Dungeonborne, a Free to Play Dark & Darker Clone, Launching Today

A free to play clone of the popular extraction RPG Dark & Darker titled "Dungeonborne" launches today on Steam. While the game's core gameplay mechanics and design are similar to Dark & Darker, where Dungeonborne stands apart is its superior graphics and better UI. The 'fully free to play' business model also helps it stand apart. For those unfamiliar with the two games, they are PvPvE extraction RPGs. Think Tarkov, but fantasy with D&D inspired elements.

While Dungeonborne has some clear improvements on the Dark & Darker formula, the two games aren't identical. Dark & Darker's core combat mechanics are much more intricate whereas Dungeonborne feels a bit too streamlined, which makes it more appealing to casual players. Since Dark & Darker has been out longer, it also has more overall content.

Having played both games, I expect Dungeonborne will have a strong launch as it's easier to get into for beginners and is free, but the game needs more content to keep players engaged for the long term. If Dungeonborne does well, I suspect Dark & Darker will go free to play to compete.