Games like Darkened Denizens: A Grimdark Monster Compendium for OSR RPGs
Looking for games like Darkened Denizens: A Grimdark Monster Compendium for OSR RPGs? Here are top role playing recommendations with a fantasy and dark fantasy focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Darkened Treasures: A Tome of 170+ Grimdark Magic Items for TTRPGs, Castle Oldskull Module 1: The Classic Dungeon Design Guide I or Castle Oldskull Module 10: Oldskull Dungeon Bestiary.
Unearth a trove of power that comes with a price. Darkened Treasures is an essential supplement for Game Masters and players who crave magic items steeped in mystery, peril, and gothic dread. This meticulously crafted collection is designed for dark fantasy campaigns and systems like Shadowdark, Old-School Essentials, Mörk Borg, and Dungeons & Dragons. Inside this grimoire, you will discover: … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Darkened Treasures: A Tome of 170+ Grimdark Magic Items for TTRPGs.
View Game


Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 1: The Classic Dungeon Design Guide I.
View Game


Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 10: Oldskull Dungeon Bestiary.
View Game


Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 9: Dungeon Delver Enhancer.
View Game


Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 7: Oldskull Monster Generator.
View Game


Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 11: City State Encounters.
View Game


Welcome to Diabolical Designs, your ultimate guide to unleashing the dark power of demons and devils in your 5E campaigns. This manual takes you deep into the fiery Hell and chaotic Abyssal Realms, providing the tools and inspiration you need to craft unforgettable stories of infernal intrigue, destruction, and forbidden power. What's Inside? The Lower Realms Unveiled: Journey through the H… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Diabolical Designs: Demons and Devils for 5E.
View Game


"Sails on the horizon... Why they came, we did not know... Destruction, chains..."Code of the Savage is a tale of vengeance and survival. After escaping a slave ship, you have found yourself in chains and washed ashore on the island Kingdom of Daneth. You must find your way in a brutal and unforgiving world where nothing is black and white. Code of the Savage is a no-holds-barred cla… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Code of the Savage.
View Game


Dive into the shadows of Victorian dark fantasy with the Nocturnal Horrors: A Bestiary of the Damned. This 44-page digital PDF features 40 unique creatures, each meticulously crafted with detailed stat blocks, rich lore, thematic abilities, and evocative descriptions. Whether you're a Dungeon Master, player, or storyteller, this compendium will bring a gothic and haunting flair to your next 5e adv… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nocturnal Horrors: Bestiary of the Damned (Digital PDF).
View Game


- 58%Game Brain Score58% User Score 9 reviews
Knights of Lazarus presents a puzzle, unsolvable the first time through. The crew must discover the best tactics to combat specialized enemies, roleplay through encounters, and choose whether to retreat or push their luck through the dungeon, The Ship Canterbury. Will your crew plan a heist? Or take the oath to join the Knights themselves? Whatever the choice the crew will discover the secrets of… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Knights of Lazarus.
View Game


Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 5: Oldskull Adventure Generator.
View Game


- 93%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, music93% User Score 212 reviews
Enter the Monsters' Den, a place of endless adventure, battle and reward! Lead your party of four heroes through each level of the ever-changing dungeon, fighting in turn-based battles and hunting for that elusive rare loot. The web-game classic comes to Steam! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Monsters' Den: Book of Dread.
View Game


- 79%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding79% User Score 515 reviews
A powerful sorcerer is on the cusp of dominating the land. A group of heroes bands together and seals him away inside a magical tome. Now as the sorcerer you must escape from this ancient prison and find a way to regain your magical powers using your wits and an array of summonable creatures to aid you. There may be more powerful forces at work as you navigate the dungeons and fight the heroes sen… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Paper Sorcerer.
View Game


- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:music, grinding89% User Score 219 reviews
The Forgotten Realm Archives - Collection Two brings a healthy mix of “Gold Box” and nostalgia goodness to your PC, along with a combination of adventure builders, turn-based and real-time role-playing gameplay. Composed of RPG classics that premiered the Forgotten Realms to video gamers, The Forgotten Realm Archives - Collection Two contains the following titles: Pool of Radiance, Curse of the Az… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two.
View Game


