23 Best Dungeon Crawler Games 2026: Danger, Darkness, Dares
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This list is regularly updated to match what’s trending and in-demand among gamers.
If you’re the kind of player who sees a staircase going down and immediately wants to know what’s at the bottom, these 23 best dungeon crawler games are built for that instinct. The list covers classic grid-based crawls and modern loot-heavy RPGs, with roguelikes included where dungeon exploration still drives the experience.
For this list, I’m looking for games that give you more than good combat, with meaningful progression and exploration that keeps pulling you one room deeper. You’ll recognize plenty of genre staples, but a few stranger choices earned their place by putting their own spin on the crawl.
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Our Top Picks for Dungeon Crawlers
Out of the 23 best dungeon crawler games here, these are the three I’d check first because they each give the genre a very different shape.
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Buy nowCult of the Lamb 2022Fast dungeon runs feed directly into building and managing your cult, so progress never stops when you leave the combat behind. The strange mix works far better than it has any right to.
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Buy nowDarkest Dungeon 2016Every expedition wears your party down through combat and stress, which makes preparation matter just as much as what happens underground. Few dungeon crawlers make survival feel this personal.
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Buy nowDiablo IV 2023If loot is what keeps you crawling, Diablo IV gives you plenty to chase through its dungeons and build progression. Combat stays fast, and every upgrade gives you another reason to keep pushing deeper.
For me, these three give the clearest snapshot of how broad dungeon crawlers have become. The rest of the list gets stranger from here, with older-school crawls sitting beside newer hybrids that bend the genre in much weirder directions.
23 Best Dungeon Crawler Games to Challenge Your Inner Hero
These 23 best dungeon crawler games take the crawl in very different directions, so I’m ranking them by how rewarding exploration feels and how much each game gives you to chase after the next run. Strong progression matters here, but the dungeon itself still needs to feel worth entering.
1. Cult of the Lamb [Best Darkly Funny Roguelike]
- Platforms
- PC, macOS, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2022
- Genre
- Roguelike action-adventure, base-building
- Best For
- Fans of dark humor who want to run a cult between crawls
- Length
- 15–20 hrs main, 30+ completionist
- Developer
- Massive Monster
- Publisher
- Devolver Digital
- Features
- Randomized crusade dungeons, follower management, rituals and sermons, local co-op
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Cult of the Lamb is an amazing roguelike game where you’re in charge of restoring the cult of the One Who Waits. You can play solo or in co-op, battling through randomized dungeons while building a base, managing followers, and performing rituals to grow your unholy empire.
As the lamb, you were to be sacrificed; with your death, the One Who Waits could never be freed. They didn’t do a very good job of killing you. Now with the Red Crown upon your head, you return to wreak great vengeance and furious anger upon those who wanted you dead.
No god can survive without followers, and hostages you save can be indoctrinated and join your religion. Your flock followers will reward you with devotion and resources – so long as their needs are taken care of.
Finally, once a follower has reached the end of their usefulness, you can sacrifice them in a ghastly and hilarious ritual for more power. You can just say that they were starting to blaspheme; no doubt your other disciples will believe you.
Cult of the Lamb is a fresh blend of action and strategy, with unique cult mechanics that keep every playthrough unpredictable and rewarding.
What makes Cult of the Lamb truly special is how it mixes cute, cartoonish art with dark, twisted themes. The balance between fast-paced dungeon crawling and thoughtful cult management keeps gameplay fresh and addictive. Plus, every run feels different thanks to procedural generation and unpredictable follower behavior.
My Verdict: Cult of the Lamb brilliantly fuses dark humor, roguelike combat, and cult management into a delightfully twisted experience that’s as charming as it is chaotic.
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2. Darkest Dungeon [Best Hardcore Strategy Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Vita, Switch, Xbox One, iOS
- Release Date
- 2016
- Genre
- Gothic roguelike RPG
- Best For
- Strategy fans who relish brutal, unforgiving challenge
- Length
- 40–60 hrs
- Developer
- Red Hook Studios
- Publisher
- Red Hook Studios
- Features
- Stress and affliction system, permadeath heroes, Hamlet upgrades, torchlight risk meter
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Red Hook Studios’ Darkest Dungeon is a masterclass in both dungeon crawlers and roguelikes, and is hands down one of the greatest strategy games I’ve ever played.
The premise is simple: your ancestor dug too deep and too greedily, and found something truly evil, so it’s up to you to set things right. To do that, you’ll need to hire various mercs and upgrade a small town to support your heroes. None of this is easy, as characters not only take physical damage, but also mental damage – which will lead them to either surpass their limits or succumb to madness.
As the game itself warns, Darkest Dungeon is a game about making the most out of bad situations. Everything can go to hell really fast while dungeon crawling, and even the best-laid plans can and will crumble, so it’s also a test of your resolve as much as of your heroes.
Darkest Dungeon challenges your strategy and nerves like no other, blending horror atmosphere with punishing gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.
What sets Darkest Dungeon apart is its brutal difficulty and psychological depth. The stress system adds a fresh layer of tension that pushes players to make tough choices, and its gothic art style combined with eerie music pulls you into a truly oppressive world. Every run is a tense journey that truly rewards your effort.
