The true joy in all the best ARPGs is that moment when something in your build clicks – whether it’s a new item, upgrade, or skill synergy – and you start absolutely blasting through the opposing hordes at a greatly increased rate. But across even the most popular games like Diablo 4 and Path of Exile, the start of every run is typically the slowest, as you plod your way through early waves of enemies using underwhelming gear and unleveled abilities. Conquest Dark is here to change that, blending that character progression with the rapid acceleration of horde survival games like Vampire Survivors, and you can try it right now.
237 years have passed since the Black Planet appeared, causing the undead to flood the land and the fall of the Cosmic Gods. In Conquest Dark, you enter Dark Ritual circles to battle the forces that crumbled the old civilization, employing countless build permutations featuring eldritch abilities and the signature weapons of fallen champions to tackle the horrors of the Black Planet. It combines the rewarding buildcrafting and progression of the best games like Diablo with the fast-paced rollout of horde survival roguelikes.
Runs in Conquest Dark begin by selecting your alignment. Perhaps you’ll join the Barbarians of the Lion, maybe you’ll embrace the divine Oathkeepers, or you could succumb to the temptations of the mysterious Acolytes of Kuu. Each option offers unique powers, which you’ll then build on as you tackle numerous threats ranging from undead armies to ancient powers and cosmic terrors as you aim to uncover the secrets of the Black Planet.
“Conquest Dark is my attempt at bringing a dark, grim, sword-and-sorcery style to the horde survivor genre,” Eldritch Sword developer Peter ‘Irmstoi’ Finnberg explains. “This game is about testing builds, mixing classes, laying waste to waves of enemies, and standing toe-to-toe with deadly bosses.”
If that sounds like something you’re interested in, the good news is that you can get involved right away, as a free Steam demo has just landed alongside the game’s announcement. “What we need now more than ever is player feedback,” Finnberg continues. “Try the demo and let us know what you think on Steam and in Discord so we can continue to make Conquest Dark the best survivor-like ARPG it can be.”
The Conquest Dark demo is out now on Steam and available as a free download. The full game is set to launch in early access in spring 2025. If you’re eager to give it a try, download the demo now or add the full game to your wishlist.
If more long-form character building is more to your taste, you’ll find much to your liking among the best RPGs on PC. Catch up on the latest and greatest from small studios with our pick of the best indie games to play in 2024.
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