Dark and Darker is a new dungeon crawler on Steam, which is still available in a free alpha version until December 26 at 11 AM. MeinMMO briefly presents the title, but actually only a few words are needed to describe the game: Escape from Tarkov with a fantasy setting.
The hardcore shooter Escape from Tarkov has defined the “extraction shooters” and created a whole new sub-genre. The game principle relies less on kills; instead, it is more about collecting loot and items for specific missions.
Meanwhile, the concept has reached mainstream gaming. Even Call of Duty: Warzone 2 offers an extraction shooter with its free DMZ mode.
However, Dark and Darker on Steam tries a more innovative approach. Instead of being equipped with assault rifles and steel helmets, you are armed with wands and swords. MeinMMO introduces the title and provides information about the release. A glimpse of the gameplay is offered by the following playtest teaser:
Dark and Darker: Dungeon crawler with a hardcore approach
When will Dark and Darker be released? The full release is planned for Q4 2023. Until then, the developers would like to offer playtests from time to time.
At the time of this article, an alpha test is running. It is active until December 26 at 11 AM. However, there is no date yet for the next test.
How does the game work? The gameplay loop is clearly oriented towards well-known extraction shooters, but with a significant twist of fantasy:
- Choose one of the 6 classes
- Enter a dungeon
- Fight NPCs for loot
- Protect your stuff from hostile players
- Escape through the escape portals
Dark and Darker offers co-op for up to 3 players and should definitely be played as a team. It is a real hardcore adventure where you will bite the dust often and frequently, even with a team.
Solo play is probably only feasible if you hide in the shadows, stay calm, or plan a well-thought-out ambush. In its current state, the following classes are available:
- Fighter
- Barbarian
- Ranger
- Rogue
- Cleric
- Wizard
If you get killed, there is no permadeath – your character is still available, and you also gain XP to improve between matches. However, you lose all your loot and therefore gold, which can be used for perks and equipment in the main menu.
The graphics are rather utilitarian, but still, Dark and Darker is filled with gameplay details that emphasize the hardcore character. You must time spells perfectly, internalize the attack patterns of NPC enemies, and listen carefully to your surroundings.
Every little mistake can mean your end as you fight deeper into the dungeon to discover the treasures of this fantasy world.
Elden Ring, Escape from Tarkov, or the survival game Rust – recent years have shown that even extremely difficult games can reach a large audience.
Dark and Darker is part of this development, and the small indie game managed to attract almost 70,000 players simultaneously to its servers during the current playtest (via steamcharts.com). A very strong value for a small alpha playtest.
Have you also dared to tackle such unusually difficult games and have a recommendation for us and the community? Then leave a comment on the topic.
