What are the pros of Dark and Darker?

Addictive and rewarding extraction-based gameplay loop with high replayability.. Strong dungeon RPG atmosphere with commendable graphics and character design.. Satisfying combat mechanics that provide a challenging and balanced experience for many.. Engaging cooperative play, including the addition of a dedicated PvE mode.. Broad feature set available even to players who have not purchased the premium edition..

What are the cons of Dark and Darker?

Intrusive anti-cheat software that remains active on the PC even when the game is closed.. Deep dissatisfaction with lead developer decisions and the perceived negative direction of the game.. Frustrating class balancing issues, particularly regarding melee classes being easily kited by others.. Confusing and potentially misleading monetization strategies regarding free-to-play status and cosmetics.. Lack of technical support and frequent progress resets that demand high time commitment..

Dark and Darker

An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters.

65%

Mixed

DeveloperIRONMACE

PublisherIRONMACE

Release DateJun 7, 2024

Free to Play

Peak Players57.1K

PlatformsWindows

Early Access

AI Review Summary

Dark and Darker offers a highly addictive and atmospheric dungeon-crawling extraction experience that excels in cooperative play. However, the game is currently marred by significant community backlash regarding its developer's direction, intrusive anti-cheat software, and controversial balancing changes.

Pros

Addictive and rewarding extraction-based gameplay loop with high replayability.90%
Strong dungeon RPG atmosphere with commendable graphics and character design.80%
Satisfying combat mechanics that provide a challenging and balanced experience for many.70%
Engaging cooperative play, including the addition of a dedicated PvE mode.60%
Broad feature set available even to players who have not purchased the premium edition.50%

Cons

Intrusive anti-cheat software that remains active on the PC even when the game is closed.90%
Deep dissatisfaction with lead developer decisions and the perceived negative direction of the game.80%
Frustrating class balancing issues, particularly regarding melee classes being easily kited by others.70%
Confusing and potentially misleading monetization strategies regarding free-to-play status and cosmetics.60%
Lack of technical support and frequent progress resets that demand high time commitment.50%

Notable Mentions

Players frequently describe the game as extremely addictive, often jokingly referring to it as a 'soul-stealing' experience.
There is a significant divide between the game's 'Free to Play' marketing and the actual restrictions placed on non-paying accounts.
The combat is frequently compared to a more polished version of first-person fantasy RPGs like the Elder Scrolls series.

Confidence: 97%

Based on the 199 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Jul 27, 2026

Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak

9.3K

Peak · last 90 days

14.8K

All-time peak

57.1K

Price

Current price

Free to Play

Lowest tracked

Free to Playsince Jan 17, 2026

Review Sentiment

Launch week

—

Last 30 days

78%

All-time positive

65%

Review Statistics

Total Reviews85.4K

Positive: 55.6K (65%)Negative: 29.8K (35%)

Reviews from Steam Deck

Dev Response Rate

238h

Avg Playtime at Review

75%

Credible Reviews