Dungeon Stalkers’ Witch’s Curse Shakes Up Extraction RPGs

Every so often, a fresh contender emerges to challenge the extraction RPG crown, and Dungeon Stalkers’ final Steam playtest has my full attention. Whether you’re coming off a tense Dark and Darker session or craving PvE progression alongside PvP mayhem, this build delivers an intriguing new spin.

Witch’s Curse Could Balance PvE Progression and PvP Thrills

• Witch’s Curse system: random in-match effects that can boost underdogs or upend veteran strategies.
• Meaningful playtest rewards: unlock vampiric summoner Rene now and carry her into early access.
• No-loss PvE mode: learn new classes and gather loot without risking your haul.
• Rune-based progression: crafting and upgrades at camp let you grow long-term.

Feature	Specification
Publisher	Oneuniverse
Release Date	TBA (Early Access post-playtest)
Genres	Extraction RPG, Dungeon Crawler, PvE, PvP
Platforms	PC (Steam)

Extraction titles often favor the highest-skilled players, but Oneuniverse says their goal is giving newcomers a fighting chance. Their Witch’s Curse mechanic drops game-changing spells mid-run—turning a meek rogue into a threat or making the dungeon itself more lethal. It’s a bold gamble: RNG in PvP can spark controversy, but it also sets the stage for dramatic comebacks.

Beyond chaos, this playtest separates risk-free PvE from high-stakes ranked matches. You can dive into dungeons, test gear, and save your loot confidently, while seasoned stalkers still face the usual extraction tension. The split caters to casuals without sidelining hardcore fans.

Content-wise, this is Dungeon Stalkers’ most robust test yet. Two new Stalkers (Shinobu and Liyan), an overhauled rune upgrade path, and crafting at your base signal a shift from barebones alpha to a contender that could rival Dark and Darker or even Hunt: Showdown—if the depth holds up.

What This Means for Fans

If you’ve hesitated over relentless PvP loot wars, this might be your opening. The Witch’s Curse delivers unpredictable twists that keep runs fresh and give underdogs a shot at glory. Incentives like Rene’s unlock and bonus currencies suggest Oneuniverse is serious about rewarding early adopters, not just padding numbers.

The big question remains: will these PvE-focused systems sustain veteran interest once novelty fades? With competitors dialing back on PvE, there’s room in the market for a balanced extraction experience. If Dungeon Stalkers nails its tuning, it could bridge the gap between casual dungeon crawls and hardcore extraction loops.

TL;DR: Dungeon Stalkers Might Break the Extraction RPG Mold

More than a Dark and Darker offshoot, this playtest’s Witch’s Curse and no-loss PvE give both newbies and veterans reasons to dive in. Track it through early access—it just might redefine the extraction RPG formula.