My Verdict: Darkest Dungeon is a punishing yet deeply rewarding gothic roguelike that masterfully blends strategy, tension, and psychological horror into every desperate crawl.
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3. Diablo IV [Best Loot-Driven ARPG Experience]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series
- Release Date
- 2023
- Genre
- Action RPG, open-world
- Best For
- Loot-driven ARPG lovers chasing the next big upgrade
- Length
- 30–50 hrs main, 100+ endgame
- Developer
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Publisher
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Features
- Paragon Board progression, Nightmare Dungeons, Helltide events, shared open world
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If you haven’t played any game in the Diablo franchise, it’s basically a huge tug-of-war match between heaven and hell. In every game, you play as a mortal champion, mowing down hordes of hellish foes as you fight to reclaim the world.
Diablo IV continues this trend with punchy, lightning-fast gameplay, open world progression, deep character building mechanics (thank God they brought back skill trees), and tons of gear to up your numbers. Wrap all this up with some truly gorgeous graphics, and you’ve got a pretty dang good open-world game on your hands.
To top it off, Diablo IV refines everything that makes an ARPG great: customizable builds via skill trees, gear-based progression, satisfying hack-and-slash combat, and a world packed with dungeons to farm.
It’s a no-brainer for dungeon crawler fans: deep loot systems, flexible builds, and one of the most iconic atmospheres in the genre.
Note that Diablo IV is a live-service game, meaning that there’s pressure on the devs to continuously make the game better, especially since there are a lot of worthy competitors!
My Verdict: Diablo IV delivers a dark, expansive, and visually stunning ARPG experience, blending satisfying combat, deep customization, and endless loot-driven progression.
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4. Slay the Spire [Best Deck-Building Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
- Release Date
- 2019
- Genre
- Roguelike deck-builder
- Best For
- Strategy and card game fans who love building a deck as they climb
- Length
- 20–30 hrs per run
- Developer
- Mega Crit
- Publisher
- Mega Crit
- Features
- Four unique characters, relic synergies, branching floor map, Ascension difficulty levels
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Not all dungeon crawlers have to be character RPGs. In Slay the Spire, you’ll play as one of four different classes – the warlike Ironclad, the cunning Silent, the newly-awakened Defect, or the ascetic Watcher – in a quest to climb 50 floors and slay the spire.
While this would make for a great RPG on its own, this awesome deck-building game forgoes mechanics often used by dungeon crawlers. Instead, Slay the Spire uses card-based roguelike deckbuilder gameplay as its core. But Slay the Spire is also awash in dungeon-crawling staples – there’s plenty of loot and equipment to be had in the form of unlockable cards and relics that boast passive effects.
It’s an addictive roguelike with smart deckbuilding and dungeon crawler bones that keep every run fresh.
No two runs ever feel the same. And if you think you’ve mastered it, mods open the door to a ton of replayability. It’s also one of the best roguelike games for a reason: tight mechanics, infinite depth, and a progression system that rewards both skill and experimentation.
My Verdict: Slay the Spire masterfully mixes roguelike progression with deep deck-building strategy, offering endless replayability and rewarding experimentation with every climb.
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5. Legend of Grimrock [Best Old-School Grid Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, iOS, Switch
- Release Date
- 2012
- Genre
- Dungeon crawler, real-time combat
- Best For
- Old-school crawler fans who want grid puzzles and deadly traps
- Length
- 15–20 hrs
- Developer
- Almost Human Games
- Publisher
- Almost Human Games
- Features
- Real-time grid combat, four-member party, rune-based spellcasting, hidden switches and traps
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Legend of Grimrock is a first-person, grid-based dungeon crawler that draws heavy inspiration from the classics, but cranks everything up with modern visuals and real-time combat. You’ll lead a party of prisoners through deadly labyrinths in hopes of earning freedom, but brute force alone won’t cut it.
This series shines in its exploration and puzzle-solving. Expect hidden buttons, pressure plates, teleporters, and cryptic riddles that’ll test your patience and perception. Every corner might hold treasure or a trap waiting to kill your whole squad.
As a true dungeon crawler, it pushes you to think several steps ahead. You’ll need to read the battlefield and treat every room like it could end your run.
It’s a modern dungeon crawler built on classic roots that combines deep exploration, challenging puzzles, and tough difficulty in a sleek real-time experience.
Don’t let the sleek graphics fool you: Grimrock is brutal, and you’ll need to manage food, positioning, and resources constantly. More than just slaying foes, it’s about reading the dungeon’s patterns before it buries you in them.
My Verdict: Legend of Grimrock is a classic grid-based dungeon crawler with smart puzzles, tense combat, and a perfect balance of nostalgia and modern design.
