Dark and Darker

About

Dark and Darker is a single player and multiplayer tactical role playing shooter game. It was developed by IRONMACE and was released on June 7, 2024. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Dark and Darker is a hardcore fantasy first-person shooter that combines warfare, PvPvE, and dungeon exploration. Players can embark on a cooperative adventure with friends, battling monsters, uncovering mythical treasures, and outsmarting other treasure-hungry competitors. Offering both single-player and multiplayer experiences, this immersive game challenges players to rely on their courage, wits, and teamwork for survival.

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66%

Audience ScoreBased on 44,543 reviews

gameplay910 positive mentions

grinding377 negative mentions

The game features a dark, gothic atmosphere that enhances the immersive dungeon-crawling experience, with many players praising its visuals and sound design.
The humor in the game is a standout feature, providing hilarious interactions and chaotic moments, especially when playing with friends.
The core gameplay loop is intense and rewarding, combining dungeon crawling with high-stakes PvPvE combat that keeps players engaged.

The game suffers from severe optimization issues, including stuttering, lag, and crashes, making it unplayable for many users, especially those with lower-end hardware.
The monetization model has drawn significant criticism, with many players feeling it prioritizes profit over gameplay quality, leading to accusations of predatory practices.
The character development and story aspects are largely criticized for their lack of depth and engagement, with quests often described as tedious and unfulfilling.

