Dark and Darker

About

"Dark and Darker" is a Free to Play dungeon crawler game, where players can create one character and play Normal mode with quests and loot. Upgrading to the full version for $30 provides access to High-Roller mode, a marketplace, 9 character slots, and a Shared Stash. This version allows players to preview the game's features before purchasing the full edition.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

74%

Audience ScoreBased on 66,176 reviews

gameplay1.4k positive mentions

grinding532 negative mentions

The atmosphere is top-notch, with moody lighting, eerie sound design, and detailed environments that create a captivating and immersive experience.
The core gameplay loop is intense and rewarding, offering a high-risk, high-reward dynamic that many players find addictive.
The game has high replayability due to diverse character classes and roguelike elements, ensuring that each playthrough feels unique.

The game suffers from significant optimization issues, including stuttering, lag, and frequent crashes, making it frustrating to play.
Many players criticize the lack of a coherent story and engaging lore, leading to a repetitive and tedious gameplay experience.
The monetization model is seen as predatory, with essential features locked behind a paywall, causing dissatisfaction among players.

gameplay
4,654 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
62%
8%
The gameplay of "Dark and Darker" is characterized by a high-risk, high-reward loop that combines dungeon crawling with PvPvE mechanics, offering an intense and immersive experience. While many players find the core gameplay loop addictive and rewarding, especially after overcoming its steep learning curve, others criticize the clunky mechanics, lack of tutorials, and balancing issues that can lead to frustrating encounters, particularly for new players. Overall, the game has potential but requires further refinement and clearer guidance to enhance the player experience.
- “The core gameplay loop—gather loot, fight monsters (and other players), and make it out alive—is intense and rewarding.”
- “Great game, love the gameplay and enjoy what has become of the game since beta.”
- “This game has what I would consider some of the most fun combat controls/mechanics largely because of the physics.”
- “It’s a chaotic mess of half-baked ideas, clunky mechanics, and a constant barrage of 'why am I doing this?' moments.”
- “Dark and darker markets itself as a hardcore dungeon crawler, but the experience feels more like a forced march through broken mechanics and mind-numbing repetition.”
- “Gameplay is janky and repetitive, FOV is way too low, performance is less than ideal despite the lo-fi graphics and both the UI and inventory management are unbearably bad.”
story
1,126 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
79%
10%
The game's story is largely criticized for being non-existent, with many players expressing frustration over the lack of a coherent narrative or engaging lore. Instead, the gameplay revolves around repetitive quests that often feel tedious and disconnected, primarily focusing on combat and loot collection rather than storytelling. While some players appreciate the quest mechanics and the potential for character progression, the overall sentiment is that the game lacks a meaningful story or immersive world-building, making it feel more like a grind than an engaging RPG experience.
- “You shall embark on quests through shadowy corridors, battling fearsome beasts and cunning foes alike.”
- “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.”
- “✅ this game has no story”
- “No type of explanation as to what you have to do, where to go, how to get there or what the story is even about.”
- “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.”
graphics
682 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
54%
7%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the dark, gothic aesthetic and atmospheric visuals that enhance the gameplay experience. However, criticisms arise regarding the outdated and sometimes janky graphics, with some users comparing them to older console titles and noting performance issues. Overall, while the art style and immersive atmosphere are praised, the execution and polish of the graphics leave room for improvement.
- “The graphics are striking, with a gritty aesthetic that perfectly complements the eerie sound design.”
- “The game's visuals are stunning, with intricate graphics and atmospheric sound design that create a sense of foreboding and tension.”
- “Great game, really fun with friends, have a lot of fun and the graphics are really nice 9/10.”
- “The graphics are outdated and dull, and the game is riddled with bugs that the devs seem too incompetent to fix.”
- “Graphics are worse than a PS2 game.”
- “In summary, Dark and Darker is an exercise in frustration, with its putrid graphics, infuriating terrain glitches, and olfactory assaults, leaving players questioning why they even bothered to venture into Ironmace's digital dungeon.”
grinding
582 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
8%
91%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and unbalanced, often leading to frustration over lost progress due to frequent patches and wipes. While some enjoy the grind for gear and loot, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, especially in PvP scenarios where gear disparities can overshadow skill. Overall, the game is seen as heavily reliant on grinding, which can be rewarding for dedicated players but may alienate those seeking a more casual experience.
