Lately, I’ve come across some fascinating new projects in the first-person dungeon-crawler RPG genre, so I decided to talk about them a little. I wanted to provide a bit of context—a quick look at how this RPG sub-genre was born, how it evolved, and what its core features are.
Then, I’ll suggest some of the latest games to play and introduce six upcoming indie projects that stand out for their creative takes on these beloved mechanics. But first let’s see how everything started.
Table of contents:
- The 80s & 90s
- The 2000s and The Japanese Influence
- The Gameplay of First-Person Dungeon Crawlers
- The Best Turn-Based Dungeon Crawler RPGs To Play Right Now
- 6 Indie Upcoming Gems You Must Keep an Eye On
The 80s & 90s: The Birth of Dungeon Crawlers
First-person dungeon crawlers had their dawn in the glorious 1980s, with legendary titles like Wizardry, The Bard’s Tale and Might and Magic. These games laid the foundation for the genre, introducing core features such as grid-based movement and turn-based combat.
It was during the 1990s, though, that the genre truly blossomed, reaching its golden age with iconic releases like Eye of the Beholder, Stonekeep, Thunderscape, and many others. These games refined the dungeon-crawling formula, adding depth and immersive elements and introducing a real-time combat system.
The 2000s and Japanese Influence
By the 2000s, the dungeon crawler saw a revival, especially in Japan. The genre’s popularity surged thanks to consoles like the Nintendo DS, which provided an ideal platform for unique gameplay mechanics. One standout example is Etrian Odyssey, where players had to manually draw their own map to explore dungeons—a feature that added a distinctive sense of immersion and challenge.
While Western dungeon crawlers leaned into darker themes and often punishing difficulty, their Japanese counterparts embraced vibrant visuals and intricate storylines, blending elements of traditional JRPGs. This fusion gave birth to masterpieces like the early Shin Megami Tensei, Dragon Quest and Phantasy Star games, which started as first-person dungeon crawlers, mixing deep exploration with turn-based battles and a strong narrative component, but is also mandatory to mention Mary Skelter, Labyrinth of Galleria, Stranger of Sword City, Persona Q2, Demon Gaze, and others that will surely require a dedicated article in the future.
The Gameplay In First-Person Dungeon Crawlers
The core of the dungeon crawler experience is navigating intricate labyrinths. The map unfolds gradually, step by step, forcing players to be wary of hidden traps, precious treasures, and lurking enemies. While many of these games utilize turn-based combat, real-time variations have also made their mark on the genre, demanding careful strategy and resource management, from health points to spell power.
A key part of the gameplay is party building. Typically, players manage a group of adventurers, each with their own class—warrior, mage, cleric, etc.—bringing different skills to the table to ensure success. Managing resources like healing items, potions, and save points is crucial to surviving the challenges posed by each dungeon. It’s this balance between exploration, combat, and survival that defines the genre’s unique appeal.
Some of The Best Rcent Turn-Based Dungeon Crawlers To Play Right Now
It’s no surprise that this revival has found fertile ground in the indie gaming world. In recent years, indie developers have breathed new life into dungeon crawlers, innovating while respecting the classic mechanics that define the genre. Here are a few recent titles that come to mind, which I highly recommend you try right away.
The Bard’s Tale IV: Barrows Deep (2019)
The Bard’s Tale IV: Barrows Deep brings you into the rich, vibrant world of Skara Brae, a realm filled with puzzles, lore, and danger. This first-person dungeon-crawling RPG continues the legacy of the classic Bard’s Tale series, challenging you with turn-based tactical combat and a story steeped in Celtic-inspired mythos. You lead a band of adventurers, each with unique skills and class abilities, to solve mysteries, defeat monstrous enemies, and restore peace to a land on the edge of ruin.
Combat is a dynamic blend of grid-based positioning and skill synergy, requiring careful planning to outmaneuver enemies and make the most of your team’s talents. With over 40 hours of content, including numerous side quests and puzzles, The Bard’s Tale IV offers a rich and expansive adventure available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.
Operencia: The Stolen Sun (2019)
Operencia: The Stolen Sun invites you into a classic first-person dungeon crawler set in a richly imagined world inspired by Central European mythology. You’ll navigate a grid-based movement system, reminiscent of old-school RPGs, as you explore interconnected maps filled with puzzles, enemies, and hidden secrets.
The story revolves around your quest to rescue the kidnapped Sun King Napkiraly and restore sunlight to the world of Operencia. Along the way, you’ll traverse enchanted forests, ancient castles, and eerie caves while facing off against mythological creatures.
