16 Best Dungeon Crawler Games 2025: Danger, Darkness, Dares
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This list is regularly updated to match what’s trending and in-demand among gamers.
There’s something about diving into the depths of a dungeon that never gets old. Whether it’s chasing loot, fighting off swarms of enemies, or just seeing how long you can survive, the best dungeon crawlers bring that perfect mix of challenge and reward.
Some are brutal and unforgiving, forcing you to think through every move, while others let you hack and slash your way through hordes of monsters like an unstoppable force.
From classic roguelikes to modern action-packed RPGs, this list covers the best dungeon crawler games that will test your skills, patience, and maybe even your friendships. Grab your gear, sharpen your weapons, and let’s descend into the best dungeon adventures gaming has to offer.
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Our Top Picks for Dungeon Crawlers
While every dungeon crawler is a welcome addition to the modern library, some stand out for how they blend combat, exploration, and replayability in clever ways. These five titles achieve the formula; each one brings a unique twist to the genre that kept me (and my fellow crawler-obsessed friends) coming back for more:
- Cult of the Lamb (2022) – sacrifice heretics and restore the “true” faith.
- Darkest Dungeon (2015) – help your heroes stave off death and madness over several dungeons.
- Diablo IV (2023) – hack and slash ARPG action. Oh, and loot. Can’t forget the loot.
But while these are the best of the best on this list, every game here is definitely worth checking out – keep scrolling to see the full list!
16 Best Dungeon Crawler Games to Challenge Your Inner Hero
Traditional dungeon crawlers were defined as a simple but fulfilling gameplay loop of “town -> dungeon -> sell loot for better weapons/armor -> dungeon”. But thanks to how modern games tend to incorporate elements from different genres, we’ve got a lot more choices when it comes to modern dungeon crawlers.
And whether you’re looking for a classic-style dungeon crawler, a more modern ARPG take, or even a sandbox or a typing game, there’s something on this list for everyone:
1. Cult of the Lamb [Best Darkly Funny Roguelike]
| Our Score | 10
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| Type of game | Roguelike action-adventure, base-building |
| Platforms | PC, macOS, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox1, Xbox Series X/s |
| Year of release | 2022 |
| Creator/s | Massive Monster / Devolver Digital |
| Average playtime | 15–20 hrs main, 30+ completionist |
| Best for | Fans of dark humor and cult sims |
| What I liked | Fun mix of dungeon crawling and cult management with quirky visuals |
Cult of the Lamb is an amazing roguelike game where you’re in charge of restoring the cult of the One Who Waits. You can play solo or in co-op, battling through randomized dungeons while building a base, managing followers, and performing rituals to grow your unholy empire.
As the lamb, you were to be sacrificed; with your death, the One Who Waits could never be freed. They didn’t do a very good job of killing you. Now with the Red Crown upon your head, you return to wreak great vengeance and furious anger upon those who wanted you dead.
No god can survive without followers, and hostages you save can be indoctrinated and join your religion. Your flock followers will reward you with devotion and resources – so long as their needs are taken care of.
Finally, once a follower has reached the end of their usefulness, you can sacrifice them in a ghastly and hilarious ritual for more power. You can just say that they were starting to blaspheme; no doubt your other disciples will believe you.
Cult of the Lamb is a fresh blend of action and strategy, with unique cult mechanics that keep every playthrough unpredictable and rewarding.
What makes Cult of the Lamb truly special is how it mixes cute, cartoonish art with dark, twisted themes. The balance between fast-paced dungeon crawling and thoughtful cult management keeps gameplay fresh and addictive. Plus, every run feels different thanks to procedural generation and unpredictable follower behavior.
My Verdict: Cult of the Lamb brilliantly fuses dark humor, roguelike combat, and cult management into a delightfully twisted experience that’s as charming as it is chaotic.
