Dark and Darker alternative Dungeonborne enters early access with no drama, just giant rats

On July 19, 2024 Dungeonborne was released for Early Access, meaning that fans can now download and play the game before its official 1.0 release. Early Access games are a great way for developers to get players to test out their game and find bugs - as well as get extra funding through game sales or microtransactions.

One of the first things that was noticed about Dungeonborne is how similar it feels to Dark and Darker. Dark and Darker is an FPS dungeon game that has a fair bit of drama surrounding its conception. Nexon, the creators of The First Descendant and other games, initiated a legal challenge to the developers of Dark and Darker, claiming ex-employees at Dark and Darker developer Ironmace used work they'd originally completed for Nexon.

Ironmace's offices were raided by police, and the game was subsequently taken down from Steam. It has since been made available to purchase again, and Dark and Darker players have had access to the game for the second time since June 7, 2024.

The differences between Dungeonborne and Dark and Darker

Dungeonborne and Dark and Darker share obvious traits. They're both in the same genre and have similar graphics and playstyles. However, Dark and Darker has much more customization options available - players can choose from more classes and build their character in the way they want to. What you have to remember though, is that Dungeonborne just hit Early Access. The developers may add more features before the official release.

At the moment, Dungeonborne players can enjoy unlocking abilities tied to their character's class by leveling up. The game also has a more classic mana system, rather than Dark and Darker's limited casting.

Between the two, Dungeonborne also has the advantage of having better graphics; which I would expect from a newer game, although that isn't always the case.

There are also giant rats that you can bludgeon with your sword or cast magic at. It was a very prominent feature at the beginning of Jackfrag's Dungeonborne Gameplay and Impressions video on YouTube.

At the time of writing, Dungeonborne has 24,673 active players. This is a little under Dark and Darker's 29,368 active players, but let's give the new game a chance to rack up some numbers, shall we? Dungeonborne's stats are continuing to rise, after all.

While we get stuck into Dungeonborne, why not read a little more about Dark and Darker? Try Dark and Darker Weapon Tier List or Dark and Darker Tier List – Best Class.