With its atmospheric visuals and lovingly crafted lore, Operencia offers a nostalgic experience for fans of classic dungeon crawlers while adding modern comforts like an automap and enhanced visuals. Originally released in 2019, the game is available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
StarCrawlers (2017)
Starcrawlers takes you into the gritty depths of a cyberpunk universe where you lead a team of mercenary scavengers on dangerous jobs in deep space. This first-person, turn-based RPG features procedurally generated missions. You’ll build and customize a party from various classes—like hackers, soldiers, or void-psychics—each offering distinct abilities that come in handy during the game’s tactical combat.
The story unfolds as you accept contracts from powerful megacorporations, dive into derelict ships, and uncover conspiracies. You can choose to align yourself with different factions or act in your own self-interest, impacting mission rewards and narrative twists. Released in 2017, Starcrawlers is available on PC, offering that perfect blend of retro-inspired dungeon crawling with a futuristic, neon-lit twist.
Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar (2017)
Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar is a love letter to the golden age of RPGs, channeling the spirit of 80s classics like Wizardry and Might and Magic. This first-person, turn-based dungeon crawler challenges you with intricate mazes, deadly traps, and a deep character creation system featuring over a dozen classes and multiple races. Expect grid-based movement and an inventory overflowing with unique items as you navigate through a massive, complex world filled with lore and secrets.
The game features a sprawling narrative that immerses you in an epic quest to uncover the mystery of the Winged Exemplar. You’ll solve challenging puzzles and battle hordes of bizarre creatures, all while managing your party’s skills and spells. Released in 2017 after decades of development, Grimoire is available on PC, promising a frustrating and rewarding adventure for those willing to embrace its vintage charm.
Legend of Amberland II
Beloved titles from the late 80s and early 90s clearly inspire it. Legend Of Amberland II, with its first-person, grid-based movement, this game focuses on exploration across a vibrant open world filled with dungeons, castles, and mythical creatures. You’ll build a party of seven heroes, customizing them with different classes and abilities to suit your playstyle.
The story unfolds in a high fantasy setting where your group of adventurers must uncover secrets, assist kingdoms, and fend off an emerging threat to Amberland. Expect a straightforward, player-driven experience with plenty of side quests, charming NPCs, and treasure to discover. Its colorful, retro-style visuals and user-friendly design make it an accessible choice for both newcomers and fans of the genre. Legend of Amberland II is available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (2024)
One of the pioneering titles I mentioned at the start of this article has recently received an extensive and richly detailed remaster. I’m talking about Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord.
Tasked by the mad overlord Trebor, you’ll assemble a team of adventurers and delve into a labyrinth to recover an amulet stolen by the evil wizard Werdna. This updated version keeps the essence of the original, complete with challenging enemies, hidden traps, and tactical turn-based combat. The game’s visuals have been completely revamped, yet the heart of the adventure remains intact, even allowing players to switch back to the classic Apple II interface for an authentic retro experience.
Developed by Digital Eclipse, this remake preserves the brutal difficulty that the series is known for while adding quality-of-life improvements for modern players. Party management, spellcasting, and navigation are now smoother, and the new interface makes it more accessible to newcomers. Available on PC.
6 Indie Gems You Must Keep an Eye On
And now we’ve arrived at the reason you probably clicked on this article in the first place: to find out what’s cooking in terms of new projects within this beloved sub-genre. Below, you’ll find a curated list of turn-based RPGs embodying the classics’ charm while bringing something fresh to the table.
These games embrace the traditional turn-based mechanics that defined the early days of the genre, offering tactical depth, intricate exploration, and a sense of nostalgia that any veteran fan will appreciate.
Golel
Let’s start with Golel inviting you into a dark, eerie fantasy realm where you embody a warrior plagued by haunting visions. This first-person roguelike dungeon crawler, created by Israeli developer Ofer Rubinstein, emphasizes tactical movement and environment-based combat.
As you explore monster-filled dungeons, you’ll face terrifying creatures and encounter mysterious, non-hostile entities that may aid—or simply observe—you. Combat is turn-based and tile-based, making every move count as you drop bookshelves on enemies, lure them into traps, or dodge attacks through narrow corridors.
The game offers deep character customization, boasting hundreds of skills and stats, and building paths to create your ideal playstyle, whether as a pure fighter, spellcaster, or hybrid. Golel‘s non-linear world allows you to choose your own path, enhancing exploration and replayability.
The main campaign will promise roughly 30 hours, while a procedurally generated rogue-like challenge mode provides endless gameplay once the story concludes. Golel’s release is planned for Q2 2025. In the meantime, you can dive into the demo and experience this unique twist on classic dungeon crawling.
Underkeep
Underkeep is a nostalgic dive into the golden age of 90s dungeon crawlers, brought to life by the indie studio Rake in Grass. This turn-based RPG features all the hallmarks of the classic genre: grid-based movement, a party of four adventurers, and an in-game automap to guide you through the labyrinthine Underkeep.