2. Darkest Dungeon [Best Hardcore Strategy Dungeon Crawler]
| Our Score | 9.8
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| Type of game | Gothic roguelike RPG |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Vita, Switch, Xbox One, iOS |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Red Hook Studios / CD PROJEKT RED |
| Average playtime | 40–60 hrs |
| Best for | Strategy fans who like brutal challenge |
| What I liked | Stress mechanic adds unique depth and tension |
Red Hook Studios’ Darkest Dungeon is a masterclass in both dungeon crawlers and roguelikes, and is hands down one of the greatest strategy games I’ve ever played.
The premise is simple: your ancestor dug too deep and too greedily, and found something truly evil, so it’s up to you to set things right. To do that, you’ll need to hire various mercs and upgrade a small town to support your heroes. None of this is easy, as characters not only take physical damage, but also mental damage – which will lead them to either surpass their limits or succumb to madness.
As the game itself warns, Darkest Dungeon is a game about making the most out of bad situations. Everything can go to hell really fast while dungeon crawling, and even the best-laid plans can and will crumble, so it’s also a test of your resolve as much as of your heroes.
Darkest Dungeon challenges your strategy and nerves like no other, blending horror atmosphere with punishing gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.
What sets Darkest Dungeon apart is its brutal difficulty and psychological depth. The stress system adds a fresh layer of tension that pushes players to make tough choices, and its gothic art style combined with eerie music pulls you into a truly oppressive world. Every run is a tense journey that truly rewards your effort.
My Verdict: Darkest Dungeon is a punishing yet deeply rewarding gothic roguelike that masterfully blends strategy, tension, and psychological horror into every desperate crawl.
3. Diablo IV [Best Loot-Driven ARPG Experience]
| Our Score | 9.7
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| Type of game | Action RPG, open-world |
| Platforms | PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Creator/s | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 30–50 hrs main, 100+ endgame |
| Best for | Loot-driven ARPG lovers |
| What I liked | Huge open world and refined combat |
If you haven’t played any game in the Diablo franchise, it’s basically a huge tug-of-war match between heaven and hell. In every game, you play as a mortal champion, mowing down hordes of hellish foes as you fight to reclaim the world.
Diablo IV continues this trend with punchy, lightning-fast gameplay, open world progression, deep character building mechanics (thank God they brought back skill trees), and tons of gear to up your numbers. Wrap all this up with some truly gorgeous graphics, and you’ve got a pretty dang good open-world game on your hands.
To top it off, Diablo IV refines everything that makes an ARPG great: customizable builds via skill trees, gear-based progression, satisfying hack-and-slash combat, and a world packed with dungeons to farm.
It’s a no-brainer for dungeon crawler fans: deep loot systems, flexible builds, and one of the most iconic atmospheres in the genre.
Note that Diablo IV is a live-service game, meaning that there’s pressure on the devs to continuously make the game better, especially since there are a lot of worthy competitors!
My Verdict: Diablo IV delivers a dark, expansive, and visually stunning ARPG experience, blending satisfying combat, deep customization, and endless loot-driven progression.
4. Slay the Spire [Best Deck-Building Dungeon Crawler]
| Our Score | 9.5
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| Type of game | Roguelike deck-builder |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Creator/s | Mega Crit Games |
| Average playtime | 20–30 hrs per run |
| Best for | Strategy and card game fans |
| What I liked | Tons of build variety and replayability |
Not all dungeon crawlers have to be character RPGs. In the Slay the Spire, you’ll play as one of four different classes – the warlike Ironclad, the cunning Silent, the newly-awakened Defect, or the ascetic Watcher – in a quest to climb 50 floors and slay the spire.
While this would make for a great RPG on its own, this awesome deck-building game forgoes mechanics often used by dungeon crawlers. Instead, Slay the Spire uses card-based roguelike deckbuilder gameplay as its core. But Slay the Spire is also awash in dungeon-crawling staples – there’s plenty of loot and equipment to be had in the form of unlockable cards and relics that boast passive effects.
It’s an addictive roguelike with smart deckbuilding and dungeon crawler bones that keep every run fresh.
No two runs ever feel the same. And if you think you’ve mastered it, mods open the door to a ton of replayability. It’s also one of the best roguelike games for a reason: tight mechanics, infinite depth, and a progression system that rewards both skill and experimentation.
