Dark and Darker vs Dungeonborne: Which is the better medieval extraction game in 2024?

The question of whether to pick Dark and Darker or Dungeonborne has been a heated topic of debate for the fans of dark medieval extraction for quite a while. Dark and Darker was released earlier, and it helped establish the genre, so many gamers are of the opinion that Dungeonborne is a clone of Dark and Darker. Nevertheless, while there may be a lot of similarities between titles, each has unique strengths, weaknesses, and appeal.

But which one is better? I prefer Dark and Darker over Dungeonborne. It’s hardcore gameplay loop and progression system are much more in line with my preferences. However, this doesn’t make Dungeonborne a lesser game by any means. In this article, I have shared the strengths and weaknesses of both games to help you make a decision.

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Dark and Darker vs Dungeonborne: Which one is better?

Both are co-op dungeon crawlers where you need to go in and come out with loot (Image via IRONMACE)

In terms of visuals, Dungeonborne has the upper hand with its sharp and detailed graphics. Although you are limited to a first-person view, the game offers clear, dynamic visuals that make every sword swing, spell cast, and monster encounter feel visceral. The enemies in Dungeonborne, even the goblins, are well-designed and threatening. Dark and Darker, on the other hand, does not have the same level of graphical fidelity and detail.

Customization is where Dungeonborne shines the brightest. It offers players the freedom to build unique characters right from the start, selecting from eight classes, each of which is tied to a distinct species with different mechanics. Your gameplay style will be heavily influenced by the class you choose whether it is a human, elf, or undead. You can also change the character's cosmetic features like hair, markings, and facial features at any time.

Meanwhile, Dark And Darker offers a more rigid path. You pick a class with preset characteristics, and although you can equip new gear over time, changing your base appearance comes with a price—literally. You will need to buy skins from the store to customize your character's appearance or buy the premium access to participate in the battlepass.

Get into the lobby to party with others (Image via IRONMACE)

When it comes to difficulty, Dungeonborne provides a more balanced and forgiving gameplay experience. In contrast, Dark And Darker is unapologetically brutal. The game’s difficulty ramps up quickly, throwing you into intense situations without much preparation. PvP elements are heavily emphasized, with players competing for limited escape routes, making combat inevitable.

When it comes to progression, Dark And Darker is the better option. As you level up, your character gains stat boosts and access to more powerful gear, but the real depth comes from the game’s skill tree. You can fine-tune your character's stats, abilities, and resistances to suit your playstyle. This means that there is plenty of room for creativity and customization. The extensive skill tree makes it possible to build powerful characters that feel tailored to your preferences.

One is causal, while the other is brutal (Image via Mithril Interactive)

In the end, which one of these two title is the best depends on your preference. If you want a more casual approach to the Dungeon Crawler extraction formula then Dungeonborne is the better choice. However, if you want a hard and brutal medieval dungeon crawler where you will be required to prove your metal to make it out of a dungeon with your loot then Dark and Darker is the better game.