gameplay
3,141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
62%
9%
The gameplay of "Dark and Darker" is characterized by its unique blend of dungeon crawling, extraction mechanics, and high-stakes PvPvE combat, creating an intense and immersive experience. While many players appreciate the challenging and rewarding gameplay loop, they also highlight issues such as steep learning curves, clunky mechanics, and a lack of tutorials that can frustrate newcomers. The game has been criticized for its balance issues and the impact of pay-to-win mechanics, but it remains engaging for those who enjoy mastering its complex systems and strategies.
- “True to the opening sentence, the lighting engine is a critical part of the gameplay.”
- “Gameplay-wise, it has this mix of familiar elements and small twists that keep things from feeling stale.”
- “The core gameplay loop—gather loot, fight monsters (and other players), and make it out alive—is intense and rewarding.”
- “The gameplay is just too slow for my taste.”
- “The gameplay feels unnecessarily punitive, overcomplicated, and unbalanced, making the game unplayable and largely unappealing.”
- “The core gameplay loop—hardcore pve and pvp, high stakes, skill-based progression—is genuinely compelling.”
story
750 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
79%
10%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many players noting that there is essentially no overarching narrative or meaningful lore. Quests are often described as tedious fetch tasks that offer minimal rewards, leading to frustration among players who feel that the quest system detracts from the overall experience. While some appreciate the potential for emergent storytelling through player interactions, the absence of a structured plot leaves many feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from the game's world.
- “The storyline unfolds like a dark symphony, with each revelation adding a layer to the game's rich tapestry of lore.”
- “Each quest feels meaningful, and the lore of the world is intricately woven into the gameplay, making every discovery and achievement deeply satisfying.”
- “The storyline is captivating, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing.”
- “There's essentially no story to speak of.”
- “The quests are extremely tedious and obnoxious, offering no real rewards until the very late game, and you can't sustain to buy that loot because you won't have any proper money to spend.”
- “The game puts a lot of stress on casuals who don't have time to grind and commit to a steep learning curve game, especially with how the developers attempt to create updates that put players into temporary confusion.”
graphics
441 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
50%
10%
The graphics of *Dark and Darker* receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the game's dark, gothic aesthetic and immersive atmosphere, which effectively enhances the dungeon-crawling experience. However, criticisms arise regarding outdated textures, clunky animations, and poor lighting that can hinder visibility, leading to a perception of the graphics as subpar or reminiscent of older games. Overall, while the visuals are often described as appealing and atmospheric, they are also noted to lack polish and refinement, reflecting the game's early access status.
- “The dungeon atmosphere is some of the best I’ve seen, and the visuals and sound design make every run feel dangerous.”
- “The graphics are fantastic.”
- “The dark, gothic art style perfectly complements the eerie and mysterious tone of the game.”
- “The graphics are a blurry, outdated eyesore—think early PS3 assets left to rot in a damp basement.”
- “Awful graphics and especially lighting which is intended to be dark but instead is just pitch black.”
- “The graphics are outdated and lack polish, which is surprising given the game’s recent release.”
grinding
404 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
93%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over its tediousness and the significant time investment required to progress. New players often feel overwhelmed by experienced players who dominate the farming scene, making it difficult to enjoy the game without extensive grinding. Additionally, frequent patches and changes to gear and progression systems can render hours of grinding meaningless, leading to a sense of futility and dissatisfaction among players. While some enjoy the grind as part of the experience, many find it excessively demanding and unbalanced, particularly in PvP scenarios.
- “Never the less, if you are into fantasy/medieval games and would love to enjoy a somewhat grindy extraction dungeon crawler, please do give this game a go!”
- “The problem with these quests isn't the grindy nature of killing (x) number of goblins in order to get 10 goblin ears so I can turn them into the goblin merchant though, that part is standard for a game like this.”
- “If you read this far :) and said to yourself: wow, this is a great game, and it's free... then be prepared to enter an endless tunnel of underground farming, and just when you think you're at the end of your heroic journey... the season ends, and all you're left with is a useless rating!”
- “The game is much more skill-based now and less grindy.”
- “I spent 8 hours grinding gold to buy an all-legendary gear set with good attributes, then got beat to death in 2 minutes and was so livid I nearly passed out.”
humor
327 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
1%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the hilarious interactions and chaotic moments that arise during gameplay, especially when playing with friends. Many reviews mention the amusing dynamics of proximity chat, unexpected deaths, and the absurdity of certain game mechanics, which contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere despite the game's darker themes. Overall, the humor is described as a key element that enhances the enjoyment of the game, making it a memorable experience.
- “Dark and darker is both hilarious and brutal, a game where victory feels like divine intervention and failure feels like a comedy sketch.”
- “The proximity chat leads to some funny moments, and it's fun to play with friends too.”
- “I've put in hundreds of hours between the playtests and blacksmith version and I'm still dying in hilarious ways.”
- “After the update, this has become the most unfunny, most useless, and most unplayable game I've seen in a long time.”
- “The humor in this game falls flat and feels forced, making it more cringeworthy than entertaining.”
- “I expected a lot of laughs, but instead, I was left with awkward jokes that just didn't land.”
monetization
327 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
53%
40%
The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" due to the presence of aggressive microtransactions and a $30 paywall for essential features. While some appreciate the ability to earn cosmetics in-game, the overall sentiment reflects frustration over the perceived prioritization of profit over gameplay quality, leading to accusations of predatory practices and misleading advertising regarding its free-to-play status. Overall, the monetization approach has left a sour taste for many, overshadowing the game's potential.
- “The monetization model is great. The game is well worth the $30 I spent on it, even if that was an upfront price.”
- “Overall, I don't typically like extraction-based combat games, but the developers of Dark and Darker have done an amazing job in not only making the game fun and flexible with the multitude of different play styles one may choose, but also unique in their overall monetization method that allows both free-to-play and paid players to enjoy the game equally.”
- “It's honestly the best way they could make it free-to-play, instead of using pay-to-win/progress microtransactions, which other developers fill newer paid games with these days.”
- “This early access game also has nearly $1000 worth of merchandise in it, which seems like a disrespectful cash grab for the actual (lack of) work that's been put into this game since launch.”
- “The game is in 'early access' per the Steam page, but they have DLCs, microtransactions, seasonal packages... the game is as complete as they are going to get.”