My Verdict: Slay the Spire masterfully mixes roguelike progression with deep deck-building strategy, offering endless replayability and rewarding experimentation with every climb.
5. Legend of Grimrock [Best Old-School Grid Dungeon Crawler]
| Our Score | 9.4
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| Type of game | Dungeon crawler, real-time combat |
| Platforms | PC, iOS, Switch |
| Year of release | 2012 |
| Creator/s | Almost Human Games |
| Average playtime | 15–20 hrs |
| Best for | Old-school dungeon crawler fans |
| What I liked | Classic grid puzzles with a modern polish |
Legend of Grimrock is a first-person, grid-based dungeon crawler that draws heavy inspiration from the classics, but cranks everything up with modern visuals and real-time combat. You’ll lead a party of prisoners through deadly labyrinths in hopes of earning freedom, but brute force alone won’t cut it.
This series shines in its exploration and puzzle-solving. Expect hidden buttons, pressure plates, teleporters, and cryptic riddles that’ll test your patience and perception. Every corner might hold treasure or a trap waiting to kill your whole squad.
As a true dungeon crawler, it pushes you to think several steps ahead. You’ll need to read the battlefield and treat every room like it could end your run.
It’s a modern dungeon crawler built on classic roots that combines deep exploration, challenging puzzles, and tough difficulty in a sleek real-time experience.
Don’t let the sleek graphics fool you: Grimrock is brutal, and you’ll need to manage food, positioning, and resources constantly. More than just slaying foes, it’s about reading the dungeon’s patterns before it buries you in them.
My Verdict: Legend of Grimrock is a classic grid-based dungeon crawler with smart puzzles, tense combat, and a perfect balance of nostalgia and modern design.
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6. Grim Dawn [Best Classic Hack-and-Slash ARPG]
| Our Score | 9.2
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| Type of game | Action RPG, hack-and-slash |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Crate Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 60–80 hrs main, 100+ full |
| Best for | ARPG fans who want deep customization |
| What I liked | Massive skill trees and dark setting |
Grim Dawn is (not to oversell it), the apotheosis of older ARPGs. Just enough story and setting, tons of action, lots of enemies to splat, oodles of fun abilities to use, and a staggering amount of customization, whether via masteries (classes), gear, or constellations (a secondary passive skill tree). Because of this, you’re completely free to pursue whatever build you want.
Grim Dawn gives you massive build variety, satisfying combat, and player-friendly systems that keep every run engaging and rewarding.
And while this may sound intimidating, don’t worry – Grim Dawn is a fantastic hack-and-slash game that really wants you to succeed, offering you powerful tools such as stat and ability resets as well as item crafting to ensure that your build is always within reach.It’s this openness that puts Grim Dawn in my list of dungeon crawlers to play.
My Verdict: Grim Dawn delivers a classic hack-and-slash ARPG experience with deep customization, dark atmosphere, and satisfying loot-driven gameplay.
7. Labyrinth of the Demon King [Best Horror Dungeon Crawler]
| Our Score | 9
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| Type of game | Dungeon crawler, survival horror |
| Platforms | PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch |
| Year of release | 2025 |
| Creator/s | J.R. Hudepohl / Top Hat Studios |
| Average playtime | 10–15 hrs |
| Best for | Horror fans who like dungeon crawling |
| What I liked | Feudal Japan vibe and tense combat |
Labyrinth of the Demon King mixes classic dungeon crawling with a touch of survival horror vibes. Instead of just charging into a dungeon to grind for loot, you’re creeping through feudal Japan–inspired halls where every corner feels like it could be your last. It’s built for players who love the thrill of exploration but also crave that constant tension where survival isn’t guaranteed.
Playing it, I felt that push-and-pull between curiosity and dread. The combat is fast and punishing, and even weaker enemies can ruin your run if you get careless.
I liked how the game forces you to pace yourself; resources are scarce, so every swing of your weapon or item you burn matters. The flip side is that this pacing can feel a bit slow if you’re used to nonstop action, but that’s also part of its charm.
Visually, the game leans hard into the eerie. Environments are dark but rich in detail, and the feudal Japan setting gives it a unique identity among dungeon crawlers.
