The Darkness Below, the long-awaited project from solo developer Eleftheriadis Savvas, has finally hit its full release as of February 13, 2026. This isn’t just another modern game wearing a pixel-art coat; it’s a deep, crunchy, and unapologetically old-school dungeon crawler that feels like a lost relic from the 1990s. If you miss the days of Eye of the Beholder or the tactical weight of Might & Magic, you might want to clear your schedule.
A Love Letter to the Golden Era
Right from the main menu, it’s clear that The Darkness Below isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it’s trying to polish that wheel until it shines like a legendary relic. The game is a pure first-person grid-based CRPG—a genre often called a “blobber” because your entire party moves as one single entity. Savvas has clearly done his homework, citing classics like Dungeon Master and Lands of Lore as major influences. However, while the aesthetic is pure nostalgia, the 2.5D perspective and modern stability mean you won’t have to deal with the technical headaches of the DOS era. It’s the vibe we remember, without the clunky interface that usually comes with it.
Exploration Without the Hand-Holding
One of the most refreshing things about this release is the scale of the world. We aren’t just talking about a single tower; the game features over 40 handcrafted maps. You’ll wander through everything from bustling villages and hidden cities to the requisite dark, damp towers and multi-level dungeons. The exploration is strictly grid-based, which provides that satisfying rhythmic movement as you navigate traps and secret levers. Unlike many modern RPGs that treat you like a toddler with a GPS, The Darkness Below rewards genuine curiosity. If you see a weird banner on a wall or a suspicious-looking tile, there’s a good chance it’s hiding a secret. The sense of discovery is constant, and the interactable world objects make the environments feel like more than just static backgrounds.
Tactical Combat That Actually Moves
Combat in these types of games can sometimes feel like a slog, but Savvas has opted for a fast-paced turn-based combat system. It hits that sweet spot where you have time to think about your next move without the game slowing to a crawl. You’ll be facing off against 53 unique monsters, each with their own tactical behaviors. You can’t just spam the “attack” button and hope for the best; you need to manage your spell slots and account for elemental damage and resistances. There are also eight different battle conditions—like being poisoned or maddened—that can quickly turn a simple skirmish into a desperate fight for survival. It feels tactical and dangerous, especially when you’re deep in a dungeon with dwindling resources.
Character Building with Real Depth
Where The Darkness Below really flexes its muscles is in its character systems. This is a dream come true for players who love “theory-crafting” and fine-tuning a party. You have 15 races and 7 professions to choose from, but the real magic is in the skill-based advancement. Much like the Elder Scrolls series, you improve your skills by actually using them. There are 33 trainable skills that progress through expertise tiers, moving from a lowly Initiate all the way up to a Grandmaster. This means your characters grow organically based on how you play. Want your wizard to be a bit more durable? Put them in situations where they have to toughen up. It adds a layer of meaningful progression that makes your party feel uniquely yours.
Loot for the Loot Gods
No dungeon crawl is complete without a mountain of gear, and the itemization here is impressively deep. There are over 300 base items to find, but when you factor in the 50 enchantment types, you’re looking at thousands of potential equipment combinations. The game also features handcrafted relics tucked away in the most dangerous corners of the world, often tied to the game’s 34 quests. Finding a rare piece of gear isn’t just about a stat bump; it’s about finally being able to take on that one guardian that’s been blocking your path for three floors.
The Verdict on the Abyss
Ultimately, The Darkness Below is a masterpiece of niche game design. It’s a specialized experience for people who love structured progression and system depth. It doesn’t care about being the flashiest game on Steam; it cares about being the most authentic one. Whether you’re a veteran of the 90s or a newcomer who just wants to see what the “grid” is all about, this is an essential play. It’s a massive, challenging, and rewarding journey that proves the retro-style dungeon crawler still has plenty of life left in it.
