Dungeon crawler games for Android and iOS combine exploration, turn-based or real-time combat, and loot collection in labyrinthine environments, offering a portable version of the classic RPG experience. Whether you are looking for a deep roguelike or a casual dungeon romp, this curated list of the 17 best dungeon crawler games will help you choose your next download.
What is a dungeon crawler game?
A dungeon crawler is a genre where the hero navigates a maze-like dungeon, fighting monsters, collecting loot, and solving puzzles. Core elements include exploration of procedurally or hand-crafted levels, resource management, and character progression. The genre often uses turn-based or real-time combat, and the objective varies by storyline, from defeating a final boss to surviving an endless descent.
17 best dungeon crawler games for Android and iOS
1. Caves
Caves is a popular roguelike dungeon crawler known for its retro-style pixel graphics and straightforward controls. Players crawl through procedurally generated dungeons, defeat enemies, and collect loot to progress. The game stays true to the genre’s core loop of exploration and survival. It is Android-only (no iOS download link provided), developed by 36dev, has a size of 32M, and requires Android 4.1 and up.
2. Yet Another Pixel Dungeon
Yet Another Pixel Dungeon is a classic roguelike for Android, built on the source code of Pixel Dungeon v.1.7.5. It challenges players to think fast, as even the environment can turn against them. Expect loot collection, difficulty options, and many dungeons to explore. It is Android-only (no iOS download link provided), developed by ConsideredHamster, has a size of 5.4M, and requires Android 2.3 and up.
3. Moonshades: Dungeon Crawler RPG
Moonshades revives the old-school RPG experience of games like Dungeon Master and Eye of the Beholder. Set in the Kingdom of Harten, which has been invaded by demons, the story follows two wanderers who must close the portal to another realm. Developed by Viktor Domonyi/BaldrickSoft Games, it has a size of 212.7 MB, requires iOS 10.0 or later and Android 4.4 and up, and its support email is moonshadesgame@Gmail.com. The game is available on Android, Windows, and iOS (requires iOS 15.0 or later, iPadOS 15.0 or later, macOS 12.0 or later with Apple M1 chip, and visionOS 1.0 or later).
4. Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a turn-based RPG inspired by 90s anime-style games like Final Fantasy. Developed by Airship Syndicate and published by THQ Nordic, it features tactical combat, resource management, and a modern twist on classic dungeon crawling. It was originally released on PC and consoles before arriving on mobile.
5. Quest of Dungeons
Quest of Dungeons tasks the hero with defeating the evil Dark Lord who has stolen all light. Players navigate procedural labyrinths with turn-based movement, loot as much as possible, and survive enemies. The game includes four difficulty levels, boss encounters, and permanent death.
6. Don't Starve: Pocket Edition
Don't Starve is a survival roguelike with permanent character death and randomly generated maps. Stranded in the wilderness, players must use their surroundings and creatures to survive. While not a traditional dungeon crawler, its exploration and resource management feel similar to the genre.
7. Space Grunts 2
Space Grunts 2 combines turn-based gameplay with deck-building mechanics in a 1950s sci-fi setting. The hero investigates a distress signal on a planet, using a deck of cards for tools, loot, and defense. The deck-building feature distinguishes it from its predecessor.
8. Sproggiwood
Sproggiwood is a roguelike dungeon crawler praised for its graphics. Players enter dungeons, loot them, defeat enemies, and dodge death. Recent updates added more options and playable characters, though the game lacks a campaign mode.
9. Void Tyrant
Void Tyrant combines card collecting with roguelike experiences. Gameplay involves collecting cards, building decks, and playing cards to avoid trouble. The free version includes the full game, while the premium version adds achievements and leaderboards. It features a 'Watch an ad to get back in the fight!' revival feature, which has drawn player complaints.
10. Pathos: Nethack Codex
Pathos is an older dungeon crawler based on the classic ASCII roguelike Nethack from the 1980s. It offers ad-free gameplay and consistent updates. Despite below-average graphics and complex controls, its gameplay is solid, especially on midrange and budget phones.
11. Eternium
Eternium (formerly Mage and Minions) features crisp graphics, tap-to-move controls, and swipe-to-cast spells. Developed by RPG fanatics, it follows a “no paywalls, never pay to win” principle. The game is free to play, with optional purchases using Gems.
12. Ailment
Ailment is a roguelike dungeon crawler set on a spaceship where the hero wakes up to find all crew members are enemies. The quest is to uncover what happened before the hero’s deep sleep. Players praise its storyline, gameplay, and pixelated graphics, though some note sketchy frame rates.
13. Soul Knight
In Soul Knight, aliens steal a magical stone that maintains world balance. The game features classic roguelike elements, smooth controls, and offline play. Its graphics are a highlight, but it lacks multiplayer and has some pay-to-win in-app purchases.
14. Elemental Dungeon
Elemental Dungeon requires the hero to navigate random dungeons and summon four elements to cast spells against monsters. Unlike Soul Knight, it supports multiplayer, allowing players to invite friends. Some players find energy drops for completing levels too small, slowing progression.
15. Rust Bucket
Rust Bucket is a fast-paced turn-based dungeon crawler ideal for short commutes. Players explore deeper dungeons with distinct enemies, each with unique rules. While ads are present even in the premium version, the difficulty is widely praised. Cross-promotion ads persist even after buying the premium version.
16. Dark Raider
Dark Raider from Triniti Interactive Limited involves raiding dungeons, fighting waves of enemies, and defeating bosses on randomly generated maps. Some players find the concept underdeveloped and the horizontal-only attack limiting, but others appreciate its Diablo-like feel. The character can only attack horizontally, which some players find lame.
17. Minimal Dungeon RPG
Minimal Dungeon RPG is a loot-heavy dungeon crawler with a minimalist art style. Despite simple graphics, it retains traditional RPG and roguelike gameplay. Players can enter and exit dungeons freely and continue from where they left off, a feature not available in all games.
More mobile games to explore
If these titles do not satisfy your craving, browse the Best Mobile Games by Genre hub for more curated lists covering strategy, RPG, puzzle, and action games. The hub is regularly updated to help you find the best mobile games by genre for your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a dungeon crawler different from a regular RPG?
Dungeon crawlers focus on navigating a single dungeon or series of dungeons, with an emphasis on exploration, resource management, and loot collection. Traditional RPGs often have open worlds, branching storylines, and more complex character interactions.
Are dungeon crawler games free to play on mobile?
Many dungeon crawlers are free to download with optional in-app purchases or ads. Some, like Eternium, follow a no-paywall model, while others offer a premium version to remove ads or unlock features.
Can I play dungeon crawler games offline?
Yes, several titles on this list, such as Soul Knight and Caves, support offline play. Always check the app store description for offline functionality before downloading.
Which dungeon crawler has the best graphics on mobile?
Sproggiwood and Eternium are often praised for their graphics. Sproggiwood features a charming, colorful art style, while Eternium offers crisp, detailed visuals with smooth animations.
Do any dungeon crawlers support multiplayer?
Elemental Dungeon allows multiplayer, enabling players to invite friends. Most other games on this list are single-player experiences.
What is the difference between a roguelike and a dungeon crawler?
A roguelike is a subgenre of dungeon crawlers characterized by procedural generation, permanent death, and turn-based gameplay. Not all dungeon crawlers are roguelikes, some have save points, non-permanent death, or hand-crafted levels.
