Summary
While a steep departure from the main game,Minecraft Dungeonswas a great success in its own right, with fans enjoying its cute graphics and enjoyable gameplay. While there are plenty of great dungeon crawler games out there, many of them are not suitable for younger audiences, which is one of the reasons thatMinecraft Dungeonswas so appealing.
If someone has utterly exhaustedthe secrets ofMinecraft Dungeonsand is now looking for a fresh dungeon crawler or rogue-like fix, then they can rest easy in knowing that they have options. Some of the recommendedgames likeMinecraft Dungeonsalso have similar ESRB ratings.
Updated August 11, 2025 by Mark Sammut:The specifications have been added for every game similar to Minecraft Dungeons.
Rune Factoryis a niche but still reasonably successful RPG series that combines dungeon crawling with farming elements. This dichotomy creates a fun mix of action and slice-of-life relaxation, andRune Factory 4 Specialarguably represents the Japanese franchise at its best.
While not the deepest farming sim or action RPG on the market,Rune Factory 4is polished, accessible, and charming. LikeMinecraft Dungeons, it is a good entry-level option for people looking to dip their toes in dungeon crawlers (and also farming sims).
Death’s Doorfollows a young crow on its quest to cull the land of a series of “enemies” that plan on living forever. It’s a charming game filled with entertaining characters and a story revolving around a mysterious door that a wise old Crow wants to see opened. Those who enjoy fantastical settings should love to visuals for this release.
From a gameplay standpoint,Death’s Doorplays a lot likea traditional ARPG mixed with a Metroidvania. Although players won’t have as much depth concerning skills and abilities, there is still a lot of fun to be had with the fast-paced (and punishing) combat system.
The Binding of Isaacwas originally released for PC in 2011, but this project was later remade and re-released asThe Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. After that, the remake gained a couple of expansions, starting with 2015’sAfterbirthand concluding with 2021’sRepentance.
This indie title is a roguelike game that features procedurally generated dungeon levels by using map seeds, which can also be shared with other players so they can attempt the same dungeon layout. The game offers single-player and multiplayer and also has permadeath that can pose a challenge for many players.
Torchlight 2is anaction RPG dungeon crawlerthat was released in 2012, as a follow-up to 2009’sTorchlight. Players create custom characters, choosing between one of four different classes, and they then explore randomized dungeons, as well as being able to visit overland areas and hub towns.
The game builds on the original by adding a host of new features, such as day/night cycles, weather effects, a new UI, and more. Additionally, some returning features have been improved upon, such as fishing and pets. The game features both single-player and multiplayer.
On the surface,Victor Vranmight appear to be a typical dungeon-crawler action RPG but looks can be slightly deceiving. Unlike many of the projects developed for the genre, Haemimont decided to not focus too heavily on loot and grinding, instead prioritizing real-time combat and weapon classes. As such,Victor Vranplays out like a hack and slash game that just happens to be presented from an isometric angle.
Now, the game still provides new weapons and outfits frequently, they are just not presented as the main driving force pushing players forward (which does hurt the campaign’s replayability to an extent).Victor Vrancan be completed over a few hours, and while that might be short for this type of release, it does at least make great use of every second.Victor Vranmight just have the best combat out of any action RPG.
If someone is looking for a dungeon crawler with a quirky twist, thenCrypt of the NecroDanceris the project for them. The game mixes dungeon exploration with rhythm-based mechanics, with players having to move to the beat through the procedurally-generated dungeons. The character’s actions are more effective when the player manages to keep the beat, with the actions being impaired if players miss a beat.
The game offers local co-op play for two players. Furthermore, Switch players can pick up theCadence of Hyrulespin-off that sprinklesZeldagoodness all overCrypt of the NecroDancer.
Producing four entries across the span of less than a decade,Fateis a niche but beloved action RPG series that tweaks theDiabloformula to make it a better fit for younger players. Basically, these games were the family-friendly dungeon crawlers beforeMinecraft Dungeons, although they reached a much smaller audience since they were indie projects released exclusively on PC. Even though fairly old by this point, the original title holds up pretty well, with the gameplay still being a lot of fun all these years later.
Minecraft DungeonsandTorchlightdo somewhat renderFateobsolete, in the sense that they are more modern action RPGs that scratch the same itch; however, the 2005 release and its sequels are nevertheless charming and worth seeking out. They are also quite cheap on Steam, so they do not require much of an investment.
Enter the Gungeonis a dungeon crawler with a gun-theme, hence the name. The game follows four misfit characters as they battle through procedurally-generated dungeons while fighting enemies and obtaining new guns, with the end goal being to find the ultimate legendary treasure – the gun that can kill their past.
The pixel style of the game coupled with the quirky yet adorable sentient living bullets and other gun creatures make for an enjoyable mix. The game offers localco-op playas well.
Slay the Spiremixes things up in a refreshing way by combining the dungeon crawler genre with tabletop card game elements, with combat solely using this card-based system. Players can customize their decks before they head into the procedurally-generated dungeon levels of the Spire.
Players can choose one of four different characters, each withunique card sets. As players progress, they will earn new cards that they can use to make their deck even stronger.
Bastionis an action RPG that was originally released in 2011 and, despite its age, still looks stunningly beautiful to this day due to its vibrant hand-painted art style. Players take on the role of “the Kid” as they travel through various fantastical environments and battle weird and wonderful creatures.
The game is single-player only, but it offers a brilliant storyline, colorful graphics, and engaging gameplay Supergiant has established itself as one of the best indie developers on the market, andBastionis still arguably the company’s crowning achievement.
