The best first-person Dungeon-Crawlers

Key things

• Dungeon-crawling has its roots in tabletop role-playing games like D&D and features addictive gameplay loops.
• Recent additions to the genre are accessible, harkening back to old designs while offering modern twists.
• Games like Devil Spire, Slasher's Keep, Dark And Darker, Barony, Lunacid and Mortal Sin are worth checking out.

Dungeon crawling is one of the most treasured games that has its roots in tabletop role-playing games like the old school. Dungeons & Dragons. The simple yet addictive gameplay loop of delving into dungeons, defeating monsters, and looting as much treasure as humanly possible can be tremendously fun—and easy to learn—when done right.

While an endless number of dungeon crawlers have been released throughout history, many of them first-person, recent additions to the genre have proven to be accessible while also calling back to the design and presentation of the greats of old. Of course, these modern titles stand on the shoulders of giants: King's Field, Shadow Towerand The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall are awesome old-school dungeon crawlers that any fan of older games must try. However, those who have exhausted the annals of dungeon crawling history should consider the following.

1 Devil's Tower

Slow-paced pseudo-3D Dungeon-Crawler

• Platforms: PC
• Released: 2023
• Developers: Ithiro Sumi, Lucas Perdomo, Lucas Bressan
• Genre: Dungeon Crawler

Combination of 3D environment with 2D sprites, Devil's Tower offers a nostalgic aesthetic rooted in dark dungeons and grim environments. The game plays at a relatively slow pace, especially compared to other dungeon crawlers, but this ensures that each encounter is intense and methodical.

Devil's Tower not the deepest of roguelike dungeon-crawlers (see more traditional experiences such as Cave of Qud or Cogmind). Still, the 3D exploration and first-person perspective can make it even more engaging for those who find it hard to enjoy the minimalist look of classic roguelikes.

2 Slasher's Keep

Hack-And-Slash Dungeon-Crawler with cartoon style

• Platforms: PC
• Released: 2020
• Developers: Damian Schloter
• Genre: Roguelite

This hack-and-slash dungeon-crawler features a unique hand-painted cartoon aesthetic that combines digital 2D artwork with similarly stylized 3D environments, offering charming visuals that can be deceiving. Slasher's Keep can be quite a challenge.

Slasher's Keep is a first-person roguelite with a perk system and the ability to save gear for the next run. The hack-and-slash combat is somewhat basic on the surface, but the variety of weapon types and unique moves deepens the experience. Combined with more immersive elements such as an innovative weapon crafting system and simple additions such as the ability to trap enemies, Slasher's Keep creates a rewarding dungeon-crawler that takes full advantage of its first-person perspective.

3 Dark and darker

Of course a little rough around the edges and after the familiar game loop of extraction shooters, Dark and darker's structure will be instantly recognizable to fans Escape from Tarkovbut the game features an old-school medieval fantasy theme Dungeons & Dragonsand a slow combat system that takes some time to get used to.

Dark And Darker's slow and methodical combat, as well as the time limit of occupying enemies, can be the deciding factor for the player's fun in its dark and dangerous dungeons, as the painstaking animations make every action count. For old school fans Dungeons & Dragonsslower games and game structure of extraction shooters, Dark and darker it's worth a try, especially since the game is free to play with a few restrictions.

4 Barony

A ruthless Roguelike Dungeon-Crawler with online co-op

Featuring 3D models and voxel-based environments painted with rich pixel textures, Barony is a uniquely stylish first-person indie dungeon-crawler. Barony she is often ruthless as his dungeons are filled with deadly traps and dangerous enemies. This is supported by the game's status as an action roguelike, although the RPG systems and abundance of loot often reward players as they progress.

Barony can be rewarding on its own, but the inclusion of online and local multiplayer takes the gameplay to new heights, providing a chaotic and cooperative experience. The brutality of its dungeons and the frequency with which runs end in sudden death can be frustrating for some, but overcoming them BaronyChallenges are part of the fun.

5 Lunacid

An atmospheric RPG Dungeon-Crawler that goes back to the old school of software

Great inspiration from older FromSoftware titles such as King's Field and Shadow Tower, Lunacid is a deeply atmospheric first-person RPG with an emphasis on dungeon-crawling gameplay and methodical combat. LunacidHowever, its greatest strength is not its combat, but its immersive and atmospheric dark fantasy world.

Despite having a clear old-school influence in both its design and its visuals, Lunacid is a polished experience that often plays well and features a well-realized aesthetic. Lunacid it definitely has its own style and sense of the absurd, with some unique characters and enemy patterns that provide a sense of discovery throughout the experience.

6 A mortal sin

Fast-paced dungeon crawling with visceral melee combat

Although its visuals may be an acquired taste with bright and vivid, not to mention abrasive use of color, A mortal sin is a visceral hack-and-slash dungeon-crawler that never gets boring. This is largely due to the well-crafted melee combat, which is heavy and engaging, with attributes facilitated by strong animations, presentation and a combo system.

A strange world of dark fantasy A mortal sin it's also interesting, with visuals and enemy designs that make for dungeons and environments that are often worth exploring. Loot is also largely rewarding, mainly because of that Mortal Sin's the different weapons are incredibly diverse.