy Quest for the Lost Pixel has made your list! Thank you for everything both with this amazing channel and community

[@garrettnease2287]

I've got Quest for the Lost Pixel coming in May, can't wait to try it!

[@denisloebner4882]

and i cant wait for that diablo inspired crawler that got mentioned 🙂

[@thetreeformerlyknownasmike7394]

​@denisloebner4882 seriously! @MrJankTv any idea when we might hear more?

[@GroovusGamesUnlimited]

THANK YOU DANIEL! :) AND 2 NEW FEATURES COMING TO DUNGEON CRUSADE: DUNGEON CRUSADE BLITZ: A SHORTER GAME MODE AND RE-SEEDING THE DUNGEON. Hello Daniel and Dungeon Dive viewers. This is Rodger, the designer of Dungeon Crusade and the Avalon Adventure board game and I hope everyone's doing great and having an awesome weekend. And seriously, wow, and I'm blown away. Daniel, I want to thank you so much for your incredibly kind words on how much you enjoy Dungeon Crusade and having it on your top 10 list. You know I'm a super passionate designer, and to have Dungeon Crusade on this list with these other 9 incredible games is a real honor. From the heart man, thank you so much. And I'm going to order a copy of Rogue Dungeon! You and so many people have been such great friends to me, the game, and the community, and I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I've said it so many times, you have the best channel on KZbin Daniel for all the stuff that we love, and we're very grateful to you for everything you do. While I'm here, I do want to let people know what's coming to Dungeon Crusade, and something that you touched on. I want to let you know two exciting features are coming to Dungeon Crusade very soon. People have wanted these two things for the longest time, and we're finally implementing them into the game. Check out the post I recently released and I think it'll be very happy about this. DUNGEON CRUSADE - BLITZ: A NEW GAME MODE THAT WILL OFFER A HIGHLY ACCELERATED AND SHORTER GAME: For those of you who have wanted to play a quicker and shorter game of Dungeon Crusade, this mode is for you. I've been calling it Dungeon Crusade: Blitz. I know many people have wanted this for a while, so I will be debuting it very soon on the Dungeon Crusade KZbin channel. Of course, this will be a free download. Everything is the same in how you play except for a few little tweaks. I'm trying to finish up the graphic design for the rulebook page for the Dungeon Crusade Crusaders Handbook for this new game mode. I think a lot of people are going to love this, and it gives them what they've always wanted: a MUCH ^^ quicker way to play and enjoy Dungeon Crusade. RE-SEEDING THE DUNGEON FOR THE HEROES 2ND & 3RD DELVE: I'm a super passionate creator and I want to give everyone the best experience possible. So let me share this with you. To explain this a little better, and for people who have not played Dungeon Crusade, when the heroes go back into the dungeon for their second and third delve some of the elements of the game are gone, in regards to exploring. Like the treasure chests, the crates, the secret rooms, the Mystery Chambers, etc. What I've been working on (besides the new game mode) is how to re-seed the dungeon for when the heroes go back into the dungeon for the second and third dungeon delve. So basically treasure chests will repopulate, the mining sites will switch around, crates will reappear in the dungeon, mystery chambers and secret rooms will reappear, and a few other things. And of course, this will all be randomly generated I'm also doing the graphic design for the page for the rule book so this will be official. I know a lot of people wanted this so it will be coming to the game. In closing, I'm still working on the graphic design for the two rule book pages for these two new features. You'll be able to download these pages and put them right into your Dungeon Crusade rule book. So the pages will look just like it had came with the game. I will have a video on both of these new features on the Dungeon Crusade KZbin channel as soon as everything is ready. We'll go over each new feature in-depth and chat! DUNGEON CRUSADE IS STILL AVAILABLE: Lastly, some people have asked, and yes, copies of Dungeon Crusade are still available. There are only a few of the Slayer of the Realm editions left, that's the edition, and there are add-ons and The Crusader of the Realm edition available. We're still partnered with Pledge Manager, so feel free to check out the Dungeon Crusade Pledge Manager shop. If you need any help, please let me know. Thank you, Daniel, for everything you do for EVERYONE. Wishing you and everyone the very best. I hope everyone has a great upcoming week, happy gaming and stay tuned for the two new features coming to Dungeon Crusade soon. Talk to you soon!.... Rodger :) The Dungeon Crusade Pledge Manager shop: groovus.pledgemanager.com/projects/dungeon-crusade-shop/participate/ The official Dungeon Crusade eBay store: www.ebay.com/usr/avalon-crusader

[@jasonpadgett1333]

Daniel, all of your deep cut and personal favorites that don't show up on others' lists is exactly why I keep coming back to your channel. Really love to hear your take on these games and RPGs. And after hearing you talk about it, I'm really looking forward to getting Secrets of the Lost Tomb from the recent crowdfunding.

