This new PvEvP Extraction RPG: Dungeon Stalkers

Dungeon Stalkers is an upcoming third-person PvEvP (player versus environment versus player) extraction RPG dungeon crawler developed by Action Square. Set in a fantasy world, players take on the role of "Stalkers" exploring dynamic dungeons filled with monsters, traps, and rival players, while contending with the "Witch's Curse" that introduces periodic events altering gameplay (e.g., spawning enemies or breaking armor). The core loop involves looting gear, surviving encounters, and extracting treasures to upgrade your hideout and characters. It features nine playable classes with unique skills, armor destruction mechanics that expose vulnerabilities, and modes including PvEvP quick matches (with ranked risking gear loss) and a pure PvE adventure mode for less competitive play. The game emphasizes strategic use of darkness for evasion and supports both solo and team play.

As of August 5, 2025, the game hasn't fully launched yet—it's scheduled for Early Access release on PC via Steam on August 13, 2025, with a PS5 version also in development but without a confirmed date. Impressions are based on playtests, including the final beta in late June to early July 2025. Opinions are mixed but lean positive among content creators, with some criticism from written reviews highlighting areas for improvement before launch.

Is It Actually Really Good?

Based on available feedback, Dungeon Stalkers shows strong potential as a fresh take on the extraction RPG genre (similar to Dark and Darker or Escape from Tarkov but with third-person anime-style visuals and PvE options). Many testers praise its accessibility and fun factor, especially in PvE, but it has rough edges like pacing issues and monetization concerns that could impact its reception. Here's a breakdown:

Pros Highlighted in Playtest Feedback:

• Engaging Gameplay Variety: Fluid combat, especially for ranged classes like mages (e.g., pre-casting spells while moving), and unique mechanics like armor destruction add tension. The Witch's Curse keeps dungeons dynamic and replayable.
• PvE Focus as a Strength: Rare for the genre, the dedicated PvE mode allows loot-sharing without player hostility, making it appealing for solo or co-op players avoiding PvP griefing. It's described as "enough going on to keep you interested" with progression systems like crafting and hideout upgrades.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Distinct character designs and easy-to-learn controls stand out, with fun team-based moments in 3-player squads.
• Positive Buzz from Creators: YouTube videos from the final playtest call it "INSANE," "CRAZY," and "Actually Really Good," emphasizing its potential as a PvE-friendly alternative to competitors. Early Reddit comments noted it's "actually pretty good and can be better with improvements."

Cons and Criticisms:

• Pacing and Combat Issues: Combat feels slow and one-dimensional, with simple AI that's easy to exploit. Melee classes can feel clunky compared to ranged ones, and overall movement is sluggish—echoing older feedback from 2024 playtests.
• Balance and Fairness Concerns: Gear bonuses are character-specific, leading to uneven experiences. The live-service model includes microtransactions (season pass, cash shop for cosmetics and resources), raising fears of pay-to-win elements where paying players progress faster or gain advantages.
• Atmosphere and Polish: Generic models, lack of ambient music, and a "mobile game" UI detract from immersion. It's challenging solo, with risks like permanent gear loss on death feeling punishing for beginners.
• Doesn't Fully Stand Out Yet: One review calls it "just another stalker" in a crowded genre, with cons outweighing pros and potential to struggle at launch without fixes.

Overall, if you're a fan of extraction RPGs and prefer PvE or third-person action, it could be "really good" based on playtest hype, but wait for Early Access reviews post-August 13 to confirm polish and monetization fairness. No Metacritic scores or Steam user ratings exist yet, as it's pre-release. Wishlist it on Steam if interested, as it's free-to-play with optional purchases.