Before open worlds sprawled everywhere, there was the grid. Step by careful step, corridor by corridor, you descended into the dark — map in hand, heart in throat, every turn holding promise or peril. That golden era of 1990s dungeon-crawling RPGs is reborn today in Underkeep, from Czech indie studio Rake in Grass — a game that doesn’t just mimic the classics, but understands them deeply, then builds something brighter, sharper, and entirely its own.
THE HEART OF THE DUNGEON, POLISHED FOR TODAY
Underkeep wears its inspirations proudly — the measured pace, the first-person perspective, the grid-based movement that made titles like Dungeon Master, Wizardry, and Lands of Lore feel so tangible and immersive. But this is no mere nostalgia trip. Where older games could frustrate with clunky interfaces, cryptic mapping, and punishing friction, Underkeep preserves the spirit while clearing the path:
- Grid-based exploration returns — every step counts, positioning matters, and the map unfolds square by square
- Fully featured automap with custom markers — no more graph paper required, yet you’ll still want to chart your own notes
- Modern, fluid controls — responsive, intuitive, and fully gamepad-compatible
- Skippable animations and adjustable pacing — honouring your time as much as your love of tradition
“Underkeep brings back the spirit of classic dungeon crawlers: grid movement, slow tension and tactical combat. At the same time it plays clean and responsive thanks to modern controls, clear visuals and thoughtful conveniences that remove the old frustrations without losing the heart.” — Rake in Grass
ASSEMBLE YOUR PARTY, PLAN YOUR VICTORY
You don’t face the dark alone. Underkeep centres on a four-strong party of adventurers, each with distinct skills, spells, and roles to master. Synergy is everything — and the tactical turn-based combat system rewards careful thought over brute force:
- Manage stamina and mana — burn through your resources too fast, and you’ll have nothing left for the boss
- Control the grid — chokepoints, flanking positions, and room layout shape every engagement
- Build for synergy — tanky defenders, arcane casters, precise strikers, and rugged explorers combine into something greater than the sum of its parts
- Upgrade and equip — loot, craft, and customise gear that shifts how you fight and explore
This is combat that feels like a game of chess — played against things that want to eat you.
HAND-CRAFTED DEPTHS, LIVING WORLDS
Procedural generation has its place, but Underkeep chooses hand-built dungeons — corridors, chambers, and secrets placed with intent. Every wall might conceal a passage; every alcove could hold treasure or a trap. Beyond the combat, there is life: NPCs with stories, puzzles woven into the architecture, and choices that ripple through the world.
- Hidden passages and false walls reward vigilance
- Optional bosses and branching paths invite replay
- Encounters where talking matters as much as fighting
- A story of the Underkeep itself — why it fell, what sleeps below, and who still calls it home
AVAILABLE NOW — DESCEND TODAY
Underkeep launches 5 November 2026 on Steam and GOG, priced at £15.99 / €19.99 — with a launch discount available for the first week.
Whether you cut your teeth mapping labyrinths in the 90s or you’ve only heard legends of those golden days, Underkeep welcomes you. It is a bridge across time — the tension, the wonder, the thrill of discovery you remember, polished and refined for the player you are today.
“Old-school RPG fans who savour strategic party-building and thoughtful exploration will find a perfect match.”
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