The Greatest Dungeon Shooter Games Of All Time, Ranked

Shooter games have become incredibly diverse, taking place in settings ranging from spaceships to war zones. One particularly compelling type drops players into fantastical dungeons. There’s a unique appeal to exploring levels deep underground, venturing into the unknown with any weapons you can find – guns, magic wands, or swords.

Players enjoy different approaches to dungeon design. Some prefer randomly generated dungeons that change with each playthrough, while others like carefully crafted levels that reward exploration and attention to detail. Ultimately, whether the game is set in a traditional fantasy world or something inspired by it isn’t as important as creating a genuine feeling of being a dungeon explorer.

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10. Heretic + Hexen

Trading Guns For Magic Spells

Iconic shooters from the early days.
Puzzle-heavy design separated it from other FPS games.

Before the fantasy shooter genre was well-defined, Heretic and Hexen paved the way, and a new enhanced release lets even more players discover their brilliance. The gameplay is similar to DOOM, but instead of guns, you wield magical weapons, creating a more fantastical experience.

What really stood out to me about these games was how they were built. Instead of just running and shooting, the levels were all about exploring, solving puzzles, and feeling connected – like a real, sprawling dungeon. That made them feel much creepier and more tense than most shooters back then, which were all about fast action. Honestly, I hadn’t even heard of these games before, but when I saw the new release, the art style and the way it mixed gameplay just grabbed me. I knew I had to check them out, and I’m so glad I did!

9. Delver

Something New Every Single Time

Procedurally generated runs.
Permadeath reinforces the randomness.

Delver is a challenging but satisfying pixelated dungeon crawler. It’s unforgiving – a single mistake sends you back to the beginning – but once you understand how it works, you’ll be able to overcome almost any obstacle.

I was instantly captivated after just a few tries, but I’ll admit, the game’s complexity caught me off guard and I died repeatedly. I suspect the simple, clean visuals will appeal to a lot of players, and they’ll quickly become engrossed in the hunt for treasure, losing track of time in the process.

8. Dark And Darker

Far From A Conventional Extraction Game

PvPvE structure adds constant chaos.
Dungeon exploration driven by risk-reward.

Most extraction shooters focus on realistic military combat, but Dark and Darker is different. It throws players into dangerous dungeons where they must fight both other players and monsters, all while managing scarce supplies and risking losing everything permanently.

This game is remarkably intense. Having played many similar games, I can say this one stands out because of its originality. Each door you open and hallway you check feels genuinely risky, making even minor fights important. The deliberate, slower-paced combat adds to the feeling of dread and sets it apart from the fast-action, team-based shooters you usually see.

7. Abyssus

Into The Watery Depths

Fast-paced gunplay across runs
Cooperative systems introduce more synergy

Abyssus is a fast-paced game where you explore a crumbling underwater catacomb, battling through endless rooms and upgrading your gear to survive. Because the levels are randomly generated, every playthrough is different, and you can try out tons of unique weapon and ability combinations to find what works best.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first tried the demo, but I was hooked almost immediately! I bought the full game and started playing again before I’d even finished the demo run. With the addition of co-op, it became a really fast-paced and satisfying first-person shooter, set in a unique and fascinating underground world.

6. Arx Fatalis

Immersive Simulation At Its Best

The entire game takes place in an underground world.
Magic system relies on physically drawing runes.

Arx Fatalis is still considered one of the most innovative dungeon crawler RPGs ever created, largely because it stuck to its own unique vision. The game’s underground world feels incredibly real and connected, like a thriving, living place instead of just a collection of separate areas. Because players are almost entirely confined to indoor locations with no way to reach the outside world, it creates a uniquely immersive experience.

The game’s magic system, based on drawing runes, is still incredibly original. You have to physically draw the symbols yourself, which makes gameplay much more immersive. I was worried it might feel dated, but the rune system was enough to completely draw me in and keep me hooked from the moment I entered the dungeons.

5. Gunfire Reborn

Cute, Cuddly Carnage

Weapon combinations radically alter playstyles.
Character abilities create strong build diversity.

Gunfire Reborn really shines as a game that successfully blends the challenging, replayable elements of roguelikes with the fast-paced action of a first-person shooter. Each playthrough feels unique thanks to the variety of weapons, items, and magical effects, encouraging players to experiment with creative strategies rather than just focusing on the most efficient build.

The game’s difficulty increases at a good pace, offering challenging fights without becoming too frustrating. My friends and I discovered Gunfire Reborn on Steam and immediately loved it. Even after finishing the main story, I keep returning to play again and again.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

On A More Brutal Level

Deeply satisfying combat.
Vast endgame progression loop.

The world of Warhammer has long featured shooting elements, and the release of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has solidified its position as a leading franchise in the shooter genre. Darktide offers a compelling mix of fast-paced action, set in tight, dungeon-like levels, with deep character customization and plenty of content to keep players engaged long after completing the main game. It successfully combines the excitement of horde shooters with the depth of role-playing games.

I didn’t really get into the game when it first came out, but I decided to try it again a few years later and was really impressed. It was just a lot of fun to jump into matches, team up with other players, defeat enemies, and then go back to improve my character and keep playing. It’s easy to see why this game is considered a classic.

3. Remnant 2

Soulslikes And Guns Collide

Slower, more methodical shooter style.
Boss fights rely heavily on skill.

Remnant 2 builds on the strengths of the first game, refining its systems and emphasizing fast-paced shooting. It truly lives up to its ‘soulslike’ label, immediately challenging players with unpredictable levels that always culminate in tough boss battles. Finding good loot encourages players to explore like they’re delving into a dungeon.

I especially enjoyed the class system in Remnant 2. While you can use any weapon you like, the classes encourage you to build towards a particular playstyle. I preferred sniping from long range with a special ability that let me see enemies through walls, prioritizing staying safe and distant. Even with that strategy, the game’s toughest enemies in the later stages could still be really challenging.

2. Sulfur

Just You Versus The World

PvE extraction gameplay.
Multiple systems merge into one.

Sulfur demonstrates how much extraction shooter games have evolved, proving they can be engaging even as a solo experience. While the core gameplay loop will feel familiar to fans of the genre, Sulfur streamlines many systems, focusing on a sleek, responsive feel and satisfying feedback.

The game world has a unique charm – it’s both odd and funny, creating a really relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere you won’t find in other games. I found myself happily spending hours completing every area and defeating all the enemies, and once I had a powerful character, I didn’t want the fun to end.

1. Barony

The Ultimate Multiplayer Dungeon Experience

Challenging yet rewarding exploration.
Party dynamics make every run feel different.

Barony truly excels as a PvE dungeon. It brilliantly simplifies classic RPG elements – like character classes and enemy types – making it easy for anyone to pick up and play, with a clear understanding of the objective.

I’ve been playing Barony and I’m seriously impressed with how much there is to explore! The dungeons just keep going and going – it’s all procedurally generated, so every time you play it feels fresh. I didn’t expect so many layers, filled with tons of loot and enemies. Honestly, if you’re looking for a roguelike FPS to play with friends, I don’t think anything else really compares. It’s a blast!

2026-05-19 00:37