16 Best Dungeon Crawler Games 2026: Danger, Darkness, Dares

From classic roguelikes to modern action-packed RPGs, this list covers the best dungeon crawler games that will test your skills, patience, and maybe even your friendships. Grab your gear, sharpen your weapons, and let’s descend into the best dungeon adventures gaming has to offer.

Our Top Picks for Dungeon Crawlers

While every dungeon crawler is a welcome addition to the modern library, some stand out for how they blend combat, exploration, and replayability in clever ways. These five titles achieve the formula; each one brings a unique twist to the genre that kept me (and my fellow crawler-obsessed friends) coming back for more:

Cult of the Lamb

ROGUELIKE Sacrifice heretics and restore the “true” faith.

Darkest Dungeon

ROGUELIKE

Help your heroes stave off death and madness over several dungeons.

Diablo IV

ARPG

Hack and slash ARPG action. Oh, and loot. Can’t forget the loot.

But while these are the best of the best on this list, every game here is definitely worth checking out – keep scrolling to see the full list!

16 Best Dungeon Crawler Games to Challenge Your Inner Hero

Traditional dungeon crawlers were defined as a simple but fulfilling gameplay loop of “town -> dungeon -> sell loot for better weapons/armor -> dungeon”. But thanks to how modern games tend to incorporate elements from different genres, we’ve got a lot more choices when it comes to modern dungeon crawlers.

And whether you’re looking for a classic-style dungeon crawler, a more modern ARPG take, or even a sandbox or a typing game, there’s something on this list for everyone:

Cult of the Lamb

Best Darkly Funny Roguelike

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Roguelike action-adventure, base-building
PC, macOS, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Creator/s
Massive Monster / Devolver Digital
Average playtime
15–20 hrs main, 30+ completionist
Best for
Fans of dark humor and cult sims
What I liked
Fun mix of dungeon crawling and cult management with quirky visuals

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.

Why we chose it

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.

★ Best Darkly Funny Roguelike Cult of the Lamb on PC Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven (DLC) on PC 2.

Darkest Dungeon

Best Hardcore Strategy Dungeon Crawler

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Gothic roguelike RPG
PC, PS4, Vita, Switch, Xbox One, iOS
Creator/s
Red Hook Studios / CD PROJEKT RED
Average playtime
40–60 hrs
Best for
Strategy fans who like brutal challenge
What I liked
Stress mechanic adds unique depth and tension
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.

Why we chose it

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.

Diablo IV

Best Loot-Driven ARPG Experience

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Action RPG, open-world
PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series
Creator/s
Blizzard Entertainment
Average playtime
30–50 hrs main, 100+ endgame
Best for
Loot-driven ARPG lovers
What I liked
Huge open world and refined combat
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.

Why we chose it

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.

★ Best Loot-Driven ARPG Experience Diablo IV on Xbox Diablo IV Platinum 4.

Slay the Spire

Best Deck-Building Dungeon Crawler

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Roguelike deck-builder
PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
Creator/s
Mega Crit Games
Average playtime
20–30 hrs per run
Best for
Strategy and card game fans
What I liked
Tons of build variety and replayability
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.

Why we chose it

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.

Legend of Grimrock

Best Old-School Grid Dungeon Crawler

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Dungeon crawler, real-time combat PC, iOS, Switch Creator/s Almost Human Games Average playtime 15–20 hrs Best for Old-school dungeon crawler fans What I liked Classic grid puzzles with a modern polish

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.

Why we chose it

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.

★ Best Old-School Grid Dungeon Crawler Legend of Grimrock on PC Legend of Grimrock 2 on PC 6.

Grim Dawn

Best Classic Hack-and-Slash ARPG

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Action RPG, hack-and-slash PC, Xbox One Creator/s Crate Entertainment Average playtime 60–80 hrs main, 100+ full Best for ARPG fans who want deep customization What I liked Massive skill trees and dark setting

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.

Why we chose it

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.

★ Best Classic Hack-and-Slash ARPG
Grim Dawn on PC
Grim Dawn – Forgotten Gods Expansion (DLC) on PC

Labyrinth of the Demon King [Best Horror Dungeon Crawler]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Dungeon crawler, survival horror
PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch
Creator/s
J.R. Hudepohl / Top Hat Studios
Average playtime
10–15 hrs
Best for
Horror fans who like dungeon crawling
What I liked
Feudal Japan vibe and tense combat

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.

Why we chose it

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.

★ Steam – top up Steam Gift Cards 8.

Hades

Best Fast-Paced Action Roguelike

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Roguelike action RPG
PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch, iOS
Creator/s
Supergiant Games
Average playtime
20–30 hrs main, 50+ full
Best for
Fast-paced roguelike fans
What I liked
Addictive combat loop and evolving story
When it comes to action roguelikes,

Hades

stands out as one of the best. Beyond combat,

Hades

excels in storytelling, weaving Greek mythology into its narrative with rich character interactions and a heartfelt tale of family and redemption.

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.

Why we chose it

Hades masters fast action, meaningful progression, and deep narrative, all wrapped in one polished roguelike package that’s gonna be hard for you to put down.

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:

Hades

delivers a thrilling, fast-paced roguelike experience, combining addictive combat, rich storytelling, and rewarding progression with every run.

★ Best Fast-Paced Action Roguelike Hades on Xbox Hades II on PC/Xbox 9.

Enter the Gungeon

Best Bullet Hell Dungeon Crawler

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Bullet hell roguelike
PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Creator/s
Dodge Roll / Devolver Digital
Average playtime
15–20 hrs
Best for
Bullet hell shooter fans
What I liked
Wild arsenal and chaotic action
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.

Why we chose it

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.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

Best Dark Humor Roguelike

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Top-down roguelike shooter
PC, PS4, Vita, Xbox One, Switch, iOS
Creator/s
Edmund McMillen
Average playtime
20–30 hrs
Best for
Roguelike fans who like dark humor
What I liked
Endless item combos and replayability

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.

Why we chose it

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.

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection

Best Hardcore Mapping RPG

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Dungeon crawler RPG Switch, PC Creator/s Atlus Average playtime 40–60 hrs Best for Hardcore dungeon explorers What I liked Map-making system and tough battles 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.

Why we chose it

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.

Stoneshard [Best Gritty Medieval Roguelike RPG]

Our Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Turn-based roguelike RPG
PC
Creator/s
HypeTrain Digital / Ink Stains Games
Average playtime
30–50 hrs
Best for
Hardcore RPG fans
What I liked
Gritty permadeath mechanics and depth

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.

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.

Why we chose it

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.

★ Steam – top up Steam Gift Cards 16.

Cryptmaster

Best Wordplay-Driven Dungeon RPG

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Dungeon crawler RPG with word mechanics PC, Switch Creator/s Lee Williams, Paul Hart, Akupara Games Average playtime 15–20 hrs Best for Wordplay puzzle fans What I liked Unique typing system fused with RPG gameplay

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!

Why we chose it

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.