[@remexroth8666]

I rather watch a top ten list from someone who stand behind his choices rather than trying to please everyone. Being off the beaten path is also what makes your channel unique so keep it up Daniel ! 👍

[@davidk6269]

Space Hulk is one of my favorite dungeon crawlers--the tension (especially if playing with the sand timer) is just unparalleled. ; )

[@TheDungeonDive]

Great game! For me, as a solo player, Space Hulk has been fully replaced by The Walking Dead: Here's Negan. It gives me that same tense feel, with similar tactics, but it all plays fully solo out of the box.

[@davidk6269]

@@TheDungeonDive Wow, I've never heard of that game until now! On the strength of your recommendation, I'm going to check it out! Thanks!

[@bobvanpeborgh6312]

Yep, Space Hulk was one of Games Workshop's classics in the day; it was the start of the Gene-stealer/Tyrranid-race in the WH 40K-universe and also had a few additions like(I believe it was called) "GREY KNIGHTS"

[@TheDungeonDive]

It's amazing.

[@cassiomx88]

My sand timer gets jammed quite often - which isn't always a bad thing TBH!! 🤣Makes up for my quite severe dyslexia, indecisiveness and not to sharp working memory!!

[@DanIliescu-o7e]

Secrets of the Lost Tomb, Quest For the Lost Pixel , Machina Arcana and Iron Helm, Rogue Dungeon - kudos!

[@WarhammerQuest]

Warhammer Quest is the most customizable Dungeon game of all-time! Spot on with all of your comments - it was the trailblazer and still sets the standard, even almost 30 years later! So great to see it appropriately at #6!!

[@NefariousKoel]

Yeah. I don't think the latest iterations capture the scope of the original WHQ. It's too bad we'll probably never see its like again. I suppose Shadows Of Brimstone is about as close as it gets. Although after buying two core sets years ago, and going through the unnecessarily grueling minis assembly, I've not been inclined to splurge on more expansions. The gameplay doesn't quite hit the same level of joy as WHQuest did for me, although I'm glad to have it in the collection.

[@arikwolf3777]

Sorry, but the GOAT is now _League of Dungeoneers._ IMHO.

[@PiecesMissing]

I think Shadows of Brimstone actually does a great job of honouring Warhammer Quest. If you want a more fantasy style theme SoB Forbidden Fortress (Japan) and SoB Adventures with the Viking Heroes does a great job. It is worth picking up a couple expansions, but they are all fairly awesome exploration experiences.

[@PiterMorbid]

I'm looking for some guide teaching me how to start on whq. Do you have any?

[@orwellian7080]

Echoing Daniels appreciation Littlemonk for all your incredible work and personal time/effort on expanding the WHQ 95 game over many years. Truly amazing. 🙏

[@rhubahb]

YES!! I have a list of 15 things to do today, but then I saw the DD The Top 10 Dungeon Crawls of all Time (2024) in my YT Notifications.... My day stoppped, I just finished watching - rivetted as always - and I still have 15 things to do.... LOVE the video and really looking forward to the BGG ovedrlap follow-up!! Thank you Daniel!

[@TheDungeonDive]

My pleasure!

[@rhubahb]

@@TheDungeonDive ALL Dungeon Dive videos are “Must watch TV [YT]” - to match your “size of 2 vcr tapes” era reference. LOL.

[@reyrey8562]

Your channel is one of the top dungeon crawler content out there!

[@richprice482]

Brilliant description of a D.C. game. Recon you nailed it. I really look forward to these lists. I know top 10 lists are nothing new but due to the detail you have for dungeon crawler & adventure games Daniel it’s a cut above the rest. Thanks.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@shaneannigans]

I recently unsubscribed from a lot of board game channels, including The Dice Tower. But I remain subscribed to The Dungeon Dive and only a handful of others BECAUSE you STAY true to what you're passionate about and seem a lot more genuine than most other channels-even though our opinions and rankings may differ.

[@WarhammerQuest]

Agreed!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks. :)

[@Thebrewgeek1]

Dungeon Crusade is my #1. A full game of DC is at least 20+ hours. Great list thanks for sharing. I love the fact that your top 10 is very consistent. My top 5 hasn't changed it 10 years (for the most part).