- “The dungeons are filled with mobs that reward for some aspects. With the right builds, you can have two benefits: one fast build almost ignores these issues, or a luck-based build makes it interesting to farm items and gold. However, it can also be tedious and repetitive. It would be nice if they added some open dungeons or new mechanics to make it less repetitive, as all the dungeons have small rooms filled with mobs, with rare occasions.”
- “The problem with these quests isn't the grindy nature of killing a certain number of goblins to get goblin ears to turn in to the goblin merchant; that part is standard for a game like this.”
- “Guess I’ll be saving time by not grinding anymore.”
- “It makes me angry because I just lost 10 hours of grinding because the game is terrible, not because of skill difference or I'm bad, but because the game literally is awful.”
- “Recent patch made all my hours spent grinding worthless and now there's no reward to any aspect of the game.”
- “The fact that loot is now all the same essentially eliminates the farming that made this game a progressive joy to play, which is a terrible decision.”
humor
572 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a major draw, with players enjoying the chaotic and often absurd interactions that arise during gameplay, especially when playing with friends. Many reviews mention hilarious moments stemming from friendly fire, unexpected deaths, and the use of proximity chat, which can lead to both comedic and intense situations. Overall, the game is described as a blend of dark themes and lighthearted fun, making it a source of laughter and memorable experiences, despite some frustrations with gameplay mechanics.
- “Also, this game is hilarious with friends!”
- “The game is a masterclass in turning 'I’ll just play for 10 minutes' into 'wait, when did the sun come up?' it's equal parts terrifying and hilarious, especially when you realize you’ve been cornered by the 15 spiders you just ran past to try and open a door.”
- “I love this game even though it's enraging at times dying pathetically because of my teammates casting fireball at me or the lock using the curse to heal from your allies 'accidentally' in the middle of a pvp encounter still a funny game on top of being really competitive.”
- “After the update, the most unfunny, most useless, most unplayable game I've seen in a long time...”
monetization
466 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
57%
32%
The monetization model of the game has sparked significant controversy among players, with many criticizing it as predatory and misleading. While some appreciate the inclusion of cosmetic microtransactions that do not impact gameplay, others feel that essential features are locked behind a paywall, requiring a $30 in-game purchase to access the full experience. Overall, the game's monetization strategy is seen as inconsistent and poorly communicated, leading to mixed feelings about its fairness and long-term viability.
- “The game’s monetization has been a point of contention, with a somewhat unclear free-to-play model, but the core experience remains fun regardless of whether you spend extra or not.”
- “By far one of the best monetization systems I have ever seen in a free-to-play game.”
- “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.”
- “Recent changes to free-to-play and the monetization are braindead stupid, and will also scare new players away.”
- “The developers clearly care more about cash grabs than they do actually balancing the game because they push you to pay the $30 to have all the availability and pay-to-win for everything else.”
- “In a blatant cash grab, Dark and Darker locks essential features behind a paywall.”
atmosphere
358 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
42%
2%
The atmosphere of "Dark and Darker" is widely praised for its dark, immersive, and gritty design, effectively creating a sense of tension and danger throughout its dungeons. Players appreciate the combination of moody lighting, eerie sound design, and detailed environments that enhance the overall experience, although some find the oppressive nature of the atmosphere can be frustrating. Overall, the game's atmospheric elements are considered one of its strongest features, drawing players into a captivating world filled with suspense and strategic gameplay.
- “The atmosphere is top-notch, with moody lighting, eerie sound design, and detailed environments that make every dungeon feel alive and deadly.”
- “The atmosphere is spellbinding, immersing you in a world that pulses with dark magic and untold secrets.”
- “From the moment you dive into its dark, foreboding world, you’re enveloped in a rich atmosphere filled with suspense and danger.”
- “The 'dark' atmosphere the game tries to create is more of an oppressive, frustrating mess than anything remotely immersive.”
- “Maps are decent looking but have no real atmosphere other than simple lighting contrast (absence of dust, dripping water, fog, etc.), no atmospheric music, etc. This feels like an abandoned beta that people didn't really test.”
- “I get making a game feel rough and unpolished for the atmosphere and difficulty, but this game doesn't really do that; it's just kind of poorly made.”
optimization
290 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
43%
38%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, lag, and rubberbanding, particularly in crowded areas or during intense gameplay. While some users have noted improvements in performance after updates, others continue to experience severe problems that hinder their ability to play effectively. Overall, there is a strong consensus that the game requires further optimization to enhance the user experience and address ongoing technical issues.
- “Game has been very well optimized and refined without compromising gameplay style or the original concept.”
- “Optimization is here, game runs smoothly and I haven't encountered any critical bugs or netcode issues yet.”
