8 Indispensable Dungeon Crawler Games for Fans of the Genre
Dive into the exhilarating world of dungeon crawling – an epic gaming adventure that's an absolute goldmine for awesome titles packed with thrilling gameplay. While dungeon crawlers share some common traits, each game carves out its unique identity, offering a fresh array of mechanics and twists for you to conquer.
Due to the variety of choices, it can become challenging to choose which video game from the genre to play next. If you doubt which dungeon crawler to add to your library, this article is for you.
We will show you some of the best dungeon crawlers available, whether you’re looking for a strategy game or fast-paced combat to fight monsters. We will also cover different platforms to ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.
8 Indispensable Dungeon Crawler Games for Fans of the Genre
What Makes Dungeon Crawlers So Popular
Several dungeon crawler titles are released yearly throughout the different platforms, being one of the most sought-after genres. But why?
One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is that, as previously mentioned, you can have completely different experiences between the games, even though they’re from the same genre. Whether through its environment and art style or because of the gameplay itself, each game features unique characteristics that give it a breath of fresh air every title you play.
It is also the perfect type of game for those who love grinding and looting since these are some core mechanics that you’ll see in almost every title. It is a fun genre, especially if you’re looking for something more casual instead of competitive shooters and other games of this kind.
Where to Buy Dungeon Crawler Games
Before we see some of the best dungeon crawler titles, knowing where to find the games for the best price is essential.
Among all the options available, RoyalCDKeys is the best one. We have keys for the most recent releases and offer support for different platforms to ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Not only that, but we also guarantee 24-hour support when you purchase your keys. This means that we’ll do everything to ensure you get to activate your product and enjoy the game without any problem.
Whether you are looking for classic or modern dungeon crawlers, we have everything you need to enjoy your favorite titles and save money.
Best Games for Dungeon Crawler Fans
Now it’s time to see the best games of the genre you can download and play right now. We will cover options from different genres and platforms.
This way, one or more titles will definitely catch your attention. Here are the best dungeon-crawler games:
Darkest Dungeon
Release Date: January, 2016
Developer: Red Hook Studios
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows
Starting with one of the most successful franchises of the last few years. Darkest Dungeon is the first title of the acclaimed saga that mixes roguelike and dungeon crawling, all wrapped in an incredibly well-built dark fantasy world.
The indie roguelike game also has a unique art style that is instantly recognizable for its characters and the creepy enemies and bosses you’ll find along the way.
Darkest Dungeon is a tactical game featuring turn-based combat against different creatures, from demons to ghouls. To defeat these enemies, you can fully customize your party to better adapt to your playstyle. All character classes have unique abilities and roles, so balancing your team is vital for combat.
The story of DD follows a character who discovers that he inherited an estate from an ancestor. This ancestor had ambiguous plans and, during his explorations, ended up releasing terrible monsters on the surface of the Earth. You must fight against these evil creatures and rescue the survivors you find along the way.
We see many modern dungeon crawlers being released recently, but DD is a highlight that deserves recognition for its originality and fun. This is your go-to title if you like a challenging game with unique gameplay.
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Diablo II Resurrected
Release Date: August, 2021
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows
Another dark fantasy title that is a must-have for any dungeon crawler fan is the remastered version of Diablo 2. The enhanced graphics and gameplay are exactly what this iconic title needed to claim its place back as one of the most-played dungeon-crawling games.
The game also features numerous looting mechanics, so if you like to explore the scenarios and gather all the items, this game has plenty of that for you.
You can also find equipment and new weapons to customize your character and make it even stronger against the numerous creatures. Speaking of them, Diablo features a wide variety of terrifying monsters to fight against, and if you like the dark fantasy setting, they are a highlight of the environment.
It is a direct sequence to Diablo and takes place shortly after its end. The second title follows the return of Diablo and his attempt to destroy humankind once again. It is divided into five acts where you’ll pass through different locations and environments. You and your party must do everything to stop Diablo and his devastating actions.
Diablo is one of the franchises responsible for popularizing dungeon crawl, and this remastered version is a must-have in every fan's library.
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The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
Release Date: November, 2014
Developer: Edmund McMillen
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Playstation Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
The Binding of Isaac is one unique game, and this is just one of the reasons why it became one of the most sold games of the last decade. It is an indie roguelike that mixes elements from numerous genres to create something never seen before.
It features randomized dungeons, so every time you play the action-adventure game, your experience is totally different. I’ve played the game for countless hours, and my experience is always different, making the game feel fresh and fun even when playing for a long time.
The game starts as Isaac’s mother hears the voice of God demanding a sacrifice to prove her faith. After that, Isaac escapes to the basement, where he will have to face countless dangers and fears, including his siblings and eventually his mother.
The Rebirth edition comes as a remastered version of the first game with a new engine and improved gameplay performance. The best part is its new pixel art style work, something not present previously.
It is a game where you can easily spend hundreds of hours without repeating a single scenario. This happens mainly thanks to its over 4 billion different seeds. The best part is that you can share this entire experience with a friend in its 2-player co-op mode and choose between 100 playable characters.
It is the definitive version of an iconic title that every gamer should try at least once. Grab your weapon and prepare to fight in these randomly generated dungeons.
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Crypt of the NecroDancer
Release Date: April, 2015
Developer: Brace Yourself Games
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
Another game that could be used to define the dungeon-crawling genre is Crypt of the NecroDancer. The title is hugely inspired by classic games of the 90s in its graphics and gameplay, which is excellent if you are an old-school fan.