[@GroovusGamesUnlimited]

Hello there Thebrewgeek1 and good evening to you. 🙂 I hope you're doing good and had an excellent weekend. Lol, I have said this so many times, I think you know the game better than me! 🙂 But truly, you've been a great friend to me and you are probably the ultimate crusader. Thank you so much for your friendship, excitement, and support with the game, especially the awesome variant that you created for Dungeon Crusade, Dungeon Crusade: Chronicles. You did one heck of a job on that, very creative. Have a great evening Thebrewgeek1, and I'm still trying to finish up the new Dungeon Crusade: Blitz mode and the other feature, but it's just been very busy for me, but it is coming! Have a great Monday, talk to you soon... Rodger 🙂

[@bluebotic2327]

Good stuff, Daniel. I love getting your updated and ongoing take on Dungeon Crawl board gaming. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheDungeonDive]

My pleasure!

[@codingwithculp]

Not long after the first FFG version of Dungeonquest came out I was at a weekend gaming event at a game store. A guy saw us setting up and excitedly asked about the game and if he could play. He had heard about the game and had never played. I explained that you were really in the game for the story of it, that it could be fairly random and brutal at times and it often ends with no one winning and that it was possible but rare to die on your first turn. He said the game sounded great, he was all in. He sat down and after the rules explanation he went first. He drew the bottomless pit, rolled poorly and died on his first turn.

[@TheDungeonDive]

That is absolutely the single best way to experience the game for the first time! LOL! Love it.

[@patmiller9388]

I love the opening bumper music. It reminds me of the RV shows I watched in Grammer school

[@apolloangel9374]

Great video, got some ideas on where to focus next. I would expect DUN to be present though, I cannot get enough of it. Thanks for the videos, keep it up!

[@firehrt]

DUN is absolutely my favourite too - by a long way. Looking forward to seeing if League of Dungeoneers can knock it off its perch when I get it in my hands.

[@Linnir]

Wow! You play a lot of crawlers so this should be an informed list. Thank you.

[@josephwiley5880]

I love your videos, these are so nice to come home to after a day at work and throw on in the background while doing chores or getting some miniature painting done. Thanks for such a comprehensive list.

[@TheDungeonDive]

You are so welcome!

[@Kallistosprom]

Totally agree with WHQ, that roleplay book is so good I bought a second copy off eBay as the spine disintegrated on my first one. Being able to use my entire collection of miniatures, there’s been nothing like it and I own SoB with some expansions.

[@angel8fingers]

Hero Quest and its expansions are my favorite for playing with my kids. The fact that I had the game as a kid definitely gives a good nostalgia vibe! Hope it makes your list!

[@bloodrunsclear]

I love that little jingle. With that and 'I hope you're doing well, and if you aren't, I hope you are soon' really gets me settled in for a fine review :)

[@nathanhalpin1611]

Keep it real Daniel! I love watching your channel and I trust your opinion most. If your number 1 is number 1 three years in a row...then that's what it is. Thank you for your honesty and thorough reviews! Cheers!

[@stephenavery6174]

Really enjoying your channel. I play a lot of dungeon crawls but half of these I never tried. Good to see some classics on your list. As an old school gamer I treasure those older titles.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Right on. Thanks for the comment. :)

[@stephenavery6174]

If you get a chance, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Dice Conquest. It's a streamlined DC that plays in 20 mins. Wizkids is putting out a Pathfinder version soon.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I’ll have to look into that. Thanks.

[@tonosama516]

Thank you for introducing me to games that I’d enjoy, many of which I’d never find on my own. Please continue your periodic lists. It is just as important to reaffirm the games with yearly perspectives, as it is important to recognize the rare game that eventually makes it to your list. Your consistency makes you reliable, which is why I watch The Dice Tower less often. I look forward to more game reviews soon! ❤

[@EricLebigot]

I hope that the natural interest in new games won't kill the Dungeon Dive: I'm following your channel precisely because you don't limit yourself to newer games. Newer games are important, because by definition gamers can find more interesting gameplay there, but many older games are great but fall under most radars: I come back (in part) to the Dungeon Dive for your open-mindedness with regards to older games. Keep up the good work!.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I am still playing and will cover new games, but as I move closer to perfecting my collection, those instances will becoming less frequent. :) Especially in terms of anything of a substantial size.

[@RoryStarks]

I appreciated the mention of the original Warhammer Quest. As a teenager, I came home with that game after a failed attempt at finding a copy of HeroQuest. An employee of the game store recommended it as an advanced take on the same premise. When they described the dungeon creation, I was sold.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Oh, I’ve got a MASSIVE series on the original WHQ! Over 30 episodes! By far the most comprehensive coverage on KZbin! So much more than just a mention. :) I even cover every issue of White Dwarf that had WHQ stuff. It’s a killer game. Sounds like you made out!

[@RoryStarks]

@@TheDungeonDive They're great, thank you for making them

[@sethpeterson8261]

Nice! I had Rogue Dungeon on my radar because of your original review and knew if they ever made a revised version improving the things you mentioned I'd jump on it. They did and I did. Same with Secrets of the Lost Tomb, jumped on that revised version Kickstarter all-in. Same with your original coverage of Dungeon Crusade and now I own it all. Appreciate you showing us the easily overlooked gems.