The soundtrack layers in traditional Japanese instruments with oppressive drones, and it nails that sense of “something’s waiting for you deeper in.
My Verdict: Labyrinth of the Demon King gives a tense and atmospheric horror dungeon-crawling experience, blending feudal Japan aesthetics with punishing combat and survival strategy.
8. Hades [Best Fast-Paced Action Roguelike]
| Our Score | 8.9
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| Type of game | Roguelike action RPG |
| Platforms | PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch, iOS |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Creator/s | Supergiant Games |
| Average playtime | 20–30 hrs main, 50+ full |
| Best for | Fast-paced roguelike fans |
| What I liked | Addictive combat loop and evolving story |
When it comes to action roguelikes, Hades stands out as one of the best. Beyond combat, Hades excels in storytelling, weaving Greek mythology into its narrative with rich character interactions and a heartfelt tale of family and redemption.
It combines fast-paced, responsive combat with a unique progression system where every run feels rewarding, thanks to powerful boons, weapon variety, and meta upgrades that let you shape your playstyle. The game’s pacing keeps you hooked, so each escape attempt feels fresh and exciting.
Hades masters fast action, meaningful progression, and deep narrative, all wrapped in one polished roguelike package that’s gonna be hard for you to put down.
The game’s combat system is built around fluid combos and diverse weapon types that allows for varied strategies every run. Permanent upgrades add a strong sense of progression, while the random dungeon elements ensure no two runs are the same. Not to mention the accessibility options that help players tailor difficulty to their comfort level.
My Verdict: Hades delivers a thrilling, fast-paced roguelike experience, combining addictive combat, rich storytelling, and rewarding progression with every run.
9. Enter the Gungeon [Best Bullet Hell Dungeon Crawler]
| Our Score | 8.8
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| Type of game | Bullet hell roguelike |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Dodge Roll / Devolver Digital |
| Average playtime | 15–20 hrs |
| Best for | Bullet hell shooter fans |
| What I liked | Wild arsenal and chaotic action |
For fans of fast-paced roguelike dungeon crawlers, Enter the Gungeon provides nonstop action with frantic gunplay and tight controls. Its top-down shooter mechanics combine perfectly with roguelike elements like procedurally generated levels, tons of unique guns, and punishing difficulty that keeps you on your toes.
The game’s arsenal is wild and creative: from standard firearms like AK-47s and laser rifles to bizarre weaponry like a letter R and a camera that shoots bullets. This variety spices up gameplay and encourages experimentation. Plus, Enter the Gungeon supports couch co-op, which makes it an excellent pick for duo players who want to blast through chaotic dungeons together.
It’s a bullet-hell roguelike with endless weapon variety and and co-op fun – perfect for players who want challenge and chaos in one package.
Story-wise, you dive into the mysterious Gungeon to find the legendary Gun That Can Kill The Past, facing off against relentless enemies and deadly traps at every turn.
My Verdict: Enter the Gungeon gives you a chaotic and bullet-hell dungeon-crawling experience, packed with inventive weapons, fast-paced action, and relentless challenges.
10. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth [Best Dark Humor Roguelike]
| Our Score | 8.7
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| Type of game | Top-down roguelike shooter |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Switch, iOS |
| Year of release | 2014 |
| Creator/s | Edmund McMillen |
| Average playtime | 20–30 hrs |
| Best for | Roguelike fans who like dark humor |
| What I liked | Endless item combos and replayability |
I’m once again asking you to play my favorite game. Y’know, the one where you play as a dead baby and fart on Satan to kill him. Or pee, or poop, or blood vomit, or whatever hilarious thing you picked up on the way down the basement.
Beneath all that wild humor, The Binding of Isaac is a deep roguelike dungeon crawler packed with procedurally generated dungeons, a massive variety of items, crazy item synergies, and brutal enemies and bosses.
The game’s layers of complexity unfold with every run, as you discover new combinations that drastically change gameplay. Randomized layouts and unpredictable encounters keep you on your toes, while the extensive unlock system rewards persistence. It’s a game that’s as challenging as it is unpredictable, mixing grotesque comedy with hardcore mechanics.
