We all know the feeling. Your campaign’s on hold — someone’s on holiday, the DM needs a break, or real life just got in the way. But you’re still itching for that mix of dice rolls, dungeon delving, and questionable moral choices. That’s where the best D&D board games come in.
Now, let’s be clear — none of these are a perfect one-to-one replacement for a full campaign. But what they do offer is structure, theme, and a good excuse to gather the same crew around a table and share some adventure. And better yet? You don’t need a DM, hours of prep, or 300 pages of backstory to enjoy them.
Here are five D&D-flavoured board games I recommend keeping on hand when the campaign’s on pause — each with its own flavour of chaos, strategy, or story.
1. Gloomhaven
The Closest You’ll Get to D&D Without a DM
Let’s start with the big one. Gloomhaven is what happens when you take tactical combat, legacy-style progression, and a dark fantasy setting… and cram it all into one absurdly heavy box. Seriously, the thing weighs more than my old longsword.
You and up to three others take on the roles of mercenaries, each with a unique playstyle. The game’s story unfolds over a massive campaign where your choices matter — townsfolk might hate you, side quests might open or close, and characters will retire and unlock new ones. It’s got an initiative system, ability cards, and a world map that evolves based on your decisions.
- What it captures from D&D: Custom characters, co-op strategy, long-form storytelling.
- Who it’s for: Dedicated groups who want regular game nights without the need for a Dungeon Master.
- Pro tip: Start with Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion if you’re new — same mechanics, smaller scope.
2. Lords of Waterdeep
Scheming in the City of Splendours
This one’s a favourite in my tavern. Lords of Waterdeep trades dungeon crawling for politics, subterfuge, and resource management — all set in the famed city from the Forgotten Realms.
You play one of the masked Lords of Waterdeep, sending out agents to recruit adventurers and complete quests to increase your influence. It’s a worker-placement game — think planning and optimisation, not dice rolling — but every element is soaked in D&D flavour. You’re still dealing with rogues, clerics, magic items, and corruption. Just with more spreadsheets than swordfights.
- What it captures from D&D: Strategic thinking, faction intrigue, lore-rich setting.
- Who it’s for: Players who enjoy the political side of campaigns or downtime sessions.
- Expansion: Scoundrels of Skullport is a must-have once you get the hang of the base game.
🔗 Check out Lords of Waterdeep
3. Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate
Monsters, Madness, and a Secret Traitor
Take the unpredictable horror of Betrayal at House on the Hill, drop it into Baldur’s Gate, and you get this strange (but brilliant) blend of betrayal, paranoia, and D&D mayhem.
At first, you and your party explore the city together, revealing tiles, finding loot, and dealing with minor threats. But at some point, the “Haunt” triggers, and one of you turns traitor. The game shifts dramatically, and now you’re in one of over 50 unique scenarios. Maybe your former friend is summoning a Beholder. Perhaps they’ve transformed into a mind flayer. Who knows? It changes every time.
- What it captures from D&D: Roleplaying potential, high-stakes twists, familiar monsters.
- Who it’s for: Groups who love chaos and don’t mind some uneven balance for the sake of storytelling.
- Best with: 4–5 players. Too few and the Haunt feels rushed; too many and things get messy fast.
🔗 Explore Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate
4. Dungeon!
Old-School Fun in Under an Hour
Before D&D was what it is now, the original TSR team put out a little game called Dungeon! Think of it as D&D’s chaotic younger cousin — simple, fast, and ideal for casual nights where no one wants to think too hard.
You pick a classic fantasy class (like wizard or rogue), roll your way through a dungeon, and try to nab enough treasure to escape. Combat is basic: roll, compare, win or lose. But the monsters are nostalgic, the risks feel real, and the whole thing plays in 30–45 minutes.
- What it captures from D&D: Dungeon-crawling, loot hoarding, iconic monsters.
- Who it’s for: Families, new players, or seasoned folks who want a light, nostalgic laugh.
- Bonus: It’s dirt cheap and fits in a backpack.
5. Descent: Legends of the Dark
Epic Storytelling Without the DM Hat
If Gloomhaven is gritty and crunchy, Descent is cinematic and smooth. This app-assisted game throws you into a beautifully illustrated world where the app handles enemy movement, narrative beats, and exploration. That means no rulebook juggling or fudging rolls — you just dive in and play.
The story unfolds over a campaign with unique characters, dialogue choices, and evolving equipment. The board builds dynamically with 3D terrain, and the combat feels like a tactical RPG brought to life.
- What it captures from D&D: Collaborative storytelling, tactical battles, evolving characters.
- Who it’s for: Players who want narrative-driven co-op with high production values and minimal prep.
- Heads-up: It’s pricey. But if you value experience and replayability, it delivers.
Why These D&D Board Games Work So Well
These aren’t just fantasy-themed time-fillers. The best D&D board games distil parts of what makes the TTRPG magical: teamwork, tactical choices, worldbuilding, and risk. Whether you love planning three turns ahead or laughing as your friend accidentally unleashes a demonic goat swarm (yes, that’s a thing), there’s something here to keep the spirit of your table alive.
And who knows — one of these might just tide you over until your next session… or inspire the next story you bring to the table.