[@guillermoyaroslavlverduzco1551]

You have my respect, man. Many gamers go for the new stuff, but you really appreciate the whole-times games. I still don't know how I haven't seen anything about Folklore: The Affliction in this channel. I bet you'd like it a lot. Best regards. Subscribed.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks! I’ve got a whole playlist on Folklore. :). Even have extensive house rules for 2 heroes available as a file for my Patrons. :). Folklore the Affliction kzbin.info/aero/PLKewgRd8Eir-eFqRmIXteqbPzfLY-z-5-

[@scarecrow939]

Thanks for the videos, always great recommendations!

[@keithdonohue4631]

Dungeon Quest !!! I have a copy of the original version of the game, as well as one of the more recent editions. It is so much fun. Thanks for recognizing this classic.

[@joseseptien]

It is always good to see the games that influenced the new games. And a bonus when you can still get these older games or they come back as new campaigns on Gamefound or kickstarter,.

[@cromatoast]

Surprised to not see Cthulhu Death May Die or Hellboy, but this is a great list. I'm waiting (im)patiently for the new Secrets of Lost Tomb to fulfill and I'm on the hunt for a copy of Dungeonquest thanks to this channel.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Great games!

[@Twineandribbon]

Thanks for the video! I love your unique and eclectic taste.

[@quintlox]

Love your list. Also love that Escape From Dulce is on your shelf. One of my favorite, underrated, dungeon crawl games. The pop culture sci fi theme is fantastic. And talk about your loot deck. Gigantic.

[@littlestbunny7]

Totoro is surprised to see Iron Helm before Rogue Dungeon. ❤️ One day he will get all of IH again.

[@cammychoate]

I've been away a while but I gotta say it's so cool to come back and see how the channel has grown since you went full time. :D Well done mate! When you said your number one was going a big one with almost too many elements I really thought you'd say Shadows of Brimstone lol

[@TheDungeonDive]

I’m struggling with part time. Lol. Making about $9 an hour. Will be able to keep it up through the end of the year.

[@nicksims2827]

Thanks for this - I’m new to the channel (but not dungeon crawlers) though there’s quite a few games I’ve never heard of! Looking forward to checking them out and really interested to see your views on the BGG Top 10

[@the_Mike_d]

I have lost track of how many times we've yelled "How does that app know??" while playing Mansions of Madness 2E - that's so funny we're not alone. Not surprised at all about your #1 - it really is one of a kind with gonzo game play. Don't worry about covering Cult of the New - you've got your niche so stick with it!

[@frankbranham7404]

Let me add two more to your radar: 1. Arkeis. It has a lot of similarities to Mansion of Madness in terms of complexity, story, and being a more fixed set of "dungeons" rather than a sandbox. But no app, and the game system is just SO good, a bit unusual, and *SO* simple in practice. When you attack, you roll a pool dice, and read down the monster's battle chart applying dice faces in order. Also, each monster in your space applies a different effect to you (and possibly others) at the start of the turn. Also, the room boxes which clip together with doors is SO lovely. There aren't a TON of dungeons 8 in the base campaign, but play is very fast 60-90 in ACTUAL minutes and fun. 2. Chronicles of Drunagor. This is my favorite. But oh so expensive. The bling attraction is 3d maps using tiles on vacuform risers. I almost skipped this because it looked like a gimmick propping up a medicore game. But the game structure itself has a superb system involving colored action cubes which forces you to mix up your battle tactics and cooldowns to get your cubes back. Character progression is HUGE, with dual trees of permanent powers as well as specific action powers for each character, and a party role chart which has its own level up actions. There are also a million characters. But then the actual dungeon elements aside from fighting are handled *SO* well. Doors are simple folded cardstock that slot into the plastic. But when you open it, there is the setup for the space beyond it, and any custom events. Also, some rooms refer you to a scene book. This is a book of full-page art with a list of options. Things like...giant statue. Do you pull the lever, pluck out one of the gem eyes, try to talk to it, read the runes on the altar in front of it. This part just makes the game for me as a throwback to that Tomb of Horrors picture book in boardgame form.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Didn’t care for Drunagor.

[@p.henrique9088]

Drunagor is great!

[@stephenavery6174]

Those are both excellent games. I was surprised to not see either of them on the list

[@tfh7]

Dude, people are really strange. They come to see the favorites list from someone else and expect then to like the same thing as then just to validade their preferences. They even question the author why not other games. OMG, people really think fun is that objective? Lol. Awesome and unique list. Keep it up. I’ve unfollowed most of the BG content creators and not you! Thanks for not just hyping up the new weekly hotness that would be forgotten a month later.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Right on! :) thanks.

