Summary
In any fantasy game, few experiences compare to the thrill of stumbling upon a dark, sprawling dungeon leading deep underground, filled with mysteries and rewards. Traditionally, many dungeons in fantasy or open-world RPGs are entirely optional and easy to miss, making the discovery of a hidden, hours-long underground region a rare treat. Descending further into darkness with only the light of a torch or a faint glow from above can be a true highlight of a player’s experience.
Spending hours wandering in the dark, facing terrifying creatures adapted to life without light, solving intricate puzzles, and navigating deadly traps is unforgettable. Whether it’s ancient tombs and temples buried far below, grim catacombs, or twisting caverns, these fantasy games offer some of the best and most atmospheric dungeons to explore.
Elden Ringhas arguably claimed the title of the new king of dungeons in open-world action RPGs, offering both quantity and quality with its array of intricate caves, underground caverns, gaols (jails), catacombs, and everything in between. Thevast majority of dungeonsin the game are entirely optional, and some are so well-hidden that players might not discover them even after hundreds of hours in the colossal world of the Lands Between.
What setsElden Ring’s dungeons apart is the uniquely hand-crafted design of each one, consistently presenting new mechanics, challenges, traps, secrets, enemies, and bosses. Players are unlikely to forget their first descent into the Siofra River Well, revealing an entirely new world beneath the surface. With such diverse execution, themes, and atmospheres,Elden Ringsets a high bar that few other games can match.
TheElder Scrollsseries has always packed its worlds with a vast array of dungeons, andSkyrimstands out as one of the most impressive in the genre. The game’s underground areas vary widely, from small bandit camps, mines, and caves to sprawling Dwemer ruins, ancient Nordic tombs, and even dragon lairs. One unique feature is thatSkyrim’s dungeons can reset over time, allowing players to revisit and encounter new threats and loot.
With both quantity and quality, each dungeon introduces its own set of challenges and secrets, often tied to engaging questlines and memorable NPCs.Some ofSkyrim’s most iconic and beloved dungeonsinclude Bleak Falls Barrow, Labyrinthian, Frostflow Lighthouse, and Skuldafn, all of which have left a lasting impression on players.
Pillars of Eternityoffers numerous atmospheric dungeons and caves filled with traps, hidden passages, puzzles, and treasures. However, the crown jewel of its dungeons is undoubtedly the Endless Paths of Od Nua, a massive mega-dungeon that players encounter within the first ten hours. Located beneath the Caed Nua stronghold, it’s a cursed, abandoned Engwithan ruin built around a colossal Adra statue.
The Endless Paths spans 15 levels, with a difficulty that increases as players progress, making it impossible to clear all at once. It has its own storyline, though it’s entirely optional, and often presents obstacles that prompt players to return later. With its challenging design and rich atmosphere, this mega-dungeon is a treat for any fantasy fan looking for a memorable adventure.
WithDiablo 4, Blizzard successfully recaptured the dark fantasy essence fans craved, creating a world soaked in blood, death, and demons. From the shadowy color palette to the haunting score,Diablo 4feels like a triumphant return to the series' roots. The expansive open-world design gives players the freedom to explore at their own pace, tackling tasks and discovering secrets on their terms.
The game’s world is packed withatmospheric, ominous dungeons and strongholds, each offering valuable rewards like legendary loot, shrines, collectibles, and powerful Aspects to enhance gear. Many dungeons also include their own side stories, adding an extra layer of excitement as players clear out enemies, evade deadly traps, and uncover the mysteries hidden within.
TheDragon Ageseries embraces classic fantasy elements, including the iconic mega-dungeon known as the Deep Roads — a sprawling network of ancient tunnels that once belonged to a grand dwarven empire, much like Moria fromThe Lord of the Rings. While the Deep Roads play a significant role in bothOriginsandDragon Age 2, they truly shine inDragon Age: Inquisition, especially inThe DescentDLC.
Beyond the Deep Roads,Inquisitionoffers a variety of intricate dungeons and underground areas to explore, including Valammar, Coracavus, and the Lost Temple of Dirthamen. From ancient Elven ruins with unique architectural styles to submerged caves teeming with dangerous monsters,Inquisition’s dungeons are both beautiful and atmospheric, delivering some of the most exciting underground adventures in the series.
Path of Exilestands as one of the top modern ARPGs for hardcore audiences, especially known for its procedural generation techniques in dungeon design. Over the years, the game’s algorithms have been refined to deliver dark, atmospheric dungeons that players can endlessly explore and reroll, creating a unique experience every time.
The game features a staggering amount of content across its ten lengthy acts, each with distinct landscapes, architecture, and dungeon layouts. It even includes a dedicated mode, theLord’s Labyrinth, a sprawling, randomly generated dungeon filled with deadly traps, puzzles, and enemies, all culminating in a challenging boss fight against Izaro. Few games matchPath of Exilein the thrill of hunting for perfect gear and rare loot, making its procedurally generated dungeons a core part of the experience.
Ashenis a lesser-known soulsliketitle that stands out for its multi-regional open world, filled with optional areas to explore. While other soulslike games may excel in different aspects,Ashenshines brightest in its terrifyingly dark, labyrinthine dungeons that can feel like a grueling test of endurance.
One of the most infamous of these is the Amiren dungeon, an underground area that has challenged — and probably derailed — many players' journeys due to its long, pitch-black corridors, intense difficulty, and claustrophobic atmosphere. Even with an AI companion, players often find themselves burning through healing flasks at a rapid pace as they struggle to navigate its narrow ledges and fend off lurking enemies. Collecting the hidden loot tucked away in dangerous corners only adds to the tension. ThoughAshenoffers several such challenging dungeons, the Amiren dungeon stands out as one of the most punishing and unforgettable experiences in the game.
