Top 11 Board Games Similar to Dungeons & Dragons for 2025

Dungeons & Dragons is a legendary brand that has inspired countless fantasy campaigns across a myriad of imaginative worlds. However, even the most dedicated players and Dungeon Masters sometimes find themselves overwhelmed by the extensive world-building and complex rules. It's natural to yearn for the thrill of exploration, exhilarating combat, and the satisfaction of looting and leveling up without the heavy workload.

Fortunately, there's a solution: dive into a board game. While there are numerous board games that capture the essence of a fantasy quest, many either oversimplify the experience or become so intricate they demand as much commitment as D&D itself. Here, we've curated a selection of games that strike the perfect balance, ranging from official spin-offs to timeless classics. These titles are ideal for those evenings when you crave the fantasy adventure without the heroic effort of managing a full-fledged D&D session.

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D&D Waterdeep: Dungeon of The Mad Mage Adventure System Board Game

2See it at Amazon!

HeroQuest Game System

1See it at Amazon!

Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

1See it at Amazon!

Dungeons & Dragons Onslaught

0See it at Amazon!

Descent: Legends of the Dark

0See it at Amazon!

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

1See it at Amazon!

Tiny Epic Dungeons

0See it at Amazon!

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

3See it at Amazon!

Legacy of Dragonholt

0See it at Amazon!

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

0See it at Amazon!

Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter

0See it at Amazon!

For those who prefer a straightforward list, check out the horizontally scrolling catalog above. If you're interested in detailed descriptions of each game, continue reading.

D&D Waterdeep: Dungeon of The Mad Mage Adventure System

D&D Waterdeep: Dungeon of The Mad Mage Adventure System Board Game

2See it at Amazon!

If you're looking to replicate the Dungeons & Dragons experience in a board game, the Adventure System games are the perfect starting point. These games are essentially a streamlined version of the 4th edition rules packed into a box with a board. There's no need for a Dungeon Master; players draw tiles randomly to explore dungeons, and monsters follow simple yet diverse AI routines printed on their cards. Despite the absence of a DM, you'll still enjoy a narrative campaign divided into scenarios, uncovering secrets, battling monsters, and collecting treasures. The latest set, Dungeons of the Mad Mage, is a thrilling experience, but all the sets in this series are fun to play.

HeroQuest Game System

HeroQuest Game System

1See it at Amazon!

One of the appealing aspects of D&D board games is the option to play without a Dungeon Master. However, having someone narrate the game and control the adversaries can enrich the experience. The modern reprint of the 1989 classic HeroQuest offers this option. Mechanically, it's nearly identical to the original, with one player acting as the evil wizard and his minions, while others play as heroes exploring dungeons to gain experience, treasure, and ultimately defeat the evil. Its simplicity also makes it a great choice for family game nights. For more family-friendly options, see our picks for family board games.

Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

1See it at Amazon!

If you're seeking a more modern take, consider Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated. This game combines the branding of the popular Dungeons & Dragons podcast Acquisitions Incorporated with the legacy format, where the game evolves physically as you progress through the campaign, creating a unique experience. It blends the chaotic excitement of deck-building and adventure with a narrative framework full of surprises and humor. For more on Clank!, check out our buying guide.

Dungeons & Dragons Onslaught

Dungeons & Dragons Onslaught

0See it at Amazon!

While the Adventure System games simplify 4th edition D&D into an adventure format, Onslaught adapts 5th edition rules into a skirmish board game. Instead of traditional D&D play, players control opposing adventuring parties fighting for dominance in a dungeon room. This game captures the essence of party-on-party clashes, complete with treasure chests and character leveling. The tactical depth of the 5th edition rules adds an engaging layer to the gameplay.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

Descent: Legends of the Dark

0See it at Amazon!

Modern adventure games increasingly use apps to handle game management, allowing players to focus on the story and character development. Descent: Legends of the Dark is a prime example, with its comprehensive app controlling dungeons, monsters, and even resource management for item crafting. The game's physical components, including a 3D cardboard dungeon and detailed miniatures, bring the adventure vividly to life on your tabletop.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

1See it at Amazon!

Inspired by Tolkien's epic, The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth offers both overland and dungeon adventures, complete with combat and character progression. The app-driven format allows players to focus on the fun while tackling puzzles and riddles not possible in a purely physical game. Set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this game lets players create their own slice of Middle-earth.

Tiny Epic Dungeons

Tiny Epic Dungeons

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Unlike the pricier options listed above, Tiny Epic Dungeons offers an affordable dungeon crawl experience. This game from the Tiny Epic series packs a big adventure into a small box. Heroes explore a unique dungeon, racing against a timer as their torch burns down. With its quick playtime and innovative combat system, this game delivers a satisfying dungeon experience without breaking the bank.

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

3See it at Amazon!

Gloomhaven and Frosthaven are renowned for their expansive narratives and challenging gameplay. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a more manageable entry into this world, featuring the same engaging mechanics at a lower cost. As a prequel, it sets the stage for further exploration into the larger campaigns, providing a taste of what's to come.

Legacy of Dragonholt

Legacy of Dragonholt

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Expanding on the choose-your-own-adventure concept, Legacy of Dragonholt offers a multiplayer experience with a vast campaign full of choices and branching storylines. The game uses an activation token system to ensure everyone participates in decision-making, adding strategic depth to skill and ability deployment. It's perfect for both group play and solo sessions, capturing that classic adventure feel.

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

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This game offers a twist on the traditional fantasy quest, focusing on the excitement of a D&D session with a traitor mechanic. Players explore the cursed city of Baldur’s Gate, but a haunt will eventually trigger, revealing new objectives and often pitting one player against the rest. The variety and thrilling conclusions make it a standout choice for fans of D&D's unpredictable nature.

Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter

Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter

0See it at Amazon!

For a unique take on dungeoneering, Bedlam in Neverwinter offers an escape-room style puzzle experience set in the iconic Icewind Dale. Designed for all ages and playable only once, it combines exploration, role-playing, and combat elements for a true tabletop RPG feel, culminating in an epic narrative conclusion.