- 51%Game Brain Score51% User Score 2 reviews
(Note - the above download is a demo and not the full game) Introduction Code of the Savage is a tale of vengeance and survival. After escaping a slave ship, you have found yourself in chains and washed ashore on the island Kingdom of Daneth. You must find your way in a brutal and unforgiving world where nothing is black and white. Deep and disturbing quandaries underpin the driving force of th… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Code of The Savage RPG.
View Game
Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 4: Game World Generator Deluxe Edition.
View Game


- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding92% User Score 106 reviews
Trapped in the Great Abyss!You are an old dreamer who, through unforeseen circumstances, has found himself trapped in the Great Abyss, the vast underworld beneath the Dreamlands. Use the resources at your disposal, weapons, armor, supplies, and any alliances you have with the locals, to explore and learn the secrets of the underworld, in order to make your way back to the upper Dreamlands, or bac… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cyclopean: The Great Abyss.
View Game


- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability90% User Score 2,148 reviews
Evil stirs beneath the Spine of the World. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Icewind Dale.
View Game


- View Game66%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, humorMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding95% User Score 20 reviews
The Last Sovereign is an adult fantasy RPG that plunges you into the saga of a world torn between forces of lust and purity. As you enter the complex conflict, you forge a new path that will change the course of history! ...maybe. The thing is, acting like most heroes gets you killed, and most evil overlords' plans make no sense. The Last Sovereign is a game that twists your expectations for adult… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Last Sovereign.
- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding88% User Score 2,034 reviews
Low Magic Age is a fantasy RPG that focused on turn-based party-based tactical combat. Field of View, Fog of War, Cover, Zone of Control, Charging and Flanking, various and abundant tactical elements are implemented in the game rules that evolved from Wizards of the Coast's Open Game License (OGL). Inherited from classic game rules: Evolved from historic pen-and-paper game rules, plus well design… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Low Magic Age.
View Game


- 73%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, music73% User Score 238 reviews
This new adaptation of the Talisman board game focuses on solo play as you adventure through many epic quests using the full rule-set of the Revised 4th Edition. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Talisman: Origins.
View Game


- 91%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, monetization91% User Score 5,624 reviews
TaleSpire is a beautiful way to play pen and paper RPGs online. Bring your stories to life and embark upon campaigns together with your friends, regardless of where you are in the world. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to TaleSpire.
View Game


- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, music88% User Score 152 reviews
A turn-based, party-oriented and isometric RPG from Heroic Fantasy Games based on Dungeons & Dragons. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Knights of the Chalice.
View Game


Journey back to the glory days of fantasy role-playing. The cave has claimed many… will it claim you? Cave of Darkness is a retro-style, pixel-based action RPG that blends classic dungeon crawling, character progression, and an evolving story. Inspired by early role-playing games, vintage fantasy films, and the spirit of adventure, this game invites you to descend into a cursed cavern — and retur… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cave Of Darkness.
View Game


Short adventures and persistent random encounters to shake up the streets of your city! Tiny Weird Adventures: Urban Edition is a collection of short Tier 1 adventures to be used in conjunction with the Fifth Edition of the most popular fantasy RPG of recent times, easily adaptable to your medieval fantasy game of choice. You will get 6 urban-themed adventures to enhance your game with stories o… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tiny Weird Adventures: Urban Edition.
View Game


Xanadu A Weird-Fantasy Roleplaying Adventure for use with Old-School Essentials, for Character Levels 2–3. Welcome to the cult temple of Xanadu, an atmospheric temple-crawl for use with OSE, or similar old-school RPGs. A cult in the temple of Xanadu has opened a portal to another dimension. It was activated by adjusting the hands of three pendulum clocks in a particular sequence. Once the veil of… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xanadu.
View Game


Realm's End: The City of Keys - Campaign Setting Where Fortunes Are Made on the Turn of a Card and Guild Politics Matter More Than Royal Decree Built atop the cursed ruins of an ancient dwarven keep, Realm's End sprawls across Lonely Hill where the Lagithil River carved the stone in two. This is a city of equal decadence and squalor—a smoke-choked metropolis where the Duke is a puppet, … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to X1_Realm's End, the City of Keys.
View Game


