Dungeon Clawler is a new game that blends card game mechanics with dungeon crawling in a refreshingly tactile way.
Instead of drawing cards like in traditional deckbuilders, you use a claw machine to grab swords, shields, and other items from a chaotic pool.
Swords deal damage, shields block attacks, and modifiers like the deflation perk or honey ball help you pick up more items with each grab. It’s a unique twist that gives combat a physical, satisfying rhythm.
Developed by Stray Fawn Studio, an indie team from Switzerland, the game is available on Steam, iOS, and Android for $9.99, though it’s been discounted to $7.99 during sales.
It launched into Early Access on November 21, 2024, and has maintained a “Very Positive” rating on SteamDB, currently sitting at 86.08%. It’s Steam Deck verified, supports 11 languages, and runs on Unity. You can play comfortably with a keyboard, mouse, or controller.
There are four starting characters, each with their own strengths, and more can be unlocked by progressing through the game.
For instance, the default knight, Sir Bunalot, gains 5 block each turn, while Scrappy, a mechanical claw user, gains Strength if he grabs at least five metal items in one move.
Characters unlock higher difficulties once you beat normal mode, and each difficulty introduces changes, like removing healing between boss fights or allowing mixed claws from other characters at the highest tier, Nightmare mode.
The more you play, the more you’re rewarded with character-specific items and build options.
Combat is turn-based, but plays out through the claw machine. Each turn, you get two grabs to collect gear. Then the enemies act. You can see enemy intents, attack, buff, summon, debuff, and more, thanks to clear icons above their heads.
Placement matters: You might need to prioritize grabbing a sword to strike or a shield to block a strong incoming attack. Items return to the machine after each turn, creating a constantly shifting battlefield.
Environmental effects change how the machine behaves. Water causes some items to float, making others harder to grab, while lava punishes you for picking up certain junk items.
You can lean into status effects like poison for slow kills or stack Strength for explosive burst damage. Item synergies and claw mechanics lead to satisfying experimentation.
Bosses cap each floor and add new twists, some flood the machine with junk, others apply constant pressure. You heal after each boss on normal mode, but not on higher difficulties. Boss patterns are consistent once learned, rewarding players who study attack rhythms and plan around machine disruptions.
Progression is driven by perks, passive effects gained at specific points. You might find the Magic Mirror, which doubles the first item you play each turn, or Natural Strength, which gives a permanent Strength boost in every fight.
Some perks favor aggressive builds, others defensive or status-heavy ones. Combined with deck-building decisions and claw loadouts, these perks drive replayability.
The game has 20 floors per run. After floor 20, you can enter Endless Mode and see how far you get.
Rewards come frequently, and you’ll choose one of three items after each fight, with the option to reroll using gold. Items are tagged by material (wood, metal, etc.), and their size affects how easily you can pick them up. Strategic skipping can keep your deck lean and efficient, especially before boss fights.
Along the way, you’ll encounter various map nodes: shops to upgrade or buy items, shredders to remove bad cards, perk machines, mystery rooms, and more.
Some paths are harder but offer better rewards. Gold is limited, so knowing when to spend it—especially on upgrades or rerolls—is key.
Visually, the game has a playful look, and the sound design reinforces it. Claws clank, perks sparkle, and getting hit triggers your character’s cartoonish cry. The music is mostly techno with slight variations, and having more track options could improve replay variety.
There are 21 Steam achievements, most of which can be earned through regular play. A few require more targeted builds, such as dealing a specific amount of damage or gaining high Strength.
Cosmetic DLC is available in the form of a $4.99 supporter pack, which includes a Stray Fawn-themed skin for Sir Bunalot and a custom background. You can also unlock streamer-themed skins by watching content and joining the Discord, with voting available for new skin ideas.
Overall, Dungeon Clawler is a well-crafted roguelite with an original take on deckbuilding. The claw mechanic isn’t just a gimmick, it’s central to the game’s rhythm and challenge.
Builds feel customizable, characters are distinct, and the path from normal to nightmare mode feels rewarding rather than punishing. With new content still being added and plenty of variation between runs, it’s a smart, satisfying roguelite worth checking out.
