Dungeons & Dragons is a legendary brand that has inspired countless fantasy campaigns across diverse worlds crafted by its players. Despite its immense popularity, both players and dungeon masters often find themselves wondering: isn't all this world-building and rule-keeping a bit too much work? Wouldn't it be great to enjoy the thrilling exploration, combat, and rewarding progression of leveling up without the extensive effort involved in creating a detailed universe and mastering complex rules?

The answer is a resounding yes: opt for a board game instead. While there are numerous board games that capture the essence of a fantasy quest, many either oversimplify the experience or demand such complexity that they become a commitment akin to a lifestyle. Here, we present a curated list of games that strike the perfect balance, ranging from officially licensed adventures to timeless classics, ideal for those nights when you crave the fantasy experience without the overwhelming effort.

Featured in this article

### 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 AmazonWant a clean list without the blurbs? The horizontally scrolling catalog above has you covered. But if you want some info about each of the games, read on.

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

2See it at AmazonIf you're looking for a board game that truly encapsulates the Dungeons & Dragons experience, the Adventure System games are the perfect starting point. These games are essentially a condensed version of the 4th edition rules packaged in a box with a board. There's no need for a Dungeon Master as you draw tiles randomly to explore the dungeon, and monsters follow straightforward yet diverse AI patterns printed on their cards. Despite the lack of a DM, there's still a narrative campaign divided into scenarios, complete with secrets to uncover, monsters to defeat, and treasures to collect. Dungeons of the Mad Mage is the latest in this series, but all of them are incredibly fun to play.

HeroQuest Game System

### HeroQuest Game System

1See it at AmazonOne of the joys of D&D-inspired board games is the absence of a need for a Dungeon Master, yet having someone to narrate and control the adversaries can enrich the experience for everyone. If you prefer to retain this role, the modern reprint of the 1989 classic HeroQuest is ideal. The mechanics remain almost identical, with one player taking on the role of the evil wizard and his minions, while the others play as heroes exploring a series of dungeons in pursuit of experience, treasure, and ultimate victory over evil. It's also delightfully simple, making it an excellent choice for family game nights, and a great option for parents to enjoy with their children.

Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

### Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

1See it at AmazonIf you're seeking a more contemporary experience, consider this version of the renowned deckbuilding game Clank! It incorporates the branding of the popular Dungeons & Dragons podcast Acquisitions Incorporated and features a legacy structure, meaning the game evolves physically as you progress through the campaign, ensuring your copy and adventures are uniquely yours. The game blends the exciting, chaotic nature of the original Clank! with a more detailed, humorous narrative framework, full of surprises. For more on this series, check out our Clank! buying guide.

Dungeons & Dragons Onslaught

### Dungeons & Dragons Onslaught

0See it at AmazonWhile the Adventure System games offer a streamlined version of 4th edition D&D, Onslaught translates the 5th edition rules into a skirmish board game where two adventuring parties battle for control within a dungeon room. Though not typical of traditional role-playing sessions, every player has likely experienced a party-versus-party encounter at some point, and Onslaught thoughtfully includes treasure chests and character leveling to maintain authenticity. The tabletop adaptation of the beloved 5th edition rules is engaging and tactically challenging.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

0See it at AmazonModern adventure games increasingly use apps to manage game mechanics, freeing players to focus on the fun. Descent: Legends of the Dark stands out with its advanced features. The app handles everything from dungeon reveals and monster control to narrative downtime and resource tracking, which feeds into an item construction system. The physical components are exceptional, featuring a fully 3D cardboard dungeon and intricately detailed miniatures that bring the adventure 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 AmazonDungeons & Dragons has often cited Tolkien's epic as a major influence. Thus, a board game that offers both overland and dungeon adventures, along with combat and character progression, is a fitting parallel. This game, driven by an app, allows players to focus on the fun while also challenging the group with puzzles and riddles. Set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, it lets players craft their own unique slice of Middle-earth.

Tiny Epic Dungeons

### Tiny Epic Dungeons

0See it at AmazonOne common thread among our selections, aside from their D&D-like qualities, is their higher price point. For a more budget-friendly dungeon crawl, consider this entry in the popular Tiny Epic series, known for condensing large themes into small packages. A group of heroes ventures into a unique dungeon, striving to level up enough to face the boss, all while racing against a dwindling torch. With a quick playtime and a novel combat system that allows for mitigating bad outcomes, it feels like a grand adventure unfolding from a tiny box.

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

3See it at AmazonGloomhaven and its sequel Frosthaven are renowned for their expansive size and acclaim, offering a mix of adventure narrative, tactical challenges, and unique mechanics, with each class having a distinct deck of cards from which players choose two actions per turn. These games are full-length RPG campaigns, but Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers the same engaging mechanics at a lower cost and with a more manageable campaign. As a prequel, it's the perfect entry point, setting the stage for deeper adventures if you choose to continue the story.

Legacy of Dragonholt

### Legacy of Dragonholt

0See it at AmazonIf you're familiar with choose-your-own-adventure books, where you read a passage and make choices to navigate your story, Legacy of Dragonholt takes this concept to new heights and makes it multiplayer. It offers a richly detailed campaign with numerous options and branch points. An activation token system ensures everyone participates in decision-making, while strategic choices about skills and abilities add depth. This game is perfect for group play but also works well as a solo experience, evoking that classic, old-school feel.

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

### Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

0See it at AmazonThis game diverges slightly from the typical fantasy quest, yet it captures the essence of a specific type of D&D session with its Forgotten Realms branding. Your team begins by exploring the cursed city of Baldur's Gate, flipping tiles and collecting items, but at some point, a "haunt" triggers. The narrative book then reveals the win conditions, often turning one player into a traitor working against the rest. This setup offers thrilling variety and frequently culminates in a gripping conclusion of heroism against encroaching darkness.

Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter

### Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter

0See it at AmazonThis unique selection shifts the focus from traditional adventure to puzzle-solving, offering an escape-room style experience set in the iconic Icewind Dale. Players must navigate traps, tricks, and riddles to unravel a mystery. Designed for all ages, it's a one-time play, after which you can trade or sell it. Yet, it offers a fresh take on the genre with elements of exploration, role-playing, and combat, culminating in an epic narrative conclusion.