- 50%Game Brain Score50% User Score 1 reviews
Pulp Arcana is a game about slaying monsters, besieging castles, slinging spells, and realizing your favorite fantasy adventures. You have the tools to build the hero of your dreams and engage in tactical, kinetic action without sacrificing aesthetics or storytelling. This is 5e-compatible action fantasy that harmonizes rewarding combat mechanics with contemporary narrative. We believe tha… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pulp Arcana: Core Rulebook + Starter Adventure.
View Game


Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 15: Warriors.
View Game


- 91%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability91% User Score 245 reviews
Hunt creatures of the night in this Action RPG set in the suburbs of Arizona in the iconic 1980's. Choose a class, and take to the streets to save your small town from Baphomet and his demon generals. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Kingdom of Night.
View Game


- 63%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:atmosphere, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay100% User Score 14 reviews
49 Keys is a narrative-focused game that will test your wits and nerves. Peruse the pages of a Lovecraftian tale, interact with maps and solve the puzzles encountered along the way. Trace your master's footsteps to uncover the deepest secrets of the arcane, on a quest brimming with horror and magic. Embark on a Disturbing Journey Alas, I knew not of the extraordinary, bizarre, and gut-ch… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 49 Keys.
View Game


Vampires, Demons and Zombies crawl out of the darkness to plague the land once agaaaand they're dead... That was NOT how this was supposed to go down. But that's what Gabriel Dorleac is known for. Killing the undead. He has been doing so for years, ever since he returned home from Citadale Island.And now a new shadow cast its darkness over the castle. So of course Gabriel is going to go there. How… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Untold Tales of Citadale: The Shadow Maker.
View Game


- 79%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:optimization, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay79% User Score 922 reviews
Prep Less. Play Better. Exciting upgrades await you in one of the most popular virtual tabletops. Fantasy Grounds Unity has amazing new features to take your gaming on to new adventures. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fantasy Grounds VTT.
View Game


- 98%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay98% User Score 55 reviews
Ringlorn Saga is an adventure RPG inspired by the Japanese PC classics. Prince Gerhard the Brave embarks on a journey to the neighboring land to investigate the appearance of a magic barrier and his father's disappearance. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ringlorn Saga.
View Game


- 73%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding73% User Score 140 reviews
Grid-Based First Person Dungeon Crawler with survival elements. It's inspired by classic cRPG from the 90s. An old-school game for hardcore players. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Inferno: Beyond the 7th Circle.
View Game


- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability96% User Score 10,360 reviewsCritic Score 89%2 reviews
Wildermyth is a character-driven, procedurally-generated tactical RPG. Lead a band of unique heroes as they grow from a reluctant farmers into legendary fighters. Battle threats lurking in the Yondering Lands and discover secrets that the land has to offer. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Wildermyth.
View Game


- 93%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability95% User Score 5,758 reviewsCritic Score 88%3 reviews
Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that uses isometric pixel art and combines mechanics borrowed from RPGs, Visual Novels, adventure games and interactive fiction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Roadwarden.
View Game


- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability94% User Score 2,538 reviews
Monster-catching, dungeon-crawling RPG with a ridiculous amount of depth. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Siralim Ultimate.
View Game


- 77%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability77% User Score 1,628 reviews
Fantasy Grounds is a hybrid application which allows you to play and create your own RPG games. It facilitates this play and provides some optional add-on Adventure modules which can be loaded and played with very little preparation. Each game will require a GameMaster (GM) and one or more players. Games may be played in a session as short as a few hours or continued with multiple sessions over a … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fantasy Grounds.
View Game


- 78%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:replayabilityMost mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay86% User Score 42 reviews
The Curse of Feldar Vale is set on the world of Qaedon, a thousand years before the Great Cataclysm. Known as the Age of Chaos, humans, greenskins, and all manner of monsters fight to survive these troubled times. The once peaceful Vale is now beset with evil creatures and dark deeds as an ancient curse is unleashed on the land. Build a party of 4-6 characters to adventure across the vale to seek… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Curse of Feldar Vale.
View Game


- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding94% User Score 2,558 reviews
Ever felt uninspired, technically challenged or just bored when creating your game maps? Dungeon Alchemist is a mapmaking application for tabletop RPG's that enables you to make amazing, high-quality maps in seconds! Simply pick a theme, start drawing, and Dungeon Alchemist creates high-quality maps you can print, share, or use in your favourite Virtual Tabletop Application. Walls, floors, objects… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dungeon Alchemist.
View Game


- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization94% User Score 761 reviews
Capture over 700 different monsters in this retro-style, monster capture RPG! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Siralim 3.
View Game


ASHES OF TORMENTIn this journey into the darkest corners of the mind, silence will be your greatest enemy... Ashes of Torment offers an experience where you will feel pure psychological horror and a heavy atmosphere to your core. In this nightmare—a product of a meticulous two-year solo development process under Frostfire Entertainment—you will face not only shadows but the whispers of your own m… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ashes of Torment.
View Game


Celebrating over 50 years of fantasy adventure role-playing in the Gygaxian and Arnesonian tradition, the OLDSKULL GRAND BESTIARY: IMPERIOUS OVERLORD’S CODEX unifies the ultimate fantasy game’s Advanced, Basic, and Expert monster systems into a single concordance, perfect for your Advanced, B/X, Original, Shadow, Old School, or Fifth Edition campaign. The Codex has been written for the clas… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to OLDSKULL GRAND BESTIARY - Imperious Overlord's Codex.
View Game


- View Game
In a World of Heroic Fantasy…In a heroic fantasy universe inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, take control of one of six prisoners with a troubled past and intertwined destinies. Each has their own reasons for being imprisoned, but all share a common goal: freedom. Their only chance at redemption? Delving into the depths of an ancient, mysterious, and perilous mine, famed for its hidden treasure… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mine of despair.
A sorcerer, a tyrant of a remote island, has vanished without a trace! Can you brave the dungeons and halls under his tower to break in and earn riches and fame? Explore an ancient iron age world and encounter beasts, creatures of Greek myth, denizens of the nine hells and aberrations from the voids between the stars as you adventure in this traditional roguelike game. With pixel art graphics an… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Eye of Khaos.
View Game


Unleash the legendary creatures of Ukrainian mythology into your next D&D adventure with this Ukrainian Mythology Bestiary. This 24-page digital PDF features a captivating collection of 20 unique creatures, each with fully detailed stat blocks, abilities, lore, and vibrant artwork. Perfect for Dungeon Masters, players, and storytellers looking to add a dash of Eastern European mystique to their ca… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ukrainian Mythology Bestiary – D&D Creature Compendium (Digital PDF).
View Game


- 66%Game Brain Score66% User Score 18 reviews
“Reality” is a rotting fruit, and the tiny creatures that crawl across its surface doomed. The dreadful ancient things that lurk beneath its skin have but one demand in return for a living being’s continued existence: obedience. Across all worlds, all space and time, all must bow. As the decay of the universe accelerates, more and more cultures under the ancients’ dominion have realized what is … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ALL MUST BOW.
View Game


Hello everyone, Castle Oldskull is a well-regarded RPG supplement series, designed to sync with Gygaxian, old school, and Wizardly tabletop role-playing games. If you play tabletop, you’ll sync in quickly. If you’re a retro videogamer, you might see influences from Archon, The Bard’s Tale, Dragon’s Lair, Gauntlet, Mail Order Monsters, Phantasie, Telengard, Temple of Apshai, Tunnels of Doom, Ultima… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castle Oldskull Module 16: Chaotic Descriptor Table.
View Game


- View Game96%Game Brain Score96% User Score 50 reviews
"The referee advice is gold. I know of few better sources for concisely explaining what to prioritize when running this sort of game." - Brendan S, Necropraxis, Wonder and Wickedness "I often quibble with RPG magic systems either being too complex or too restrictive, but this hit a great balance between flexibility and ease-of-use, while adding a special dash of creativity and Lady Luck." - Ars Ma… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Maze Rats.

















































