Dark and Darker is a new dungeon crawler on Steam available in a free alpha version until December 26th at 11am EST. MeinMMO briefly introduces the title to you, but actually only a few words are enough to describe the game: Escape from Tarkov with a fantasy setting.
The hardcore shooter Escape from Tarkov has defined the “extraction shooter” and created a whole new subgenre. The gameplay is less about kills, it’s more about collecting loot and items for specific missions.
In the meantime, the concept has arrived in mainstream gaming. Even Call of Duty: Warzone 2 has an extraction shooter on offer with its free DMZ mode.
However, Dark and Darker on Steam takes a more innovative approach. Instead of an assault rifle and a steel helmet, you’re on the move with a magic wand and sword. MeinMMO introduces you to the title and gives information about the release. The following playtest teaser offers an insight into the gameplay:
Dark and Darker: Gameplay Teaser
Dark and Darker: Dungeon crawler with a hardcore approach
When is Dark and Darker coming out? The full release is only planned for Q4 2023. Until then, however, the developers would like to offer play tests from time to time.
At the time of this article, an alpha test phase is running. It will be active until December 26th at 11am. However, there is still no date for the next test.
How is the game going? The gameplay loop is clearly based on well-known extraction shooters, but with a good dose of fantasy:
Dark and Darker offers co-op for up to 3 players and should definitely be played in a team. It’s a real hardcore adventure where you’ll bite the dust a lot and often, even with a team.
It’s probably only playable solo if you hide in the shadows, stay calm, or plan a well thought out ambush. In the current state, the following classes are available:
If you get killed, there is no permadeath – your character is still available and you also get XP to level up between matches. However, you lose all of your loot and with it gold that can be used for perks and equipment in the main menu.
The graphics are rather functional, but Dark and Darker is still full of gameplay details that underline the hardcore character. You have to time spells perfectly, internalize the attack patterns of the NPC opponents and listen carefully to your surroundings.
Any mistake, no matter how small, can mean your end as you fight your way deeper into the dungeon to discover the treasures of this fantasy world.
Elden Ring, Escape from Tarkov or the survival game Rust – the last few years have shown that even tough games can reach a large audience.
Dark and Darker is part of this development and the small indie game was able to attract almost 70,000 players to its server in the current playtest (via steamcharts.com). A very strong value for a small alpha playtest.
Have you already dared to play such an abnormally difficult game and do you have a recommendation for us and the community? Then leave a comment on the topic.