- “What ultimately turned me away from the game were the obvious pay-to-win mechanics and the microtransactions blocking you off from a huge chunk of the game.”
atmosphere
278 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
45%
1%
The atmosphere of "Dark and Darker" is widely praised for its dark, immersive, and oppressive qualities, effectively enhancing the tension and danger of dungeon crawling. Players appreciate the game's gothic aesthetic, haunting sound design, and the sense of constant peril that permeates every encounter, making each run feel intense and rewarding. While some critiques mention issues with gameplay mechanics and navigation, the overall consensus highlights the atmosphere as a standout feature that captivates and engages players.
- “The dungeon atmosphere is some of the best I’ve seen, and the visuals and sound design make every run feel dangerous.”
- “The dark, gothic atmosphere and detailed environments immerse you deeply into its world.”
- “The atmosphere is oppressive, the combat is tense, and every door you open feels like it could be your last.”
- “The dark atmosphere draws you in, and even though the combat can be tough and punishing, it makes every victory feel so sweet.”
- “The game’s atmosphere is oppressively dark, both literally and metaphorically.”
optimization
208 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
50%
35%
The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players reporting severe stuttering, lag, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users express frustration over the game's performance issues, particularly in crowded areas and during combat, leading to an unplayable experience for those with lower-end hardware. While some players note improvements in performance over time, the consensus is that substantial optimization is still needed to address ongoing technical problems and enhance overall stability.
- “The game has been very well optimized and refined without compromising gameplay style or the original concept.”
- “What I can say positive is the performance improved a lot, I went from like 80-90 fps to almost 180 fps constantly which is a big plus.”
- “Very nice visuals and very well optimized for lower-end PCs.”
- “Unplayable 1 second freezing, stuttering and lagging.”
- “The game's performance is still in desperate need of optimization on certain maps.”
- “Terrible optimization, very bad desync, just buggy in general, these issues have been around since the start of the game.”
stability
183 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
95%
The game's stability is widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users experience frequent crashes, lag, and unresponsive mechanics, leading to frustration and a sense of unplayability. While some acknowledge the game's potential and occasional fun moments, the overwhelming consensus is that it remains a buggy and unstable experience, often requiring patience and hope for future improvements.
- “Most of the time runs great even on a laptop; occasionally an update will drop that causes the game to crash at random, but it typically gets fixed fairly soon.”
- “Loads fast and isn't buggy.”
- “Great immersive game, not too buggy for an early access; the devs are quick to react with updates and fixes.”
- “The glitches make this game near unplayable most of the time.”
- “The game frequently crashes and freezes, which is not great for a game where every time you play your equipment you choose to bring is at stake.”
- “From minor glitches to game-breaking errors, it seems like every session is plagued with some form of technical issue.”
music
115 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
68%
9%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its atmospheric qualities that enhance the dark, immersive environments, while others criticize it as forgettable or annoying. The bard class, which relies on music for buffs and healing, is often seen as frustrating due to its complicated mechanics and limited song duration. Overall, while the soundtrack contributes to the game's gothic aesthetic, many players feel it lacks depth and variety, detracting from the overall experience.
- “The eerie sound design and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack perfectly complement the visuals, creating an immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
- “The game's gothic aesthetic and haunting soundtrack create a truly immersive and atmospheric experience.”
- “The soundtrack deserves special mention, as it weaves a haunting melody that lingers long after the game is turned off.”
- “Oh, but you do have three different instruments and you have to equip a specific one for specific songs, because why not make it a stupid redundant system.”
- “The music is forgettable, the sound effects are tinny, and the constant echoing footsteps will drive you insane after just a few minutes.”
- “Who decided to put that god awful music just looping in the main menu? You want us to sleep?”
replayability
95 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
38%
3%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its high potential due to diverse character classes, randomized encounters, and cooperative gameplay, leading to fresh experiences in each session. However, some users express concerns about diminishing replay value due to content cuts and a lack of engaging features for casual players. Overall, while the game offers significant replayability for dedicated players, its appeal may wane for those seeking more variety and depth in gameplay.
- “✅ replayable – each dungeon dive feels fresh, with different enemy encounters, loot, and challenges on each run.”
- “Its unparalleled replay value stems from the game's roguelike elements and diverse character classes, ensuring that no two runs feel the same.”
- “The map design, and overall cohesion of the loot spots, player spawns, pathing, classes, ability/perk variety, extraction sites and hidden secrets; it is a great game that has depth and can offer the player hours of replayability.”
- “They've gutted about 66% of the content, and with it, ripped out the heart of the game's replayability.”
- “Tldr: the game where the point is to replay something over and over again has no replayability, and it's not enjoyable unless you're already experienced and playing it in a group of 3.”
- “This decreases replayability and it limits the amount of overall enjoyment players can get out of the game.”
emotional
81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of feelings, from heart-wrenching disappointment due to constant balancing changes and community toxicity to moments of joy and camaraderie during gameplay. Players express a deep emotional investment, often feeling drained or frustrated by the game's mechanics and community dynamics, yet some also find it capable of delivering wholesome and exhilarating experiences. Overall, the game is described as an emotional rollercoaster, with potential for both joy and heartbreak.
- “The heart-wrenching moment when one of our party members fell to an unexpected ambush evoked feelings of grief and helplessness—emotions that transcended the screen.”
- “This game will destroy you emotionally but you will have so much fun you almost don't care.”
- “I have never loved a game like this, or been as emotionally invested in one.”
character development
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
28%
36%
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the depth and uniqueness of individual characters, while others criticize it as lacking or poorly executed. Despite some players appreciating the intricate plot twists that enhance the narrative, many feel that the overall character development is overshadowed by clunky gameplay and generic design. Overall, the inconsistency in character development significantly impacts the storytelling experience.
- “The character development and intricate plot twists are particularly impressive, providing depth and richness to the overall experience.”
- “The character development in the game is exceptional, with each character having their own unique personality and motivations that add depth to the narrative.”
- “- great replayability due to level and character design”
- “However, it is not enough to have meager progressions replace storytelling and character development.”
- “No character development.”
- “Coupled with a lack of meaningful character development, it feels like the narrative was an afterthought.”