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6. Grim Dawn [Best Classic Hack-and-Slash ARPG]
- Platforms
- PC, Xbox One
- Release Date
- 2016
- Genre
- Action RPG, hack-and-slash
- Best For
- ARPG fans who want deep, near-endless build customization
- Length
- 60–80 hrs main, 100+ full
- Developer
- Crate Entertainment
- Publisher
- Crate Entertainment
- Features
- Dual-mastery classes, Devotion constellations, item crafting, faction reputation
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Grim Dawn is (not to oversell it), the apotheosis of older ARPGs. Just enough story and setting, tons of action, lots of enemies to splat, oodles of fun abilities to use, and a staggering amount of customization, whether via masteries (classes), gear, or constellations (a secondary passive skill tree). Because of this, you’re completely free to pursue whatever build you want.
Grim Dawn gives you massive build variety, satisfying combat, and player-friendly systems that keep every run engaging and rewarding.
And while this may sound intimidating, don’t worry – Grim Dawn is a fantastic hack-and-slash game that really wants you to succeed, offering you powerful tools such as stat and ability resets as well as item crafting to ensure that your build is always within reach.It’s this openness that puts Grim Dawn in my list of dungeon crawlers to play.
My Verdict: Grim Dawn delivers a classic hack-and-slash ARPG experience with deep customization, dark atmosphere, and satisfying loot-driven gameplay.
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7. Labyrinth of the Demon King [Best Horror Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch
- Release Date
- 2025
- Genre
- Dungeon crawler, survival horror
- Best For
- Horror fans who like their dungeon crawls tense and scarce
- Length
- 10–15 hrs
- Developer
- J.R. Hudepohl
- Publisher
- Top Hat Studios
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Labyrinth of the Demon King mixes classic dungeon crawling with a touch of survival horror vibes. Instead of just charging into a dungeon to grind for loot, you’re creeping through feudal Japan–inspired halls where every corner feels like it could be your last. It’s built for players who love the thrill of exploration but also crave that constant tension where survival isn’t guaranteed.
Playing it, I felt that push-and-pull between curiosity and dread. The combat is fast and punishing, and even weaker enemies can ruin your run if you get careless.
I liked how the game forces you to pace yourself; resources are scarce, so every swing of your weapon or item you burn matters. The flip side is that this pacing can feel a bit slow if you’re used to nonstop action, but that’s also part of its charm.
Its blend of survival horror, brutal combat, and feudal Japan-inspired atmosphere creates a dungeon crawler that feels tense, immersive, and genuinely threatening from start to finish.
Visually, the game leans hard into the eerie. Environments are dark but rich in detail, and the feudal Japan setting gives it a unique identity among dungeon crawlers.
The soundtrack layers in traditional Japanese instruments with oppressive drones, and it nails that sense of “something’s waiting for you deeper in.
My Verdict: Labyrinth of the Demon King gives a tense and atmospheric horror dungeon-crawling experience, blending feudal Japan aesthetics with punishing combat and survival strategy.
8. Hammerwatch [Best Pixel-Art Co-Op Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, macOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
- Release Date
- 2013
- Genre
- Action RPG, hack-and-slash
- Best For
- Co-op crawler fans who want quick, no-frills dungeon runs
- Length
- 8–14 hrs
- Developer
- Crackshell
- Publisher
- Team17
- Features
- Up to 4-player co-op, class-specific upgrades, secret rooms and traps, mod support
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There’s very little wasted time in Hammerwatch. You enter Castle Hammerwatch, choose a class, and start fighting your way upward through rooms packed with enemies. Secret areas and traps constantly give me a reason to poke around before moving on, which helps the simple combat loop stay interesting.
The co-op is where I think it becomes much harder to put down. Up to four players can tackle the castle together, and each class brings its own abilities and upgrades. Working through the same dungeon with friends gives the combat a nice rhythm, especially once rooms start filling with enough enemies to make wandering off alone look like a terrible idea.
Hammerwatch earns its place among the best dungeon crawler games because the dungeon itself stays at the center of everything. Combat gets you through each area, but exploration matters just as much when traps and hidden secrets are sitting off the obvious path.
Its pixel-art presentation also suits the game well. There’s no huge systems checklist getting between you and the next floor. Most of the satisfaction comes from learning the rooms, finding hidden paths, and gradually making your character stronger.
My Verdict: I’d choose Hammerwatch when I want a straightforward dungeon crawl that I can jump into with friends and understand almost immediately. It keeps the formula simple, and that simplicity is a big part of why the climb through the castle still works.
9. Enter the Gungeon [Best Bullet Hell Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
- Release Date
- 2016
- Genre
- Bullet hell roguelike
- Best For
- Bullet hell fans who love a wild, ever-changing arsenal
- Length
- 15–20 hrs
- Developer
- Dodge Roll
- Publisher
- Devolver Digital
- Features
- Hundreds of oddball guns, dodge roll, procedural floors, couch co-op
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For fans of fast-paced roguelike dungeon crawlers, Enter the Gungeon provides nonstop action with frantic gunplay and tight controls. Its top-down shooter mechanics combine perfectly with roguelike elements like procedurally generated levels, tons of unique guns, and punishing difficulty that keeps you on your toes.
The game’s arsenal is wild and creative: from standard firearms like AK-47s and laser rifles to bizarre weaponry like a letter R and a camera that shoots bullets. This variety spices up gameplay and encourages experimentation. Plus, Enter the Gungeon supports couch co-op, which makes it an excellent pick for duo players who want to blast through chaotic dungeons together.
