Dark and Darker
Early access since Jun 2024
An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters.
62% positive · 87K reviews
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Dark and Darker is an actively developed Early Access game. IRONMACE has shipped 10 numbered Early Access seasons since the game's Steam launch in June 2024, with the three most recent arriving on January 29, 2026 (Season 8), April 28, 2026 (Season 9), and July 17, 2026 (Season 10). Each season brings major new content: Season 8 introduced a new dungeon floor (the Firedeep), new class skills, and an economy overhaul; Season 9 added a redesigned Inferno, new class abilities, and a new battle royale mode (Squire Royale); Season 10 launched just a month ago with expanded spell and perk trees, new artifacts, a riposte combat overhaul, and further Firedeep expansion. Hotfix patches have continued at a very high cadence since Season 10's launch, with the most recent on August 13, 2026.
On March 14, 2026, IRONMACE's CEO published a statement confirming that while the studio is beginning development on a second project, Dark and Darker is not being abandoned — it remains their "most important core project" with dedicated directors (Terry and Paul) and continued long-term investment. This is the clearest possible statement of ongoing commitment.
The DLC list now shows three items: a Legendary Status pack (released December 2024), a Season 9 Seasonal Pack (released April 2026), and a Season 10 Seasonal Pack (listed with no release date but available at the time of Season 10's launch). The seasonal pack structure mirrors the game's season model and reflects the ongoing monetized content cycle.
There is no indication that development is winding down. The season cadence is accelerating rather than slowing, hotfixes are being shipped multiple times per month, and the developer has explicitly committed to long-term support.
Evidence
Early Access Season 10 launched with nearly 40 new perks, skills, and spells; a revamped riposte system; new Firedeep content including a Magma Wyvern boss; and new artifacts.
Early Access Season 9 launched with a redesigned Inferno dungeon, new class skills for Rogue and Ranger, a new Demon Overseer boss, and the new Squire Royale game mode.
Content
4 of 4 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
IRONMACE
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP
About this game
An Unforgiving Hardcore First-Person Fantasy Dungeon Adventure.
Unfathomable fortunes await the brave and the foolish willing to delve into the devastated depths of an ancient citadel. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters. Once you’ve plundered your riches, now comes the hard part, getting out alive. Find the hidden escape routes before the ever-expanding darkness reclaims your riches and your corpse to her irresistible hoard.
Irresistibly Classic
Dark and Darker aims to capture the wonder and awe of classic fantasy adventure games. We stand on the shoulders of giants and strive to pay respects to the traditions of the genre. We hearken back to the old worlds where danger lurks around each corner, but where courage and adventure are rewarded with untold riches.
Choose a role, party up!
Team up with friends and assemble a party to increase your chances of survival. Choose from a wide array of timeless fantasy roles and build the perfect three-person squad. Play as a brawny barbarian holding the frontlines while your sharp-eyed ranger friend fires arrows from afar and your merry bard sustains morale with a lively tune.
Unforgivingly Hardcore
Dark and Darker is a world of high risks and high returns. Explore a mystical underground fortress where the dangers are unrelenting and even the smallest misstep can result in death. Sound judgement reaps huge rewards, but death carries a heavy penalty with the loss of all your loot.
A focus on First-Person Combat
Dark and Darker strives for high immersion. Adventurers must use their eyes and ears like you would in the real world. Players must target, track, and aim against the countless challenges they encounter. We supply a wide array of close combat weapons that each have unique patterns to learn and master. Strikes to the head and back do critical damage. Knowing how to properly wield each weapon gives the player an edge to survive in this harsh world.
Old Magic
Magic is a powerful but unwieldy force in the world of Dark and Darker. Mastery requires long incantations, special skills, the right channeling equipment, and a tactical eye. Spells must be timed and aimed for maximum effect. For the magically uninclined, tinkering, knowledge of special equipment, and a little foresight can help level the field.
Comfort in the Shadows
The darkness is your friend in this unrelenting setting. Turn off lights and use the darkness to hide from foes or set up ambushes. If the tides of battles take a turn for the worse, blending into the darkness can lead to a stealthy retreat.
Escape!
Discover hidden portals to delve deeper and deeper underground and uncover the most hideous monsters and invaluable artifacts. All the riches you collect are for naught if you can’t make it out alive. Find a rare exit before the dark swarm comes to collect your soul.
Unfathomable fortunes await the brave and the foolish willing to delve into the devastated depths of an ancient citadel. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters. Once you’ve plundered your riches, now comes the hard part, getting out alive. Find the hidden escape routes before the ever-expanding darkness reclaims your riches and your corpse to her irresistible hoard.
Irresistibly Classic
Dark and Darker aims to capture the wonder and awe of classic fantasy adventure games. We stand on the shoulders of giants and strive to pay respects to the traditions of the genre. We hearken back to the old worlds where danger lurks around each corner, but where courage and adventure are rewarded with untold riches.
Choose a role, party up!
Team up with friends and assemble a party to increase your chances of survival. Choose from a wide array of timeless fantasy roles and build the perfect three-person squad. Play as a brawny barbarian holding the frontlines while your sharp-eyed ranger friend fires arrows from afar and your merry bard sustains morale with a lively tune.
Unforgivingly Hardcore
Dark and Darker is a world of high risks and high returns. Explore a mystical underground fortress where the dangers are unrelenting and even the smallest misstep can result in death. Sound judgement reaps huge rewards, but death carries a heavy penalty with the loss of all your loot.
A focus on First-Person Combat
Dark and Darker strives for high immersion. Adventurers must use their eyes and ears like you would in the real world. Players must target, track, and aim against the countless challenges they encounter. We supply a wide array of close combat weapons that each have unique patterns to learn and master. Strikes to the head and back do critical damage. Knowing how to properly wield each weapon gives the player an edge to survive in this harsh world.
Old Magic
Magic is a powerful but unwieldy force in the world of Dark and Darker. Mastery requires long incantations, special skills, the right channeling equipment, and a tactical eye. Spells must be timed and aimed for maximum effect. For the magically uninclined, tinkering, knowledge of special equipment, and a little foresight can help level the field.
Comfort in the Shadows
The darkness is your friend in this unrelenting setting. Turn off lights and use the darkness to hide from foes or set up ambushes. If the tides of battles take a turn for the worse, blending into the darkness can lead to a stealthy retreat.
Escape!
Discover hidden portals to delve deeper and deeper underground and uncover the most hideous monsters and invaluable artifacts. All the riches you collect are for naught if you can’t make it out alive. Find a rare exit before the dark swarm comes to collect your soul.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Aug 16, 2026
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