Despite Its Popularity, Free Version of Dark and Darker Didn't Appeal to Everyone

Source: Ironmace.

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After a long absence, Dark and Darker made a comeback on Steam and immediately faced criticism from some players. Even though many users of this platform are playing the game at the same time, numerous negative reviews have been given to the game. It's all because of the distribution model in which the dungeon crawler was released.

Dark and Darker gathered a total of 1193 reviews since returning to Steam on June 7th. What is important, however, only 46% of these opinions are positive. At the peak moment of the discussed RPG, 21,947 users were playing at the same time.

Controversial free-to-play

At present, the game can be played in early access using a free-to-play model on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. This particular method of game distribution clearly divided its fans and provoked intense emotions among them.

While browsing the reviews for Dark and Darker, the negative opinions particularly stand out. The players who wrote them emphasize that the title released in this form is actually a demo version. It's all because of the paid content - if you put out $30, you'll get more options for playing.

Free content is very limited. In the free-to-play model, we will only create one character per account, and we cannot change its class. Moreover, only regular dungeons with weaker opponents and fewer loot are available.

Some players also supported the devs' chosen publishing method. They point out that in this way, developers will encourage a larger group of recipients to check out RPG, and the limits imposed are intended to prevent a given user from creating new accounts.

It's also worth noting that in the positive reviews of Dark and Darker, players simply express their satisfaction with the return of their favorite dungeon crawler to Steam. Let's note that the title disappeared from the platform in March 2023 as a result of a lawsuit by Nexon company.

Details of the 4th season of Dark and Darker

With the reappearance of Dark and Darker on Steam, Ironmace studio presented details of the fresh content heading to the title. The 4th season will introduce, among other things, the following changes:

1. new version of the Ice Abyss map;
2. druid class;
3. upgrade of your free account to the legendary version (which you have to pay for);
4. cross-play between different platforms on PC;
5. improved matchmaking system that will no longer have a pre-lobby;
6. a refreshed Gathering Hall map, which will also include a tavern;
7. new Arena mode and scoring system, presenting players' results.

Furthermore, there will be standard fixes for any emerging errors. Some character statistics will also be changed. Unfortunately, the devs haven't yet revealed the debut date of these new features.

1. Dark and Darker -- official website
2. Dark and Darker on Steam