It’s a bullet-hell roguelike with endless weapon variety and co-op fun – perfect for players who want challenge and chaos in one package.
Story-wise, you dive into the mysterious Gungeon to find the legendary Gun That Can Kill The Past, facing off against relentless enemies and deadly traps at every turn.
My Verdict: Enter the Gungeon gives you a chaotic and bullet-hell dungeon-crawling experience, packed with inventive weapons, fast-paced action, and relentless challenges.
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10. Path of Exile 2 [Best Dungeon Crawler for Deep Buildcraft]
- Platforms
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2024 (Early Access)
- Genre
- Action RPG, hack-and-slash
- Best For
- Theorycrafters who love deep, experimental character builds
- Length
- 30+ hrs for the campaign
- Developer
- Grinding Gear Games
- Publisher
- Grinding Gear Games
- Features
- Skill and Support Gem linking, huge passive tree, Atlas endgame, 6-player co-op
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Path of Exile 2 gives me plenty to think about before I’ve even entered the next area. Hundreds of Skill Gems and Support Gems let you shape abilities around a build, and equipment adds another layer once you start chasing specific weapons or stats. Experimenting with your character is a huge part of the appeal.
The combat has more weight than I expected from a loot-heavy ARPG, particularly when bosses start asking you to pay attention instead of simply burying the screen in effects. Wraeclast is packed with dangerous areas to clear, and up to six players can tackle the game together if you’d rather bring company into the mess.
Path of Exile 2 earns its place among the best dungeon crawler games through deep character progression and a constant reason to hunt for better gear. The systems take time to learn, but figuring out how a build fits together becomes part of the dungeon-crawling reward itself.
There’s already plenty to keep you occupied after the campaign too. The endgame expands into its own progression systems, with bosses and large areas built around finding stronger gear and pushing a character further. That gives the buildcraft somewhere meaningful to go once the story stops being the main attraction.
My Verdict: This is the one I’d pick when I want to spend almost as much time thinking about my character as fighting with it. There’s a lot to learn, but getting a build to finally click is exactly what makes the next run so satisfying.
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11. Dead Cells [Best Roguevania Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4/5, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
- Release Date
- 2018
- Genre
- Roguelite action-platformer, Metroidvania
- Best For
- Players who want responsive action and runs that branch
- Length
- 14 hrs main, 30+ with extra content
- Developer
- Motion Twin
- Publisher
- Motion Twin
- Features
- Ever-changing castle, branching biomes, permanent rune unlocks, Boss Cell difficulty
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Dying in Dead Cells rarely makes me want to put the controller down. I’m usually thinking about the route I missed or the weapon that almost carried the run. Its ever-changing castle keeps opening into different areas as you unlock more abilities, so repetition never feels quite as straightforward as starting over.
Combat has enough speed to make hesitation expensive. Enemies have patterns worth learning, bosses punish sloppy timing, and the emergency dodge roll quickly becomes muscle memory. Permanent unlocks also give failed runs lasting value, since new routes and equipment gradually expand what you can do on the next attempt.
I also appreciate that exploration survives all that speed. Secret rooms sit away from the obvious route, and branching paths give you a genuine choice about where the run goes next. That makes the castle feel like something you gradually understand instead of a disposable backdrop for combat.
Calling Dead Cells a traditional dungeon crawler would be a stretch, but it fits this broader list because exploring a dangerous, shifting space remains central to every run. The Metroidvania structure also gives repeated visits more purpose as previously inaccessible routes begin opening up.
My Verdict: I’d reach for Dead Cells when I want the crawl to feel quick and physical. It asks more of my reflexes than most games here, yet there’s still enough exploration underneath the combat to make every escape attempt worth poking around in.
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12. Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi [Best Horror-Themed RPG Crawl]
- Platforms
- Switch, PC
- Release Date
- 2021
- Genre
- Dungeon crawler with horror
- Best For
- Horror RPG fans who want an eerie, first-person crawl
- Length
- 30–40 hrs
- Developer
- Experience
- Publisher
- Aksys Games
- Features
- Path-building with doors and ladders, custom portraits, class-based party builds
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Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi is another worthy addition to retro dungeon crawlers. This first person dungeon crawler takes full advantage of humanity’s propensity for exploring big nasty caves in search of rewards.
As the chief of Cassandra Co., the newly opened District 99 was supposed to be a literal Argen mine. Instead, the portal to the surface broke, trapping virtually the entire company in Yomi. It’s not all bad, though, as you and your workers (with customizable portraits, classes, and skills) have special augmentations that allow you to fight Yomians on equal footing.
What really sets Undernauts apart is its unique map construction system. As you explore, you build doors, ladders, and bridges to create your own paths and uncover new areas. This hands-on approach to mapping adds a tactical layer to the classic dungeon crawl experience.
Its blend of immersive storytelling, customizable characters, and innovative map-building mechanics make Undernauts a standout retro dungeon crawler worth playing.
Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi shines in its immersion. The ominous terror and droning soundtrack of the first area is something I’ll always remember, and the range of character customization runs the gamut from high fantasy to depressingly dystopian, with literal schoolchildren signing up to be Undernauts. You just can’t save everyone.
