When Dungeonborne was first announced, it carried the hopes of PvPvE dungeon crawler fans who wanted a fresh take on the genre. Developed by Mithril Interactive, the game promised high-stakes treasure hunting, intense team battles, and an immersive fantasy world. For a brief moment, it looked like Dungeonborne could challenge the dominance of Dark and Darker. But as quickly as it rose to popularity, it just as swiftly fell into obscurity. Now, with its removal from Steam and imminent server shutdown, the game serves as a cautionary tale of how even a promising title can fade away without the right long-term support.
The Birth of a Challenger (2023-2024)
Mithril Interactive revealed Dungeonborne on April 12, 2023, presenting it as a first-person PvPvE dungeon crawler where players could battle both AI-controlled monsters and rival adventurers in pursuit of loot. At first glance, the game had all the makings of a hit—tight combat mechanics, dark fantasy environments, and a compelling risk-versus-reward system.
When the game launched into early access on Steam on July 18, 2024, it saw an impressive peak of 39,000 concurrent players. The hype was real. Streamers and content creators were diving into dungeons, showing off exciting team-based combat, and highlighting tense extraction-based gameplay. Many players praised the combat variety and the thrill of sneaking past enemies or setting up ambushes.
For a moment, it felt like Dungeonborne was the next big thing.
The Decline Begins (August 2024 - January 2025)
However, cracks in the foundation began to show just a couple of months after launch. Players who initially flocked to the game started leaving, and their reasons were clear:
- Lack of meaningful updates: While players expected regular patches and content expansions, Mithril Interactive struggled to keep up with demand. New maps, weapons, and balance adjustments were slow to arrive.
- Technical issues: Server stability, matchmaking bugs, and connection problems frustrated the community. Even die-hard fans found it difficult to overlook these persistent issues.
- An identity crisis: Many players compared Dungeonborne too closely to Dark and Darker. Without a unique hook to differentiate itself, the game struggled to retain a loyal audience.
By December 2024, concurrent player numbers had dropped below 1,000, signaling a sharp decline in interest. Once-busy dungeons now felt empty, and matchmaking times stretched longer and longer. The player exodus was in full swing.
The Official Shutdown (February 2025 - May 2025)
On February 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM (GMT+8), Mithril Interactive made it official—Dungeonborne was shutting down. The game was removed from Steam, preventing any new purchases. In their statement, the developers cited low player retention and financial struggles as the key reasons for the closure. Additionally, registration of new game accounts and in-game purchases were disabled from this date.
On March 1, 2025, the development team released a final “Thank You” patch that allowed players to enjoy the game with all classes and perks unlocked. This farewell update aimed to give the remaining community a memorable send-off before the servers go offline.
By May 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM (GMT+8), the game’s servers are expected to shut down permanently. The planned termination times for different regions are:
- May 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM (GMT-8)
- May 28, 2025, at 3:00 AM (GMT+0)
- May 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM (GMT+8)
From this point onward, Dungeonborne will no longer be available to download or play. For those who invested time and money into the game, it’s a bitter ending with no refunds or compensation announced.
What Went Wrong?
Dungeonborne’s rise and fall highlight some crucial lessons for game developers. A strong launch can only take a game so far—what truly matters is long-term engagement and support. Without consistent content updates, a stable game environment, and a clear identity, even the most promising titles can fizzle out.
The game’s biggest issues boiled down to three major problems:
- Content Drought – Regular updates are key to keeping players engaged. Dungeonborne simply couldn’t keep up.
- Technical Problems – Server issues and matchmaking bugs pushed players away.
- Lack of Unique Appeal – It never fully escaped the shadow of Dark and Darker, failing to offer something distinct enough to maintain a dedicated player base.
Final Thoughts
Dungeonborne had potential, but potential alone doesn’t guarantee success. The game’s failure to sustain its audience turned what could have been a competitor in the PvPvE dungeon crawler scene into just another forgotten title. As the servers prepare to shut down for good, it serves as a stark reminder that in the gaming industry, innovation, consistency, and strong post-launch support are just as important as a strong start.
Would Dungeonborne have stood a chance with better updates and support? Or was it always destined to struggle against the giant that is Dark and Darker? Let us know what you think!