[@tfh7]

​@@TheDungeonDive loved the list despite never having played most of them. But will play it whenever I get a chance.

[@p0ck3tp3ar]

Great list! A real emphasis on non-campaign games. Definitely a lot of fun to see this video each year. I was surprised Dungeon Universalis and League of Dungeoneers didn't make it. Still hoping to see you return to Darklight one day. You can actually play it outside of the campaign, just doing random dungeons. I think picking the Exorcist was a great tactical choice but I have to wonder what would have happened if you played the Nephalim or Outcast.

[@mauropaneART]

You can always check out the spiritual successor Animarium once it is complete :)

[@p0ck3tp3ar]

@@mauropaneART Out of appreciation for your work with Darklight I have already decided that Animarium is a mandatory purchase. I really liked the teasers as well.

[@mauropaneART]

@@p0ck3tp3ar I really appreciate that!

[@morgaknightgames]

Out of your list, and what I have in my own collection, Machina Arcana is #1. I also enjoy Iron Helm, but only have the core game (expansions are on the way) and have only played it twice, so we'll see how I feel after more plays and content. I also really enjoy Massive Darkness 2 and Shadows of Brimstone. Great video! Always enjoy your content.

[@andymeechan3924]

Interesting that WhQ: Silver Tower makers it to #3. IMO, the more recent WhQ: Cursed City blows it out the water. The narrow focus is still there, but Cursed City has more breathing space. And of course the mechanics are now refined, taking and improving on Blackstone Fortress. If definitely feels the right balance. I'm not a huge fan of dungeon crawls, but I happy completed Cursed City, while Silver Tower and Blackstone Fortress were left to languish after a few sessions.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Nice! Glad you enjoyed Cursed City!

[@fundip533]

Great video! Interesting how much room there is for different tastes even in this niche sub-genre. I myself play almost exclusively campaign and narrative dungeon crawlers/boss battlers, preferably with dozens of minis I can paint. But even if we don’t share tastes, I still enjoy your videos to discover games I haven’t heard of!

[@TheDungeonDive]

I totally agree!

[@MrPalp]

I wish the new Swedish deluxe version of Dungeon Quest was translated and released internationally for you English speakers. It is beautiful and very high quality.

[@NefariousKoel]

Availability is definitely an issue here in the States. Since FFG got the GW licenses pulled years ago. I was fortunate to get their 2014 version, which looks wonderful, but I know there are people who don't and are hoping for another release.. that doesn't cost a kidney.

[@MrPalp]

@@NefariousKoel Yeah, here in Sweden there have been four releases. The original in 1985 (Drakborgen later with one expansion) , then an altered version, Drakborgen Legenden in 2002 that was kind of neat but without the great artwork of the original (These where both made by the board game company Alga.) Then in 2020 there was a cooperation between alga and Fandrake to make a really nice version of the old game funded by kickstarter that turned out really good. And then last year alga released another version of the old game that is rather crap, night and day form the Fandrake version.

[@NefariousKoel]

@@MrPalp Ah! Sounds like you guys are also having some release issues if the latest has gone downhill. I suppose it's better than nothing, though.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I’m super happy with the versions I have access to!

[@samurguybriyongtan146]

I appreciate the love to Silver Tower. I had such a blast with it for the years I owned it. The dice mechanic the fun little dexterity games and the super weird-ass setting and happenings in the tower are great. So many people were bummed that it was not a new edition of Warhammer quest but a very focused game on its own wrote it off too easily. The rulebook also sucked, as well. Once I got over that, I had a blast in the lurid, acid metal game!

[@Derfischlebtnoch]

I just recently found your channel and man this is so my jam! thank you for your great work!

[@TheDungeonDive]

My pleasure. Welcome aboard!

[@jesse8794]

Just stumbled across this channel. Enjoying it alot

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thank you. There’s a lot here! :)

[@RPGFrequencies]

I know digital isn’t for everyone but given I can’t purchase rogue dungeon anywhere right now in physical copy I purchased the digital version and I’m absolutely loving it!

[@TapCat]

Regarding the Dice Tower top 100 games of all time, they had the same games at the top of their lists for a long time (Tom had Cosmic Encounter, Zee loved Pandemic, Sam was Twilight Imperium 3). Once those games were finally dethroned, their lists have been more fluid. But it’s also important to know that they structure their lists based on what they want to play most in the here and now so even if Cosmic Encounter might have given Tom the most fun over the course of his life, he’ll move it below something else that he wants to play more today. In that sense, I feel like the description of “favorite games of all-time” isn’t entirely accurate but they do explain their approach each year and I don’t begrudge them making their lists however they see fit. And, of course, the same is true for you.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Not at all! I love them.