My Verdict: Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi is a chilling and immersive horror-themed dungeon crawl, combining intricate level design, tense combat, and a dark, atmospheric narrative.
13. Torchlight II [Best Co-Op Loot-Driven Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, macOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
- Release Date
- 2012
- Genre
- Action RPG, hack-and-slash
- Best For
- Co-op loot hunters who want bright, breezy dungeon runs
- Length
- 20+ hrs story
- Developer
- Runic Games
- Publisher
- Runic Games
- Features
- Pets that sell loot in town, four classes, randomized dungeons, mod support
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Torchlight II understands that finding mountains of loot is more fun when inventory management doesn’t constantly drag you home. Your pet can head back to town and sell unwanted gear for you, leaving you free to keep clearing randomized areas and hunting for upgrades. It’s a small feature that makes long dungeon runs much easier to enjoy.
Four classes give you plenty of room to find a playstyle that clicks, and the loot keeps feeding those builds as the campaign opens into larger parts of Vilderan. I’d probably bring friends along for the ride. PC supports parties of up to six, with console co-op capped at four players.
Torchlight II belongs on our best dungeon crawler games list because randomized layouts keep the hunt moving and character progression always gives you another upgrade to chase. New Game Plus extends that loop after the campaign, with your skills and equipment carrying into the harder run.
The bright art style also gives it a welcome change of pace beside the gloomier games here. There’s still no shortage of monsters waiting underground, but the whole adventure feels inviting enough that learning a new class never becomes a chore.
My Verdict: I’d come back to Torchlight II when I want dungeon crawling with less homework attached. The loot loop is easy to understand, co-op slots neatly into it, and sending my pet off to sell junk never stops feeling clever.
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14. Chronicon [Best Dungeon Crawler for Pixel-Art Loot Grinding]
- Platforms
- PC
- Release Date
- 2020
- Genre
- Action RPG, hack-and-slash
- Best For
- Grinders who enjoy long-term loot and build progression
- Length
- 15 hrs main, 30+ with extras
- Developer
- Subworld
- Publisher
- Subworld
- Features
- 900+ skills and perks, hundreds of unique items, endless Mastery ranks, 4-player local co-op
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The pixel art makes Chronicon look modest at first, then the numbers start getting ridiculous. There are four classes backed by more than 900 skills, abilities, and perks, plus hundreds of unique items with powers that can reshape a build. Finding gear feels exciting because the right drop can change what your character actually does.
Its setup is surprisingly neat too. The Chronicon lets you enter the memories of long-dead heroes and relive their adventures, which gives the game an excuse to throw you through procedurally generated dungeons across five acts. I found that framing much more memorable than another generic trip into a monster-filled cave.
Chronicon deserves its place among the best dungeon crawler games because the loot system keeps feeding directly back into character experimentation. Procedural areas support repeat runs, and the sheer number of build options gives dedicated players plenty to chase after the campaign ends.
There’s plenty left once those acts are finished. Endless Mastery ranks keep character progression going, and local co-op supports four players on the same machine. A main-story run lands around 15 hours based on aggregated HowLongToBeat data, though chasing builds can push that number far higher.
My Verdict: Chronicon would be my sleeper pick for anyone who looks at an inventory full of strange modifiers and immediately starts theorycrafting. The presentation is simple, but there’s an enormous ARPG hiding underneath those pixels.
15. Diablo II Resurrected [Best Remastered ARPG Classic]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
- Release Date
- 2021
- Genre
- Action RPG, hack-and-slash
- Best For
- Old-school ARPG loot hunters who want the classic, polished up
- Length
- 22 hrs main, 40+ with extras
- Developer
- Blizzard Entertainment, Vicarious Visions
- Publisher
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Features
- Legacy graphics toggle, rebuilt 3D visuals, runewords and Horadric Cube, 8-player games
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Few games make me stop and inspect a new drop quite like Diablo II: Resurrected. The hunt for stronger equipment sits right at the heart of the adventure, and character builds give that loot a purpose beyond watching numbers climb. A great drop can immediately send your build in a new direction.
The remaster keeps that old-school structure intact but gives Sanctuary rebuilt 3D visuals and modern quality-of-life improvements. You can even switch back to the original presentation with the legacy toggle. Up to eight players can share a game, so the long crawl through Hell works just as well when a few friends decide to join the demon cleanup.
Diablo II: Resurrected deserves a place among the best dungeon crawler games because its loot-driven progression still gives each expedition a clear purpose. The remaster preserves the systems that made the original so influential, then makes them much easier to revisit on modern hardware.
I’d also give it credit for resisting the urge to completely redesign the original. That older structure is part of the appeal here, especially if you want to see why so many modern ARPGs still borrow heavily from Diablo II.
My Verdict: This is my pick when I want the classic loot grind with fewer reminders that the original game came out in 2000. The remaster looks modern enough, but the addictive hunt for the next build-defining item is still unmistakably Diablo II.
