As a passionate fan of high fantasy, particularly the expansive worlds found in games like Dungeons and Dragons, I’m always on the lookout for new adventures. Dungeons and Kingdoms immediately captured my attention, promising an ambitious blend of deep city-building mechanics inspired by Manor Lords, alongside challenging, boss-focused action combat reminiscent of soulslikes and classic RPGs. This highly anticipated title is set to arrive on Steam later this year, with an exciting demo coming even sooner.
In Dungeons and Kingdoms, you step into the shoes of a leader guiding a tired group of refugees fleeing an uninhabitable homeland. After a long journey across the seas, you discover a vibrant, bountiful fantasy world ripe for new beginnings. Lush emerald plains extend as far as the eye can see, with countless secrets waiting to be unearthed. This unique game masterfully combines elements of strategic city builders with thrilling action RPG gameplay, granting you the power to shape your very own kingdom.
Like many immersive survival games, Dungeons and Kingdoms requires you to build your new life from scratch. Initial gameplay will involve crafting essential equipment, foraging for resources in the wilderness, and tackling smaller creatures. The latest trailer even teases the possibility of recruiting charming animal companions, showcasing a delightful cubic fox receiving a friendly pat.
As your modest village expands into a thriving citadel, you’ll gain the power to terraform the landscape, optimizing it for agriculture, constructing formidable valleys to deter invaders, and establishing efficient road networks to boost trade. With over 500 building types available, players will eventually have the exciting opportunity to design their own structures and share them via the Steam Workshop.
However, this stunning new world is not without peril – which brings us to the ‘dungeons’ element of Dungeons and Kingdoms. To safeguard your burgeoning settlement, you’ll face various predators and explore enigmatic underground caverns. These expeditions are crucial for acquiring new gear, which in turn can advance your city’s technological capabilities. The game promises a diverse array of enemy types, from swift burrowing creatures to colossal demons and, naturally, dragons, all demanding a deliberate and strategic approach to combat.
What truly brings this entire experience together is Dungeons and Kingdoms’ distinctive art style. It features an appealing angular, pixelated aesthetic that evokes the charm of titles like Valheim and even Old School Runescape. As a player who deeply appreciates visually striking games, developer Camlann is clearly hitting all the right notes.
Get ready! Dungeons and Kingdoms is slated for Steam Early Access in Q4 2025, with its exact launch date to be unveiled during Steam Next Fest this October. Fans can also look forward to a free demo playable from Monday, October 13, to Monday, October 20.
If epic, magical worlds are your passion, there are many fantastic fantasy games to explore. For those who prefer a more grounded, historical experience akin to Kingdom Come Deliverance over the whimsical charm of Fable, a wealth of incredible medieval games also awaits.
Has Dungeons and Kingdoms captured your imagination? We’d love to hear what excites you most about this upcoming title!