Its outrageous humor and bizarre items create a dungeon crawler experience that’s equal parts hilarious and addicting, keeping players laughing and grinding for hundreds of hours.
The Binding of Isaac isn’t just one of the greatest dungeon crawlers, it’s one of the best games, period.
My Verdict: The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth delivers a darkly humorous and endlessly replayable roguelike, packed with inventive items, challenging enemies, and outrageous surprises.
11. Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection [Best Hardcore Mapping RPG]
| Our Score | 8.6
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| Type of game | Dungeon crawler RPG |
| Platforms | Switch, PC |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Creator/s | Atlus |
| Average playtime | 40–60 hrs |
| Best for | Hardcore dungeon explorers |
| What I liked | Map-making system and tough battles |
The Etrian Odyssey series is one that’s always close to my heart and is one of my picks for the best adventure games because of how “simple” it is.
It stands out for its challenging gameplay, old-school dungeon exploration, and a map-drawing feature that lets you personalize your journey. The game requires careful strategy and planning so that every victory comes with a true sense of achievement.
Every Etrian Odyssey title has the same premise: there’s a giant tree with a dungeon, and your quest is to explore and map each and every floor. Naturally, you’ll need to fight monsters, overcome traps, and solve puzzles to progress, so you’ll need to form a guild and assemble heroes in parties of five.
We love Etrian Odyssey for its pure and challenging dungeon crawling, combined with unique mapping gameplay that stands apart from anything else out there.
What really sets Etrian Odyssey apart is just how much it adheres to the difficulty of its forefathers. This retro first-person RPG may look cute, but don’t be fooled – this game is brutal. You’ll not only need to build and outfit your guild members well to survive but also learn how to draw your own dungeon maps!
My Verdict: Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection offers a challenging and rewarding dungeon-crawling RPG experience, where strategic mapping, tough battles, and careful planning define every expedition.
12. Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi [Best Horror-Themed RPG Crawl]
| Our Score | 8.5
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| Type of game | Dungeon crawler with horror |
| Platforms | Switch, PC |
| Year of release | 2021 |
| Creator/s | Poppy Works, EXPERIENCE / Aksys Games |
| Average playtime | 30–40 hrs |
| Best for | Horror RPG fans |
| What I liked | Creepy tone and intricate dungeon design |
Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi is another worthy addition to retro dungeon crawlers. This first person dungeon crawler takes full advantage of humanity’s propensity for exploring big nasty caves in search of rewards.
As the chief of Cassandra Co., the newly opened District 99 was supposed to be a literal Argen mine. Instead, the portal to the surface broke, trapping virtually the entire company in Yomi. It’s not all bad, though, as you and your workers (with customizable portraits, classes, and skills) have special augmentations that allow you to fight Yomians on equal footing.
What really sets Undernauts apart is its unique map construction system. As you explore, you build doors, ladders, and bridges to create your own paths and uncover new areas. This hands-on approach to mapping adds a tactical layer to the classic dungeon crawl experience.
Its blend of immersive storytelling, customizable characters, and innovative map-building mechanics make Undernauts a standout retro dungeon crawler worth playing.
Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi shines in its immersion. The ominous terror and droning soundtrack of the first area is something I’ll always remember, and the range of character customization runs the gamut from high fantasy to depressingly dystopian, with literal schoolchildren signing up to be Undernauts. You just can’t save everyone.
My Verdict: Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi is a chilling and immersive horror-themed dungeon crawl, combining intricate level design, tense combat, and a dark, atmospheric narrative.
13. Gauntlet: Slayer Edition [Best Co-op Arcade Dungeon Crawler]
| Our Score | 8.4
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| Type of game | Action RPG, hack-and-slash |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2014 |
| Creator/s | Arrowhead Game Studios |
| Average playtime | 10–15 hrs |
| Best for | Co-op hack-and-slash players |
| What I liked | Simple, fun combat with friends |
Lovingly restored and retouched for a modern audience, Gauntlet: Slayer Edition is an almost 1:1 recreation of the arcade classic. Players will once again play as Thor the Warrior, Thyra the Valkyrie, Merlin the Wizard, or Questor the Elf as they dive deep into dungeon master Morak’s maze.