[@gabrielwannes9220]

Warhammer quest is the mind image I have of the perfect dungeon crawl. Its insane that its so old but no other game has come close (for me) to the magic warhammer quest has. A huge plus for me is that its also set in my favorite fantasy world. 100% agree with your point that the game really feels that its set in the warhammer world.

[@cassiomx88]

I found your channel during Covid times when you did your AHQ series. I'm slightly surprised you hadn't included this in your top-10, given how highly you seemed to rate it? Is this due to it not being a 'complete game' as such, straight out of the box and needing quite a lot of tweaking, invested time and extra work to make it what it can be? I used to play loads of regular HQ when it first came out, but was only 9 years old then. My friend's older brother and his friends played AHQ a lot, but was far too complex for me. I had the paint set that came out 2 years after the base game to coincide with the TITD expansion and a lot of nostalgia remembering back to just how cool it looked watching others play. I quit Warhammer around 1995 and only returned in 2018, so missed out on WHQ completely. I sold my entire Fantasy, Epic and 40k stuff for about £20 as a teenager. I did pick up an immaculate AHQ in 2021 and still slowly collecting and painting up the additional minis. - which is fun side hobby in itself! I've tried a few brief solo games, but only using the standard rule set, so the gameplay lacked the quality that can obviously be achieved after dedicating some time to working out a system i'm happy with. Spacehulk is another game I picked up recently, mainly for solo play which is quite fun without needing to adapt things. I ordered the Hasbro HQ last week and collected all the 1980s minis from cheap ebay job lots, so hoping to be able to integrate that into AHQ with some time and dedication hopefully.

[@TheDungeonDive]

there are going to be some good games left off the list when I’m picking only 10 out of a few hundred.

[@beakerkell]

Excellent list! Very tempted to late pledge the new edition of Secrets of the Lost Tomb.

[@johnmiddleton4291]

Excellent list. The Diablo style game coming from Peter Jank should be awesome. I've been playing the old FFG Doom from 2004 as a sort of 20th anniversary thing and it's been mangling the crap out of me. I forgot how tough it is even with mods from the expansion. Truly Doom.

[@Quen10k]

Really hoping to get Quest for the Lost Pixel at some point, this is honestly one of the games highest on my Wishlist (and has been for a while) - but, even understanding how acclaimed the game is, I'm not sure I've I'll ever get around to it absent a big sale because the price from TGC is almost prohibitively expensive. Maybe it is comparable to buying a whole LCG, but that doesn't really seem to be the audience QftLP is intended targeted at or the genre it's operating in - so personally, I'm never going to get QftLP over a *whole* Arkham Horror or Marvel card game because I'd never get a whole LCG. It would be really cool to see GBF Games consider pitching a reprint/revision via crowdfunding to deliver both the complete game (or options to buy it in sets) at a for purchasers to reach a broader audience - similar to what Cerberus Gate Games did with Rogue Dungeon (delivering twice the game at 1/2 the price with better quality than you'd get from TGC).

[@TheDungeonDive]

The designer does not want to do a crowdfund for Lost Pixel. For him, making these games is just a small part-time hobby, and running a successful crowdfund takes a lot of time and stress, and he doesn't want to introduce that to his life. And I totally understand that, but I also understand your side as well.

[@deadguysfrom]

Great video Daniel! you convinced me to make a late pledge for secrets of the lost tomb.

[@GarblagGames]

Great video. Love to see DungeonQuest so high up on the list!

[@TheDungeonDive]

It’s a great game!

[@kcsnipes]

Dungeon Crusade (2020) by Gruvis Games Unlimited [03:35]. Rogue Dungeon (2024) by Cerberus Gate Games [05:55]. Machina Arcana (2019) by Adreama Games [08:55]. Iron Helm (2019) by Grey Gnome Games [11:41]. Warhammer Quest (1995) by Games Workshop [14:21]. Mansions of Madness Second Edition (2016) by Fantasy Flight Games [17:57]. Dungeon Quest (1985) by Games Workshop [20:39]. Warhammer Quest: Silver Tower by Games Workshop [23:31]. Quest for the Lost Pixel (2015) by Gummy Bear Factory Games [25:50]. Secrets of the Lost Tomb (2015) by Everything Epic Games [30:47]

[@jawsvvvvv]

SOTLT - Wow glad I backed the new version of this game. Really took a chance on backing it since I was 50/50 on it. Can't wait to get it.....

[@arikwolf3777]

Great definition of Dudgeon Crawl. Although, I would include overland encounters, as long as the game has no Roll Playing.

[@thomasnoppers]

HELL YEAH DUNGEONQUEST 4! My household favorite!!!

[@johncurry7246]

Awesome list! Now I need to try and decide between Rogue Dungeon or Quest for the Lost Pixel!

