Dungeon crawlers usually pit you against monstrous beasts, ancient warriors, or mythical gods. But in Begraved, a new co-op game from a team of Valheim developers, prepare to face a truly terrifying adversary: the Taxman.
As a Gravebound in Begraved, your profession involves raiding cursed tombs and crypts beneath a shadowy city, rather than banks. These tombs are fraught with traps, puzzles, and hazards, making it a perilous career. Your limited inventory means you must carefully choose between essential survival tools and precious space for loot. Before each dungeon delve, you can visit the Shopkeeper to offload your previous finds and acquire new equipment. Just be sure to always keep some coin on hand…
Why the need for spare coin? Because every five days, the notorious Taxman arrives. Fail to pay his dues, and you’ll find yourself on the gallows. The precise in-game consequences of this are still unclear – whether it’s a full character reset or a lasting debuff for future expeditions remains a suspenseful mystery.
While a solo journey is an option, Begraved also offers cooperative play for up to five adventurers. Beyond dungeon crawling, you’ll manage a customizable hideout, furnishing it with treasures unearthed during your expeditions. Adorable pets can also be discovered or unlocked, adding a charming contrast to the game’s otherwise dark and gritty atmosphere.
Begraved is being developed by some notable figures from the Valheim team: creative director Robin Eyre, VP of problem-solving and studio ops Emilia Oscarsson, and designer and QA manager Andreas Tomasson. Intriguingly, this project operates outside of Iron Gate, their main studio, as a side endeavor under the new banner of Grip Jaw. Eyre refers to it as a “little evening project,” a unique situation given Valheim’s ongoing development towards its 1.0 release and the common practice of non-compete clauses in the industry.
While the developers confirm Begraved won’t hit early access this year, they’ve hinted that its launch isn’t “too far off,” suggesting an early 2026 release.
Immediately after the reveal, Grip Jaw opened playtesting for Begraved. Players can now wishlist the game and sign up for its first playtest on its Steam page.
For more gaming recommendations, explore other fantastic multiplayer games to enjoy with friends. And if you’re curious about future releases, consult our guide to upcoming PC games.