- “What I can say positive is the performance improved a lot, I went from like 80-90fps to almost 180fps constantly which is a big plus.”
- “The game is horribly optimized and it will never be finished; I regret paying for this game.”
- “It's a poorly optimized piece of trash that crashes constantly and randomly.”
- “Game runs like shit; rubberbanding, stuttering, lag spikes—this whole game feels like a clunky mess. The idea was good, but the finished project isn't good. Quick summary: the game sucks because of the terrible optimization.”
stability
222 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
94%
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and frequent freezes that significantly hinder gameplay. Issues such as unresponsive controls, erratic server connections, and unreliable combat mechanics contribute to a frustrating experience, leading many to deem the game nearly unplayable. While some players acknowledge the potential for fun, the overwhelming consensus is that the game requires substantial improvements before it can be considered stable or enjoyable.
- “Great immersive game, not too buggy for an early access. The devs are quick to react with updates and fixes, and now that there's a free-to-play version with some limitations, you can try it out and form your own opinion!”
- “Dark n' Darker runs great for early access; I don't think I've seen a single bug yet.”
- “Well made, runs great, and offers plenty of replay value.”
- “You’ll get stuck in walls, fail to interact with objects, and experience random freezes that will make you wonder if you’ve actually entered a broken simulation.”
- “The game constantly freezes.”
- “The way the game freezes constantly makes it completely unplayable.”
replayability
178 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
38%
2%
The game's replayability is frequently highlighted as one of its strongest features, with many players noting its potential for endless enjoyment through diverse character classes, roguelike elements, and engaging multiplayer experiences. While some reviews mention limitations that could affect replay value, the overall consensus is that the game offers a high level of replayability, making it a compelling choice for both casual and dedicated players.
- “One of the game’s strongest points is its replayability.”
- “Its unparalleled replay value stems from the game's roguelike elements and diverse character classes, ensuring that no two runs feel the same.”
- “This growth system ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, offering endless replayability and a personal connection to the characters, akin to following the journey of your favorite anime protagonists.”
- “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 shift not only ruins the excitement of discovering new gear but also drastically impacts replayability, as there's no longer a tangible benefit to grind for better items.”
- “No replayability, do not buy this game.”
music
160 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
69%
6%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it forgettable and lacking in atmosphere, often describing it as tinny or annoying. While some appreciate the eerie sound design and the fun of playing as a bard, using music to enhance gameplay, others feel that the overall soundtrack fails to create an engaging experience. Overall, the music seems to be a weak point, detracting from the game's potential immersion and enjoyment.
- “The soundtrack deserves special mention, as it weaves a haunting melody that lingers long after the game is turned off.”
- “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.”
- “Dark fantasy atmosphere: the game's gothic aesthetic and haunting soundtrack create a truly immersive and atmospheric experience.”
- “The music is forgettable, the sound effects are tinny, and the constant echoing footsteps will drive you insane after just a few minutes.”
- “The gameplay is bland and boring; there's no music, which also makes it dull.”
- “Who decided to put that god-awful music just looping in the main menu? You want us to sleep?”
emotional
100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of feelings, from deep attachment and joy to frustration and heartbreak. Players report experiencing intense moments of victory and loss, often leading to tears and laughter, highlighting the game's ability to create memorable and impactful experiences. However, some express disappointment over the lack of a compelling story and the emotional toll of gameplay mechanics, suggesting that while the game can be a source of wholesome fun, it also has the potential to frustrate and alienate players.
- “Absolutely amazing game and nothing has had me hooked or made me feel this way about a game in a long time.”
- “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.”
- “I have never loved a game like this, or been as emotionally invested in one.”
character development
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
13%
38%
Character development in the game is highly polarized among reviewers; some praise it as exceptional with unique personalities and motivations, while others criticize it as lacking depth and feeling like an afterthought. Additionally, there are mixed opinions on character design, with some finding it very good and others deeming it generic or poorly executed. Overall, the inconsistency in character development significantly impacts the narrative 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”
- “- very good character design.”
- “Coupled with a lack of meaningful character development, it feels like the narrative was an afterthought.”
- “No character development.”
- “The story is terrible, character development is terrible, super pay-to-win like some skins make you look like a lizard or werewolf.”