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16. Victor Vran [Best Dungeon Crawler for Active Combat]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
- Release Date
- 2015
- Genre
- Action RPG, hack-and-slash
- Best For
- Monster hunters who want hands-on, dodge-and-jump ARPG combat
- Length
- 10 hrs main, 20+ with extras
- Developer
- Haemimont Games
- Publisher
- EuroVideo Medien
- Features
- Jump and dodge moves, weapon-based skills, Demon Powers, Destiny Cards
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Victor Vran gets me moving far more than the average isometric ARPG. Dodging and jumping are built directly into combat, so positioning matters alongside whatever gear you happen to be wearing. Your reactions carry real weight in a fight, which gives monster hunting a more physical feel than clicking through another mob.
The other clever part is how flexible Victor himself becomes. Weapons determine a big chunk of your attacks, then demon powers and destiny cards let you push the build in another direction. Changing equipment can reshape your approach quickly, so experimentation never requires starting an entirely new character.
Victor Vran makes our best dungeon crawler games list because it puts more responsibility on the player during combat than many traditional loot-driven ARPGs. Gear still matters, but dodging attacks and moving through fights successfully are just as important as the stats attached to your equipment.
Co-op fits that faster combat nicely too. The game supports four-player online co-op, with local co-op also available on supported console versions. I’d bring company once the screen starts filling up with demons, especially since everybody has enough build flexibility to approach the fight differently.
My Verdict: Victor Vran is the one I’d play when the usual stand-still-and-swing ARPG routine starts feeling too comfortable. Its movement gives fights a different energy, and switching gear keeps experimentation easy once I’m already knee-deep in demons.
17. Hades [Best Fast-Paced Action Roguelike]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch, iOS
- Release Date
- 2020
- Genre
- Roguelike action RPG
- Best For
- Fast-paced roguelike fans who want story between every run
- Length
- 20–30 hrs main, 50+ full
- Developer
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher
- Supergiant Games
- Features
- Olympian god boons, six Infernal Arms, Mirror of Night upgrades, God Mode
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Hades brings a much faster pace to this list, with each escape attempt sending you through shifting chambers on the way out of the Underworld. The story keeps moving between runs too, so getting sent back home rarely feels like wasted progress.
It combines fast-paced, responsive combat with a unique progression system where every run feels rewarding, thanks to powerful boons, weapon variety, and meta upgrades that let you shape your playstyle. The game’s pacing keeps you hooked, so each escape attempt feels fresh and exciting.
Hades works as a broader dungeon crawler pick because repeated escape attempts keep exploration at the center of the experience. Permanent progression gives failed runs lasting value, and the changing chambers stop the route out of the Underworld from becoming too predictable.
The game’s combat system is built around fluid combos and diverse weapon types that allows for varied strategies every run. Permanent upgrades add a strong sense of progression, while the random dungeon elements ensure no two runs are the same. Not to mention the accessibility options that help players tailor difficulty to their comfort level.
My Verdict: I’d pick Hades when I want a quicker crawl with more story between runs. It sits further from the traditional dungeon crawler formula than the games higher on this list, but the escape loop still gives every run a clear purpose.
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18. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth [Best Dark Humor Roguelike]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Switch, iOS
- Release Date
- 2014
- Genre
- Top-down roguelike shooter
- Best For
- Roguelike fans with a taste for gross-out, dark humor
- Length
- 20–30 hrs
- Developer
- Nicalis, Edmund McMillen
- Publisher
- Nicalis
- Features
- Hundreds of stacking items, procedural floors, unlockable characters, multiple endings
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I’m once again asking you to play my favorite game. Y’know, the one where you play as a dead baby and fart on Satan to kill him. Or pee, or poop, or blood vomit, or whatever hilarious thing you picked up on the way down the basement.
Beneath all that wild humor, The Binding of Isaac is a deep roguelike dungeon crawler packed with procedurally generated dungeons, a massive variety of items, crazy item synergies, and brutal enemies and bosses.
The game’s layers of complexity unfold with every run, as you discover new combinations that drastically change gameplay. Randomized layouts and unpredictable encounters keep you on your toes, while the extensive unlock system rewards persistence. It’s a game that’s as challenging as it is unpredictable, mixing grotesque comedy with hardcore mechanics.
Its outrageous humor and bizarre items create a dungeon crawler experience that’s equal parts hilarious and addicting, keeping players laughing and grinding for hundreds of hours.
The Binding of Isaac isn’t just one of the greatest dungeon crawlers, it’s one of the best games, period.
My Verdict: The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth delivers a darkly humorous and endlessly replayable roguelike, packed with inventive items, challenging enemies, and outrageous surprises.
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19. Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection [Best Hardcore Mapping RPG]
- Platforms
- Switch, PC
- Release Date
- 2023
- Genre
- Dungeon crawler RPG
- Best For
- Hardcore explorers who love drawing their own dungeon maps
- Length
- 40–60 hrs
- Developer
- Atlus
- Publisher
- Atlus
- Features
- Three remastered games, hand-drawn floor maps, five-member guild parties, roaming FOEs
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The Etrian Odyssey series is one that’s always close to my heart and is one of my picks for the best adventure games because of how “simple” it is.