[@jasonkelley3932]

Solid list, Daniel. Thanks for sharing.

[@andilennon7976]

Great vid, great selections. Work on the new Machina Arcana game 'Signal' is ongoing, definitely a new experience within a familiar universe.

[@ryanbartlett672]

Thanks. Glad you keep it sincere and resist the "new #1" click bait temptation

[@kevinstricklen7579]

I happy others in the comments have already mentioned Space Hulk. I know the base game misses on the exploration but similar to WHQ95 and the fan-made expansions that introduce those experiences is what I enjoy playing and creating. Overall a great list.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Great game.

[@hipflask]

Outstanding vid, glad I found your channel !!

[@johnmarcgreen]

Just liked, shared and subbed your Patreon. Great work! I’ve bought a number of things you have reviewed, like Vermis, which I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Hang in there, bro.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thank you! Appreciate it. :)

[@CountDewkeww]

I get you! When you talk about new games it’s similar to how I feel. It’s not that I don’t like the new games it’s just become harder on me to justify spending the money. Before buying a new game, I always ask myself “do I already have this game just with a different name” is it different enough. For example with dungeon crawls, I love and have Descent(1,2,3), Imperial assault, Shadows of Brimstone, and Secrets of the lost Tomb. Now dungeon crawlers are probably my favorite but whenever a new one comes out I have to ask my self “ what does this game do that those others don’t? And if it does do something better how much better is it? Say the new game is a 9 and Descent is an 8, I can keep my $100 (plus what I would spend in expansions) and play the game that I already have and have a great time with it.

[@michaelrubino1]

outstanding list and commentary!

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks!

[@siriactuallysara]

I backed the newest secrets of the lost tomb because of your channel. I’ll give it a try in 2-3 years when it comes out

[@TheDungeonDive]

I hope you enjoy it. :)

[@thebeardedmother1535]

Really love Machina Arcana. Kind of feel like it doesn't get the appreciation it deserves. Super gritty. Love a game which isn't shy about kicking your butt

[@TheDungeonDive]

It has such a great setting.

[@SuperPreacherX]

Awesome video, thanks! 👍

[@TheDungeonDive]

Glad you liked it!

[@ErikPetersen-b1t]

Somewhat surprised shadows of Brimstone isn't on your list but I imagine difficulty of getting it to table played a big part

[@1AngelAlita]

SoB is my absolute favourite but it's a lifestyle game, difficult to get, assemble and collect.. ;)

[@fightingfortruth9806]

SOB would be my favorite dungeon crawlers for sure.

[@marcopritoni7182]

That wall of board games is awesome

[@msanasiri7873]

Have you tried Massive Darkness 2, I love it especially after tweaking the difficulty buy adding 1 extra minion for each encounter and extra health for roaming monsters

[@TheDungeonDive]

I had a very, very bad experience with MD2 the first time I played, especially after loving MD1. I felt like they changed too much, and made it more complicated, and lost the simplicity that made MD1 so great. However, I do plan on giving the game another chance in the near future.

[@marktizard3909]

Loved this review keen to play several of the games but only 2 of the ones I am interested in are available currently both prohibitively expensive, living in Australia doesn’t help!

[@LeTrèsVilain]

Very interesting! Are you planning on a similar list for boss battlers? I'm looking to get one for my collection and I would like to hear what you have to say about those!

[@TheDungeonDive]

I am not. I don't play enough of those. Most of them seem to be big on the minis, and I'm not really into minis. I do like Vagrant Song quite a bit, and of KDM is the one big one I own a lot of and sometimes play. However, the actual showdown with the boss is my least favorite thing about KDM. I really like the journey phase and the settlement phase.

[@LeTrèsVilain]

@@TheDungeonDive I'm not a total fan of the minis showdown neither, that's why I wanna hear reviewer before commiting to one. Your comment was informative, so thanks for taking the time !

[@robertthurman9866]

Wow a great list, many I have not heard of.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericcampbell9553]

Great list !

[@TheDungeonDive]

Thanks!

[@tomukuruzu]

Interesting, I feel completly different about Mansions of Madness. I played nearly all of the Expansions and the more you play and look beside the cool minis, nice Board and the App you realize that there isn't much of a game left. There isn't that much choice or agency for the players actually.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Interesting, indeed!

[@drandorinelelfoespacial.8717]

Great channel dude!

[@Elric54]

Secrets of the Lost Tomb is the new Shadows of Brimstone!

[@carlwoods4564]

Hey Daniel. Have you seen the game Ker Nethalas? Its superb.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Yep.

[@GreySectoid]

I am new to the genre but I already know this is my jam.