The game truly shines in its 4-player co-op experience, where teamwork and friendly fire make every session intense and unpredictable. Each hero brings unique abilities that complement team strategies, so every party composition is crucial. The universe is packed with vibrant dungeons and hordes of enemies to blast through.
This *is* Arrowhead we’re talking about after all, so of course there’s friendly fire, so beware your friends as much as your enemies!
Its timeless 4-player co-op gameplay, diverse heroes, and frantic dungeon-crawling action make Gauntlet a go-to for group gaming sessions.
No matter if you’re playing with friends locally or online, Gauntlet offers a fast-paced, chaotic dungeon crawl that’s perfect for casual fun or serious co-op runs.
My Verdict: Gauntlet: Slayer Edition delivers fast-paced, cooperative arcade dungeon-crawling fun, perfect for friends seeking chaotic hack-and-slash action.
14. Core Keeper [Best Survival Sandbox Dungeon Adventure]
| Our Score | 8.4
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| Type of game | Sandbox survival RPG |
| Platforms | PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch |
| Year of release | 2022 |
| Creator/s | Pugstorm / Fireshine Games |
| Average playtime | 50–100 hrs |
| Best for | Survival crafting fans |
| What I liked | Great mix of mining, farming, and co-op |
Core Keeper is a shining example of how gaming evolves and blends together genres to create unique experiences. Often described as a blend of Terraria and Diabolo, this game has a little bit of everything – dungeon crawling, sandbox building, forging, farming and fishing (and even cooking!).
As an explorer on a new planet, you’re quickly separated from the rest of your group thanks to your curiosity.
No matter, the underground has plenty of stuff to explore too – caverns filled with materials to build structures and tools, plants and organic materials from the native flora and fauna, and even furniture and paintings to transform your dungeon hideout into an actual home!
While Core Keeper is already plenty of fun solo, it also has co-op for up to 8 players. And even though there’s already a ton of content, you can enrich your Core Keeper experience via mods!
Its unique mix of survival, crafting, co-op dungeon crawling, plus endless modding potential make Core Keeper a must-play for fans wanting variety and creativity in their adventures.
One thing that sets Core Keeper apart is how it seamlessly blends dungeon crawling with deep crafting and exploration. You’re also building your base, managing resources, and customizing your gear. The game’s expansive underground world gives you plenty of secrets to uncover, and playing with friends makes every expedition more exciting.
My Verdict: Core Keeper brings a rich and engaging survival sandbox adventure, blending mining, crafting, dungeon exploration, and co-op fun into a truly immersive experience.
15. Stoneshard [Best Gritty Medieval Roguelike RPG]
| Our Score | 8.3
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| Type of game | Turn-based roguelike RPG |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Creator/s | HypeTrain Digital / Ink Stains Games |
| Average playtime | 30–50 hrs |
| Best for | Hardcore RPG fans |
| What I liked | Gritty permadeath mechanics and depth |
Picture it: a cadre of medieval mercenaries, living free and earning piles of cash and loot, and pledging allegiance to none but gold. Stoneshard will quickly remind you that merc life is much more brutal – so much so that I’d call this one of the best open-world games you can get right now.
In Stoneshard, you play as a mercenary under the command of Verren, a senior merc who’s uncovered a deadly artifact on a contract that went FUBAR.
To survive in the medieval world of Aldor, you’ll need to earn a living by taking on contracts from war-ravaged villages, far-flung hamlets, and affluent cities. Paying the bills is a core part of Stoneshard, as you’ll need gold to stave off hunger, thirst, wounds, pain, sanity, and depression. It’s that kind of immersive sim.
Stoneshard leans hard into the low fantasy medieval setting, so it should come as no surprise that this game is difficult. However, that’s part of the challenge, and wily mercs will always find a way to overcome unfair odds – or run and live to fight another day.