It stands out for its challenging gameplay, old-school dungeon exploration, and a map-drawing feature that lets you personalize your journey. The game requires careful strategy and planning so that every victory comes with a true sense of achievement.
Every Etrian Odyssey title has the same premise: there’s a giant tree with a dungeon, and your quest is to explore and map each and every floor. Naturally, you’ll need to fight monsters, overcome traps, and solve puzzles to progress, so you’ll need to form a guild and assemble heroes in parties of five.
We love Etrian Odyssey for its pure and challenging dungeon crawling, combined with unique mapping gameplay that stands apart from anything else out there.
What really sets Etrian Odyssey apart is just how much it adheres to the difficulty of its forefathers. This retro first-person RPG may look cute, but don’t be fooled – this game is brutal. You’ll not only need to build and outfit your guild members well to survive but also learn how to draw your own dungeon maps!
My Verdict: Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection offers a challenging and rewarding dungeon-crawling RPG experience, where strategic mapping, tough battles, and careful planning define every expedition.
20. Gauntlet: Slayer Edition [Best Co-op Arcade Dungeon Crawler]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release Date
- 2014
- Genre
- Action RPG, hack-and-slash
- Best For
- Co-op crews who want arcade hack-and-slash chaos
- Length
- 10–15 hrs
- Developer
- Arrowhead Game Studios
- Publisher
- Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- Features
- Four classic heroes, local and online co-op, friendly fire, Endless Mode
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Lovingly restored and retouched for a modern audience, Gauntlet: Slayer Edition is an almost 1:1 recreation of the arcade classic. Players will once again play as Thor the Warrior, Thyra the Valkyrie, Merlin the Wizard, or Questor the Elf as they dive deep into dungeon master Morak’s maze.
The game truly shines in its 4-player co-op experience, where teamwork and friendly fire make every session intense and unpredictable. Each hero brings unique abilities that complement team strategies, so every party composition is crucial. The universe is packed with vibrant dungeons and hordes of enemies to blast through.
This *is* Arrowhead we’re talking about after all, so of course there’s friendly fire, so beware your friends as much as your enemies!
Its timeless 4-player co-op gameplay, diverse heroes, and frantic dungeon-crawling action make Gauntlet a go-to for group gaming sessions.
No matter if you’re playing with friends locally or online, Gauntlet offers a fast-paced, chaotic dungeon crawl that’s perfect for casual fun or serious co-op runs.
My Verdict: Gauntlet: Slayer Edition delivers fast-paced, cooperative arcade dungeon-crawling fun, perfect for friends seeking chaotic hack-and-slash action.
21. Core Keeper [Best Survival Sandbox Dungeon Adventure]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch
- Release Date
- 2022
- Genre
- Sandbox survival RPG
- Best For
- Survival crafters who want mining, farming, and boss hunts
- Length
- 50–100 hrs
- Developer
- Pugstorm
- Publisher
- Fireshine Games
- Features
- Mining and base building, farming and cooking, 8-player co-op, mod support
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Core Keeper is a shining example of how gaming evolves and blends together genres to create unique experiences. Often described as a blend of Terraria and Diablo, this game has a little bit of everything – dungeon crawling, sandbox building, forging, farming and fishing (and even cooking!).
As an explorer on a new planet, you’re quickly separated from the rest of your group thanks to your curiosity.
No matter, the underground has plenty of stuff to explore too – caverns filled with materials to build structures and tools, plants and organic materials from the native flora and fauna, and even furniture and paintings to transform your dungeon hideout into an actual home!
While Core Keeper is already plenty of fun solo, it also has co-op for up to 8 players. And even though there’s already a ton of content, you can enrich your Core Keeper experience via mods!
Its unique mix of survival, crafting, co-op dungeon crawling, plus endless modding potential make Core Keeper a must-play for fans wanting variety and creativity in their adventures.
One thing that sets Core Keeper apart is how it seamlessly blends dungeon crawling with deep crafting and exploration. You’re also building your base, managing resources, and customizing your gear. The game’s expansive underground world gives you plenty of secrets to uncover, and playing with friends makes every expedition more exciting.
My Verdict: Core Keeper brings a rich and engaging survival sandbox adventure, blending mining, crafting, dungeon exploration, and co-op fun into a truly immersive experience.
More Games Like Core Keeper
22. Stoneshard [Best Gritty Medieval Roguelike RPG]
- Platforms
- PC
- Release Date
- 2019
- Genre
- Turn-based roguelike RPG
- Best For
- Hardcore RPG fans who can handle gritty, unforgiving survival
- Length
- 30–50 hrs
- Developer
- Ink Stains Games
- Publisher
- HypeTrain Digital
- Features
- Turn-based tile combat, limb injuries and sanity, open-world contracts, permadeath
Picture it: a cadre of medieval mercenaries, living free and earning piles of cash and loot, and pledging allegiance to none but gold. Stoneshard will quickly remind you that merc life is much more brutal – so much so that I’d call this one of the best open-world games you can get right now.
In Stoneshard, you play as a mercenary under the command of Verren, a senior merc who’s uncovered a deadly artifact on a contract that went FUBAR.