The particularity of CotND is that it mixes hardcore roguelike with rhythmic gameplay, making it a title different from all other dungeon crawlers. You have to navigate through the procedurally generated dungeons at the rhythm of the music while solving puzzles and defeating the numerous enemies you’ll find along the way.
The game also has 15 unique playable characters, each with its own style, diversifying the gameplay and making every run unique. It is also a good dungeon crawler if you want something to play with your friends. Although it doesn’t have an online multiplayer mode, it has local co-op with the split-screen feature.
If you’re looking for a unique gameplay experience, this one is the perfect title for you. Dance with your enemies and become the dungeon master.
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Enter the Gungeon
Release Date: April, 2016
Developer: Dodge Roll
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
Another example of a modern dungeon crawler that became extremely popular is Enter the Gungeon. The game mixes fast-paced combat with fire weapons to create a fantastic experience that can be enjoyed alone or with friends through the co-op mode.
In this game, you will explore different rooms of a giant dungeon and fight against numerous enemies with some of the most unique designs of this list. It also features roguelike elements, so every run completely randomizes the dungeon map.
The bullet-hell title follows the story of a group of misfits that enter this dungeon seeking its ultimate treasure: The gun that can kill the past.
To do that, you’ll have to defeat mobs and major bosses to advance the different stages and reach the treasure room where the gun relies. Like in many games of the genre, you can also choose between numerous characters, each with unique abilities that will be used during combat.
When playing online, make sure to balance your team between support and damage characters. This way, you drastically increase your chances of winning.
Be aware that this game’s multiplayer is that kind of mode that either guarantees lots of fun or ends up friendships. A mistake from one player can mean a total disaster for the entire team. I’ve played it countless times with my friends, and it was one of the most chaotic experiences ever.
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Doom 3
Release Date: August, 2004
Developer: id Software
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
If there is a game that impacted the entire gaming industry and reinvented many aspects of it, it is Doom, and its third title is one of the best of the whole franchise. The classic run and gun is also a first-person dungeon crawler and has everything you need if you’re looking for fast-paced gameplay with destruction everywhere.
In the third title, you go back to the role of Doom Guy and his mission to purge all the demonic creatures from Mars. The game is set in 2145 and follows the story of a research company that has been doing experiments with biological weapons and teleportation. These teleportation experiments end up opening a gate to hell, and numerous horrific monsters end up being released on the planet.
It is your job to fight against them and find a way to close this gate to hell. During your journey, you’ll explore dungeons and face various enemies, including the final boss. For that, you’ll count on a vast arsenal of different weapons. If you like first-person dungeon crawlers and are looking for a chaotic experience, this is the one to go with.
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Path of Exile
Release Date: October, 2013
Developer: Grinding Gear Games
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, macOS, and Microsoft Windows
If you’re looking for a free-to-play game, this might be the best dungeon crawler for you. It takes inspiration from numerous isometric RPGs, like Diablo, and adds its own twist.
You can see the similarities starting from the HUD and the fantasy aesthetics, but Path of Exile has its own story and unique boss fights that will please even the most picky players. It can also be played online in co-op mode, so it is also a great title if you want to share the experience with your friends or with random players. The game has over 30 thousand active players on Steam, so finding a partner should be easy.
The game starts as High Templar Dominus exiles your character from the region of Oriath. The crime committed for such a decision will depend on your chosen class, but the rest of the campaign is the same for everyone. After your sentence, you’ll be sent to a penal colony called Wraeclast, from where you’ll need to escape before they torture you to death.
It is a fantastic dungeon crawler with lots of looting mechanics for the players who like to explore every inch of the scenarios. If you’re on the lookout for a F2P, this is the one to go with.
Gloomhaven
Release Date: July, 2019
Developer: Flaming Fowl Studios
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, macOS, and Microsoft Windows
If you’re a fan of board games, you should check this one out. Gloomhaven is a video game adaptation of the physical board game with the same name. Still, unlike other titles like D&D, it tries to replicate the board experience as closely as possible.
The objective of this game is to make the players feel like playing an online version of the physical experience, and they did it perfectly. As a player of the physical game, I can tell no difference between the two versions other than the fact that the video game is way more interactive.
It features many tactical RPG elements and makes the player feel like playing a real RPG with other players, mainly thanks to its amazing narrative and storytelling. All of that, combined with a great soundtrack, makes the turn-based combat of this game one of the best among titles on this list.
The game story takes place in the same region as the board game but will let the players explore areas not seen in the physical version, almost like an alternative route to the same campaign. The game features a total of 95 missions, most of them taking at least half an hour to complete, so expect a lot of content and numerous hours of gameplay.
Since it’s a dungeon crawler, most of these missions consist of eliminating all enemies of an area or finding a hidden treasure. It is a must-play for RPG fans, especially if you like playing physical board games.
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Time to Choose Your Dungeon Crawling Game
The dungeon crawler genre is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after, with hundreds of titles being released every year. The best part is that this game style allows the creation of numerous different experiences, being one of the most diverse genres of the entire industry.
With this number of possibilities and incredible titles, it can become challenging to choose the next experience to go with. We showed you some of the best titles available, but there are thousands of others.
Now it’s time for you to choose which one will be the next featured in your library. These and many other games are available at RoyalCDKeys for a special price. This way, you get to enjoy all the games you want and still save money.