Each of your four characters comes with unique spells and abilities, which can be customized and upgraded, allowing you to create powerful synergies to tackle the game’s many challenges. As you descend deeper, you’ll face a variety of enemies, traps, and environmental hazards while unearthing long-lost secrets.
The pixel art style adds to the game’s retro charm, perfectly complementing its classic mechanics. With both PC and Nintendo Switch versions planned for release in 2025, Underkeep is set to provide a modern yet faithful experience for fans of the genre.
It even includes thoughtful features like full controller support and skip animations, letting you enjoy the game at your own pace. If you’re yearning for a classic dungeon-crawling adventure with updated conveniences, Underkeep is one to watch.
Diviner
Next is Diviner. This first-person dungeon crawler offers a mix of free exploration and tactical, grid-based combat that kicks in when enemies appear. With a dark, mysterious setting reminiscent of Dark Souls, every decision—from how you move to how you fight—will determine your path forward.
Weapon customization lies at the heart of Diviner. Collect resources, upgrade your gear, and use Binds to unlock new skills for your flintlocks or greatswords. Switching weapons mid-battle isn’t just a tactic—it offers significant passive bonuses that can turn the tide in your favor.
Explore freely, then plan your moves carefully when combat begins, crafting powerful combinations to outmatch your foes. With its focus on atmosphere and customization, Diviner does not yet have a release date, but you can try the demo.
Hibernaculum
One of my most anticipated RPGs is surely Hibernaculum, a retro-inspired first-person dungeon crawler developed by indie creators Victor Pflug and Mords. It blends dark sci-fi and horror to create a non-linear, atmospheric experience set in a decaying industrial world.
You can create your own character and choose how you engage with the world—whether that’s through combat, careful exploration, or somewhere in between. With its eerie soundtrack and survival-horror roots, Hibernaculum is designed to immerse you in a grim, labyrinthine environment filled with secrets, dangers, and mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
The gameplay features a variety of weapons, detailed character slots for equipping gear, and a nostalgic user interface complete with a character silhouette, navigation buttons, and a map to guide your journey. Though the exact combat system remains ambiguous, the game promises a mix of strategic decision-making and survival elements.
Set to release in Q4 2024, Hibernaculum will be available on PC (Windows and Mac), with potential future ports to iOS and Nintendo Switch. The game will support multiple languages and be available on Steam and GoG, offering a modern yet faithful revival of the dungeon-crawling experience that fans of the genre have missed for decades.
Cyclopean
In Cyclopean, you’ll step into the shoes of Randolph Carter, a character drawn from Lovecraft’s universe, as you explore the haunted Vaults of Zinn. Your mission is to rescue your beloved cats while escaping the labyrinthine dungeon filled with dark, cosmic threats.
The game captures a unique Lovecraftian vibe through its monochromatic visuals, which give the eerie world a distinct and unsettling atmosphere. Your enemies range from mischievous zoogs to ghasts, all bent on keeping you trapped within these cryptic vaults.
The gameplay is a mix of old-school, first-person dungeon crawling and rogue-like elements. You navigate through a grid-based, procedurally generated dungeon, facing perma-death in each run, meaning every attempt offers new surprises with different enemies and loot.
Combat is turn-based, with a focus on decision-making, while upgrades let you enhance your health, attack, and defense as you progress. Initially conceived during a game jam, Cyclopean is still in early development, but a full release is planned, with promises of more monsters, a larger dungeon, and possibly even party-joining cats.
THYSIASTERY
Let’s end with THYSIASTERY, which draws you into the enigmatic depths of a labyrinthine dungeon, commanding a party of “bearers of the Brand.” In this retro-inspired dungeon crawler, you explore a sprawling, procedurally generated Labyrinth, aiming to uncover its secrets and find a way to escape.
The game’s Lovecraftian undertones blur the line between reality and madness, with environments ranging from buried forests to underwater cities—all depicted in a striking, limited color palette that gives a nostalgic yet eerie visual charm. Along your journey, you’ll recruit allies, save lost souls, and delve deeper into the mysteries hidden beneath the surface.
The gameplay is steeped in roguelike tradition, featuring permadeath, randomly generated areas, and characters. The turn-based combat system is all about strategic choice, letting you exploit enemy weaknesses while ensuring you’re not exploited in return.
Your party members can learn a wide range of skills, which can be shared among teammates to enhance your tactical options. With difficulty modifiers for a customizable challenge, THYSIASTERY offers highly replayable and deeply atmospheric gameplay. Prepare for its Q2 2025 release and unravel the Labyrinth’s secrets—if you can keep your sanity intact.
My journey through first-person dungeon crawlers ends here, but I’m really curious to hear your thoughts and experiences with this classic RPG subgenre. Let’s keep the conversation going on X (formerly Twitter) or over on my YouTube channel. Ciao
