If you’ve been itching for a fresh take on the action-packed, horde-battling goodness that Vampire Survivors brought to the table, let me introduce you to Conquest Dark. This indie gem just dropped on Steam as of April 30, 2025, and it’s already turning heads with its brutal sword-and-sorcery vibes mixed with that addictive survivors-like gameplay we’ve all come to crave. Developed by Eldritch Sword Games and published by Mad Mushroom, Conquest Dark is here to scratch that ARPG itch in a way that feels both familiar and wildly unique.
A Dark Fantasy World in Chaos
So, what’s the deal with Conquest Dark? Picture this: it’s 237 years after a mysterious Black Planet crash-lands, plunging humanity into chaos. Undead armies have trashed the kingdoms, Cosmic Gods are kaput, and the Primordial Ones—think ancient, cosmic nightmares—are stirring from their slumber. You’re thrust into this savage, cursed world as a champion (or maybe a desperate criminal) performing Dark Rituals to fight back against the forces that wrecked civilization. It’s dark fantasy at its grittiest, with haunting ruins and fallen kingdoms as your battlegrounds. Sound intense? It is.
Gameplay That Hooks You In
Now, if you’ve played Vampire Survivors, you’ll feel right at home with the core loop here. You’re dropped into relentless waves of enemies, perfecting your build as you go, unlocking devastating skills and weapons to survive the onslaught. Like Vampire Survivors, it’s all about that satisfying power creep—starting as a feeble grunt and rising to god-slaying legend in a single run. But Conquest Dark cranks it up a notch with its ARPG flair. Think less random chaos and more deliberate strategy. You’ve got 3 races, 5 classes (like the wild Barbarians of the Lion or the mysterious Acolytes of Kuu), 20 weapons, and 45 skills to mix and match. The build variety? Practically endless.
What Sets It Apart
What sets it apart from Vampire Survivors is the dark fantasy flavor and depth. Where Vampire Survivors leans into gothic simplicity, Conquest Dark channels Conan the Barbarian meets cosmic horror. It’s got 13 deadly maps to explore, each dripping with atmosphere—think cursed ruins and eldritch vibes. Plus, those Dark Ritual runs? They’re not just about surviving; they tie into a narrative where your choices shape humanity’s fate. It’s like Vampire Survivors grew a brooding backstory and a beefy combat system overnight.
Early Access and Beyond
Currently in Early Access, Conquest Dark is rough around the edges but brimming with potential. The devs promise it’ll evolve over the next year with more content, tighter gameplay, and community feedback driving the charge. If you’re an ARPG fan or just love mowing down hordes with style, this one’s a must-try. Grab it on Steam, dive into the chaos, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to conquer the dark!