[@eikejmeyer]

Great list! Mansions of Madness is really a fun experience and usually I am not a fan of apps with boardgames, but here it is really done well! :)

[@remexroth8666]

May I ask how is the replayability ? Is it a once done deal or does it change every time you play ?

[@eikejmeyer]

@@remexroth8666 I haven't gotten to the point where I need to replay anything yet, but as far as I know there are changes to szenarios depending on choices & pacing. And maybe other stuff as the app doesn't disclose the decision tree behind it, which is great in a game that is themed around mystery and the dangers of the unknown.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I’ve played multiple scenarios many times. It’s a zero to hero game and not a campaign game, so it’s all about replaying. I discuss this in this very video. Watch it.

[@remexroth8666]

@@eikejmeyer Thank you !

[@jonanjello]

Nice list, Daniel. I'd put Dungeon Twister on my twisty, crawler list.

[@marksteelman7747]

I agree that Secrets is amazing. I would probably agree that it is my favorite in this category and I just have the retail edition. Did you back the 10th anniversary edition? I didn’t at first but I late backed it today because I played Agents of Smersh this weekend and it is an extremely similar game in a different genre by the same designer and I had so much fun I just couldn’t resist.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I did not. Already love what I have.

[@codingwithculp]

Another "dying on the first turn" story. This time the game was Warhammer Quest. This took place around 15 years ago. I am a middle school teacher and run an after school D&D club and a board gaming club. I brought my copy of Warhammer Quest to play with the kids. We setup and I explained the rules. Turn 1 The wizard rolls a 1 for power level. We draw the 1D3 Minotaur event card and roll a 6 for 3 minotaur's. We all die in the ensuing combat on turn 1.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Yep! Or falling into a pit on turn one....and forgetting to bring a rope. LOL! Love it.

[@HieronymusLudo]

Ah, great Television for during dinner! 👍 Edit: Have you heard of Dragonquest? It's the roll-n-write version of DungeonQuest by the same original designer, and it works surprisingly well (also solo-able). Published by Queen Games.

[@eriksjogren800]

Thank you for the video

[@TheDungeonDive]

You bet!

[@BunnyNiyori]

Interesting, I have never even so much as heard of a single one of these items (which all look fun). But can they be played solo? Do they require multiple people to be ideally fun?. In fact when I use the term 'dungeon crawl' I'm thinking role games and crawling through dungeons. I also more recently think solo games where it is just me and my player vs a randomly created dungeon in designs like D100 Dungeon.

[@TheDungeonDive]

Everything covered on the channel is purely from the solo perspective, and if it isn't I clearly state that (I think I've maybe covered ~5 games that aren't solo games). I am 99.9% a solo gamer. I also present a solid definition of what I mean when I say dungeon crawl in the first couple of minutes of this video - with my definition on screen.

[@KellyBC]

Great list of games there!

[@solitaryrpg]

Great list I’m still looking for Dungeon Quest. I bit too expensive on eBay

[@link_7164]

I’m intrigued by the BGG comparison. Is it out yet?

[@TheDungeonDive]

Not yet. I didn't like the way it turned out, so I scrapped it. Need to redo it.

[@link_7164]

@@TheDungeonDive thanks for letting me know. I’ll keep an eye out. I’m new to your channel and I feel you’d have some interesting differences in opinion to the channels I’ve seen.

[@TheDungeonDive]

You're probably right. :)

[@Glynixx]

Great video!

[@giovotek]

I have the option to pickup Secrets of the lost Tomb. What's your thoughts on the reprint that recently came to crowdfunding? would you wait for the reprint or just snap up the original?.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I have no thoughts on it. Didn’t even really take much of a detailed look at the new edition. Mainly because I love what I already have. That said, for new players I’d probably say just go for the newest edition.

[@MansourReviews]

Dungeon Quest, yes. I have the fantasy flight version, and I did die on the first turn. I have it on video on my channel for posterity 😃

[@TheDungeonDive]

Absolutely classic when that happens. That's peak DungeonQuest!

[@ObsidianKnight90]

The only game on this list I own is Machina Arcana and it's indeed excellent. I'm planning on picking up Rogue Dungeon when it's back in stock. Two games I'd add to a top 10 list that are equally unconventional to these picks would be Unbroken for its resource management puzzle and Forgotten Depths for its tile placement and exploration elements.

[@pirtrom11]

brilliant video. thanks Daniel. one question. you once said about Advanced Heroquest that it has probably your favourite set of Dungeon crawl rules. if that is so why is it not in the list?. my favourite crawl is warhammer quest 95.

[@TheDungeonDive]

I like the rules for generating random dungeons. The actual game is only OK, and as a box set it is terrible. But the rules I like are also the fan expanded rules for the Enhanced version. A game is more than just a rule set!