Two new turn-based games have just launched and I think both are definitely worth a look. One is a first-person dungeon crawler RPG, and the other is a management game from the same developers as Dark Quest that technically is an auto-battler. Both games went live today (5th November 2026) so let’s take a closer look at what they’ve got to offer.
Underkeep – Four Adventurers, Hidden Passages, and Old-School Awesomeness
Developed by Rake in Grass, Underkeep is a first-person, grid-based dungeon crawler with turn-based combat. You build a party of four adventurers, develop their abilities, and explore a hand-built world via hand-drawn art. One of the things I appreciate most is the game world itself, beautifully brought to life through its old-school art style. And coming from me, calling something old-school is about the highest compliment I can give.
Party composition is very important with different strengths and weaknesses in your party having a huge impact on how you deal with the dangers that lie ahead. Combat also requires you to be mindful of stamina, mana and how your characters work together.
Grid-based exploration gives you a reason to look beyond the next enemy. There are hidden alcoves, false walls, optional bosses, puzzles and odd inhabitants to talk to, all in deliberately placed areas. There’s an integrated automap which allows you to drop custom markers so you can record locked doors, odd corners, etc.
Some of the character systems add an unusual twist to the standard dungeon crawl. For example The Blood Mage can use the bones of the enemies you kill to cast spells, the Paladin has a Zeal system, and the Ravens get random mutations. The devs have also laid out a number of endings that are dependent on your choices and three difficulty levels which you can change on the fly. That’s another number of ways you can go about shaping the experience beyond simply deciding who’s got the biggest weapon.
Underkeep is now available on PC via Steam and GOG, with a free demo available on Steam. There’s a 15% Steam launch discount running until 19th November and a Switch version is currently scheduled for Q1 2027.
Dominus Gladiatus – Build a Gladiator School and Try to Keep Its Best Fighters Alive
In management RPG Dominus Gladiatus, you’re in charge of a Ludus (gladiator school) in the game, competing for prestige in ancient Rome. It’s developed by Brain Seal and you can pick from six Domini. The other characters in the game will be the rival school owners that stand in your way of getting the championship. The core of the game is in recruiting your fighters, assessing their potential, expanding your facilities and developing their skills.
Combat is via an auto-battler system where your work is done prior to the action in terms of selecting gear, developing abilities, and setting up your fighters for both individual duels and team battles. Once your gladiators are in the arena, those decisions are tested. The audience also has a role in the matter, with their favor being able to have an effect on the outcome for your fighters.
Back at the school, you’ve got to manage morale, fatigue, injuries and discipline. A good squad therefore isn’t just about plugging away with your best fighter in every match. You’ve got to make decisions about who needs a rest, who is ready to go again and how you’re going to prepare the less experienced lads for the increasingly dangerous opposition. The other schools provide the competition throughout the championship season, so those management decisions have a longer-term purpose.
Probably this is for the player who likes the management aspect of an RPG with preparation elements of recruitment, character building, and equipment choices. Dominus Gladiatus is now available on PC via Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch with a free demo and a 20% introductory discount until 19th November.