To survive in the medieval world of Aldor, you’ll need to earn a living by taking on contracts from war-ravaged villages, far-flung hamlets, and affluent cities. Paying the bills is a core part of Stoneshard, as you’ll need gold to stave off hunger, thirst, wounds, pain, sanity, and depression. It’s that kind of immersive sim.
Stoneshard leans hard into the low fantasy medieval setting, so it should come as no surprise that this game is difficult. However, that’s part of the challenge, and wily mercs will always find a way to overcome unfair odds – or run and live to fight another day.
Stoneshard is a top choice for players seeking deep, realistic dungeon crawlers with immersive survival mechanics and intense battles set in an expansive world.
What makes Stoneshard stand out is how it combines tough survival mechanics with classic RPG progression. You’ll manage your merc’s health and sanity while exploring a harsh medieval world full of danger and opportunity. The game’s challenging combat and deep character customization keep every playthrough fresh and intense.
My Verdict: Stoneshard offers a gritty and challenging medieval roguelike RPG, combining permadeath mechanics, deep survival systems, and tactical combat for hardcore players.
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23. Cryptmaster [Best Wordplay-Driven Dungeon RPG]
- Platforms
- PC, Switch
- Release Date
- 2024
- Genre
- Dungeon crawler RPG with word mechanics
- Best For
- Wordplay fans who want to type their way through a dungeon
- Length
- 15–20 hrs
- Developer
- Lee Williams, Paul Hart
- Publisher
- Akupara Games
- Features
- Type-anything interaction, word-based combat, four-zombie party, guess-the-word puzzles
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Cryptmaster is a typing game that’s part puzzle game, part dungeon crawler, and with real time combat. An unlikely combination, but Cryptmaster made it work. Of all the games on this list, this one stands out by virtue of its sheer innovation.
As with most retro dungeon crawlers, you’ll plumb through dank depths in first person view with a cadre of explorers. The catch here is that you’re all zombies, and your long-suffering necromancer-slash-dungeon master is controlling you the whole time.
Words are your weapons in Cryptmaster, and you’ll not only need to type anything – yes, literally anything – to interact with the world, but also to solve puzzles and defeat foes.
While you can play the game seriously, Cryptmaster rewards creativity at every turn. You’ll get a ton more fun out of the game (and some hilarious responses) if you think out of the box!
Its clever blend of typing gameplay and dungeon crawling, plus its humor, puzzle-solving, and epic matches of Whatever (it could be a standalone game on its own) make Cryptmaster an innovative standout in the genre.
What truly sets Cryptmaster apart is its inventive fusion of typing mechanics with classic dungeon crawling. Typing isn’t just a gimmick here, it’s how you fight, solve puzzles, and interact with the game world. This fresh approach challenges your reflexes and creativity so every run feels like a unique experience.
My Verdict: Cryptmaster delivers a clever and innovative dungeon RPG, blending wordplay, typing mechanics, and real-time combat into a uniquely engaging experience.
My Overall Verdict on the Best Dungeon Crawler Games
Dungeon crawlers hit different depending on what you’re after, and I’ve tried to match the right game to the right type of player. Each of these stands out for a reason, and they’re worth your time if you want to get lost underground:
- For old-school dungeon exploration → Legend of Grimrock. Grid movement and puzzle-heavy labyrinths keep the dungeon itself firmly in charge. Pick this when mapping rooms and spotting hidden mechanisms sound better than chasing endless loot.
- For deep character building → Path of Exile 2. Its skill system gives you plenty to experiment with, and finding gear matters because every useful drop feeds back into the build you’re shaping.
- For fast action → Dead Cells. Runs move quickly, combat rewards good reactions, and branching routes keep exploration relevant even after you already know the castle well.
- For co-op crawling → Hammerwatch. Four-player dungeon runs are easy to jump into, with secrets and class upgrades giving your group plenty of reasons to check every corner before moving on.
- For dedicated loot grinders → Chronicon. The pixel art hides an enormous amount of build depth, and its item system gives theorycrafters enough material to keep tinkering long after the campaign is finished.
No matter your playstyle, there’s a dungeon here waiting to chew you up and spit you out. Grab the one that fits your vibe and dive in. Just remember, the deeper you go, the harder it gets.
FAQs
A dungeon crawler focuses on exploring dangerous areas, fighting enemies, finding loot, and improving your character. Modern games often mix that loop with RPG, roguelike, or strategy systems.
No. Roguelikes are one branch of the genre. Dungeon crawlers can also be action RPGs, turn-based RPGs, deck-builders, or grid-based adventures built around exploration and progression.
Dungeon crawlers put more emphasis on exploring hostile spaces and pushing deeper for rewards. ARPGs focus heavily on real-time combat and character builds, although many of the best dungeon crawler games combine both.
Yes. Plenty of dungeon crawlers support co-op, although the format varies. Some let a full party explore together, while others are designed entirely around solo runs.
The appeal comes from a rewarding loop of exploration, risk, and progression. Finding better gear or unlocking a stronger build gives you a reason to head back into the dungeon and see how much farther you can get.
They can be. Some keep combat and progression easy to understand, while deeper games expect more planning. New players usually have an easier time with a game that introduces its systems gradually.