Stoneshard is a top choice for players seeking deep, realistic dungeon crawlers with immersive survival mechanics and intense battles set in an expansive world.
What makes Stoneshard stand out is how it combines tough survival mechanics with classic RPG progression. You’ll manage your merc’s health and sanity while exploring a harsh medieval world full of danger and opportunity. The game’s challenging combat and deep character customization keep every playthrough fresh and intense.
My Verdict: Stoneshard offers a gritty and challenging medieval roguelike RPG, combining permadeath mechanics, deep survival systems, and tactical combat for hardcore players.
16. Cryptmaster [Best Wordplay-Driven Dungeon RPG]
| Our Score | 8.1
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| Type of game | Dungeon crawler RPG with word mechanics |
| Platforms | PC, Switch |
| Year of release | 2024 |
| Creator/s | Lee Williams, Paul Hart, Akupara Games |
| Average playtime | 15–20 hrs |
| Best for | Wordplay puzzle fans |
| What I liked | Unique typing system fused with RPG gameplay |
Crypmaster is a typing game that’s part puzzle game, part dungeon crawler, and with real time combat. An unlikely combination, but Cryptmaster made it work. Of all the games on this list, this one stands out by virtue of its sheer innovation.
As with most retro dungeon crawlers, you’ll plumb through dank depths in first person view with a cadre of explorers. The catch here is that you’re all zombies, and your long-suffering necromancer-slash-dungeon master is controlling you the whole time.
Words are your weapons in Cryptmaster, and you’ll not only need to type anything – yes, literally anything – to interact with the world, but also to solve puzzles and defeat foes.
While you can play the game seriously, Cryptmaster rewards creativity at every turn. You’ll get a ton more fun out of the game (and some hilarious responses) if you think out of the box!
Its clever blend of typing gameplay and dungeon crawling, plus its humor, puzzle-solving, and epic matches of Whatever (it could be a standalone game on its own) make Cryptmaster an innovative standout in the genre.
What truly sets Cryptmaster apart is its inventive fusion of typing mechanics with classic dungeon crawling. Typing isn’t just a gimmick here, it’s how you fight, solve puzzles, and interact with the game world. This fresh approach challenges your reflexes and creativity so every run feels like a unique experience.
My Verdict: Cryptmaster delivers a clever and innovative dungeon RPG, blending wordplay, typing mechanics, and real-time combat into a uniquely engaging experience.
My Overall Verdict on the Best Dungeon Crawler Games
Dungeon crawlers hit different depending on what you’re after, and I’ve tried to match the right game to the right type of player. Each of these stands out for a reason, and they’re worth your time if you want to get lost underground:
- For roguelike fans → Hades. The combat is satisfying and it’s paired with an evolving story that actually makes every run feel fresh.
- For strategy junkies → Darkest Dungeon. This one’s brutal, but the stress mechanic and constant tension make every decision count. If you want a challenge that tests your brain as much as your party, this is it.
- For loot hunters → Diablo IV. The grind is endless, the world is massive, and the builds are deep. If you live for loot and power progression, nothing scratches the itch like Diablo.
- For classic dungeon crawlers → Legend of Grimrock. Grid-based exploration with puzzles and traps everywhere, it’s the perfect call-back to the genre’s roots with just enough modern polish.
No matter your playstyle, there’s a dungeon here waiting to chew you up and spit you out. Grab the one that fits your vibe and dive in. Just remember, the deeper you go, the harder it gets.
FAQs
A dungeon crawler is a game where you spend most of your time exploring a massive dungeon filled with enemies, traps, and loot. Typically, there’s also a hub town where you can resupply, upgrade gear, and prepare for your next run.
Dungeon crawlers are addictive because of their satisfying gameplay loop: dive into a dungeon, gather loot, return to town to gear up, and repeat. The mix of exploration, strategy, and character progression keeps players coming back for more.
The best dungeon crawler on Game Pass depends on your style. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is chaotic and endlessly replayable, Hades blends slick action with story, Darkest Dungeon tests your strategy, Cult of the Lamb adds cult management, and Grim Dawn offers deep ARPG builds.
