Top 11 Dungeons & Dragons Alternatives for 2025

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a legendary brand that has inspired countless fantasy campaigns across myriad unique worlds crafted by its players. Despite its widespread popularity, many players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) have occasionally felt overwhelmed by the extensive work involved in world-building and managing the game's rules. Wouldn't it be wonderful to enjoy the thrill of exploration, intense combat, rewarding looting, and character leveling without the heavy lifting of world creation and rules management?

The answer is yes—you can achieve this by turning to board games. While there are numerous board games that capture the essence of a fantasy quest, many either oversimplify the experience or demand a level of complexity akin to a full-time hobby. Here, we present a curated list of board games that strike the perfect balance. These games offer the fantasy adventure you crave without turning the act of playing into a heroic quest itself. From officially licensed D&D spin-offs to timeless classics, these selections are ideal for those nights when you want to immerse yourself in fantasy without the intensive preparation.

Featured Games

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 a concise list of these games without detailed descriptions, check out the horizontally scrolling catalog above. For more in-depth information about each game, continue reading.

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

2See it at Amazon

If you're seeking a board game that mirrors the D&D experience, the Adventure System games are your best bet. These games are essentially a streamlined version of the 4th edition D&D rules packaged in a board game format. Without the need for a DM, players explore the dungeon by drawing tiles randomly, while monsters follow straightforward yet diverse AI routines printed on their cards. The game offers a narrative campaign split into individual scenarios, complete with secrets to uncover, monsters to defeat, and treasures to claim. Dungeons of the Mad Mage is the latest addition, but the entire series is incredibly engaging.

HeroQuest Game System

1See it at Amazon

One of the appealing aspects of D&D board games is the elimination of the need for a DM. However, having someone to narrate and manage the adversaries can enhance the experience. HeroQuest, a modern reprint of the 1989 classic, allows for this. Mechanically similar to its original version, one player takes on the role of the evil wizard controlling minions, while others play as heroes navigating a series of dungeons to gain experience, treasure, and ultimately defeat evil. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for family game nights. For more family-friendly options, check out our family board game recommendations.

Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

1See it at Amazon

For a more contemporary twist, consider Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated. This game combines the excitement of the original Clank! deckbuilding game with the popular Dungeons & Dragons podcast, Acquisitions Incorporated. Its legacy structure means the game evolves physically as you play, ensuring a unique experience. The game blends the chaotic deck construction and adventure of the original with a more narrative-driven and humorous framework. For more insights, explore our Clank! buying guide.

Dungeons & Dragons Onslaught

0See it at Amazon

While the Adventure System games adapt the 4th edition D&D into a traditional adventure format, Onslaught brings the 5th edition rules to a skirmish board game. Here, two adventuring parties compete for control within a dungeon room. Although this setup differs from typical D&D gameplay, it captures the thrill of party clashes and includes elements like treasure chests and character leveling for authenticity. The game's adaptation of the 5th edition rules offers engaging and tactically challenging gameplay.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

0See it at Amazon

Modern adventure games increasingly delegate game management to an app, freeing players to focus on the adventure and character development. Descent: Legends of the Dark exemplifies this approach with its advanced app that manages dungeon layouts, monster behavior, narrative interludes, and resource tracking for item crafting. The game's physical components are top-notch, featuring a 3D cardboard dungeon and detailed miniatures that bring the adventure to life on your tabletop.

The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

1See it at Amazon

Given that D&D drew inspiration from Tolkien's epic, a board game that offers both overland and dungeon adventures alongside combat and character progression feels like a natural fit. The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth delivers this experience and more. With an app guiding the game, players can focus on the fun while tackling puzzles and riddles that add depth beyond what traditional board games can offer. Set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, it allows players to carve out their own slice of Middle-earth.

Tiny Epic Dungeons

0See it at Amazon

A common thread among our selections is their high price point. If you're seeking a more budget-friendly dungeon crawl, Tiny Epic Dungeons is your answer. Part of the Tiny Epic series, known for condensing large themes into small packages, this game features a group of heroes navigating a unique dungeon to level up and face the boss, all while racing against a dwindling torch timer. Its quick playtime and innovative combat system that allows for mitigating bad outcomes make it feel like a grand adventure in a compact format.

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

3See it at Amazon

Gloomhaven and Frosthaven are renowned for their expansive and critically acclaimed gameplay, blending adventure, challenging tactics, and unique mechanics. Each class uses a deck of cards to perform actions, requiring strategic choices each turn. While these games offer RPG-length campaigns, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion provides a more accessible entry point. It offers the same engaging mechanics at a lower cost and with a shorter campaign. As a prequel, it's an excellent starting point that can lead seamlessly into the broader Gloomhaven universe.

Legacy of Dragonholt

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If you're familiar with choose-your-own-adventure books, Legacy of Dragonholt expands on that concept for multiplayer gaming. This game offers a detailed campaign with numerous branching narratives and player choices. An activation token system ensures everyone participates in decision-making, adding strategic depth to skill and ability deployment. It's an ultimate text adventure perfect for group play or as a solo experience, echoing the classic old-school feel.

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate

0See it at Amazon

While slightly different from typical fantasy quest games, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate still captures the essence of certain D&D sessions with its Forgotten Realms setting. Players start by exploring the cursed city of Baldur's Gate, flipping tiles and collecting items. At some point, a haunt triggers, turning the game into a narrative-driven showdown where one player might become a traitor. This setup offers high variety and often culminates in a thrilling battle between heroism and encroaching darkness.

Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter

0See it at Amazon

For a unique twist on dungeoneering, consider Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter. This escape-room style game focuses on solving puzzles and riddles within the iconic Icewind Dale setting. Suitable for all ages and designed for a single playthrough, it offers a blend of exploration, role-playing, and combat that adds a tabletop RPG flavor. The unfolding narrative builds to an epic conclusion, making it a memorable experience despite its one-time use.