Hello everyone, you can download Darkest Dungeon for Ubuntu and Linux and experience playing a game that is almost 10 years old but yet somehow it is still one of the most played games on Linux according to Steam. Let’s find out why that is. It surely isn’t because of the graphics, I can tell you that! 😉
Install Darkest Dungeon on Ubuntu/Linux
In order to install this game on your Linux OS whether that be on Ubuntu or maybe Linux Mint, just follow the instructions below.
- Choose where you want to download the game from:
- Once you are done downloading it, click the Darkest Dungeon icon on your desktop or launcher and enjoy.
After you get the downloading out of the way, now, let’s find out what is making this game that was released in 2016, still relevant today. Well one of the reasons is that Darkest Dungeons 2 has been released, it was released on May 8th 2023 and has ‘mostly positive’ reviews so far, again, according to Steam. I think the launch of the sequel has certainly given this old game some life.
Another reason? Well let’s be honest, a lot of the new games are simply not being made for Linux these days, not even the Steam Deck itself which, of course runs Linux for those of you who don’t know. I think the market gap of Linux gamers is just too wide, despite Valve’s Steam Deck popularity, Linux still commands less than 2% of the gaming market, trailing MacOS and Windows.
How is the gameplay like?
Besides that, the game is pretty interesting, it is probably the most unique one I have played in awhile because of its constant push and pull between risk and reward. You’ll find yourself strategizing heavily in the Hamlet, only to have your plans thrown away by a surprise enemy or a hero succumbing to stress in the dungeon(trust me this gets crazy at times). This constant tension keeps you engaged and makes every victory feel hard earned which is probably the strongest appeal to the game, it’s really rewarding once you get the hang of managing your party’s physical and mental well-being.
The game is a RPG turned-based game where you lead a band of flawed heroes through twisted dungeons, battling fierce monsters and gothic inspired horrors. Your heroes(your party) will be pushed to the brink of madness by the terrifying encounters, forcing you to make tough choices about pushing forward for greater rewards or running away to keep your sanity, lol, trust me, it’s something you just have to play, at least once.
Pros:
- Unique Stress Mechanic: Adds a psychological layer to dungeon crawling, making heroes vulnerable to fear and despair alongside physical threats.
- Relentless and Strategic Gameplay: Permanent death, ever-present stress, and challenging combat create a tense and unforgiving experience.
- Gothic Horror Atmosphere: Gripping visuals, unsettling narration, and chilling sound design create a truly immersive world of horror.
- Hamlet Management: The Hamlet offers a strategic layer, allowing you to invest resources and make decisions that impact your party’s success.
- High Replayability: Procedurally generated dungeons, a vast roster of heroes, and permadeath ensure no two playthroughs are the same.
Cons:
- High Difficulty: The unforgiving nature and punishing mechanics can be frustrating for new players.
- Grindy at Times: Accumulating resources and building a strong party can feel repetitive, especially after character losses.
- Limited Character Customization: While equipment choices offer tactical variety, individual hero customization is restricted.
- Reliance on RNG (Random Number Generation): Certain mechanics, like enemy crits and stress checks, can feel unfair due to randomness.
- Stylistic Choice May Not Appeal to Everyone: The dark and grotesque visuals and bleak atmosphere might not be for all players.
What is Darkest Dungeon game about?
Darkest Dungeon is a rogue like, classic RPG game that works on your Linux OS. The story starts off in a gothic world, you inherit a crumbling ancestral estate tainted by the dead and horror. To purge the evil and reclaim your birthright, you must delve into the oppressive dungeons beneath the mansion. This roguelike RPG throws together a band of flawed heroes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. As you navigate the twisted corridors and battle monstrous creatures, you’ll face not only physical threats but also the psychological stress of confronting the darkness. The game emphasizes the emotional weight of dungeon crawling, where stress and fear can cripple your heroes as much as a critical blow.
Darkest Dungeon Features:
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Stress Management: Darkest Dungeon goes beyond just physical health. Your heroes also experience mental stress as they delve deeper into the dungeon. This stress can manifest as negative quirks, like paranoia or masochism, that hinder their performance in battle. You’ll need to manage stress through exploration decisions, hero interactions, and special Hamlet mechanics to keep your party from succumbing to despair.
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Relentless Hero Progression: Victory in Darkest Dungeon often comes at a cost. Even successful missions can leave your heroes wounded, stressed, or afflicted with negative quirks. Death is permanent, forcing you to recruit new heroes and constantly rebuild your party. This impermanence adds a layer of tension and emphasizes the harsh realities of facing overwhelming darkness.
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Gothic Horror Atmosphere: Darkest Dungeon’s world is steeped in a brooding, Lovecraftian horror. The visuals are dark and grotesque, and the narration delivers a constant sense of dread. The sound design is equally unsettling, with haunting music and chilling creature sound effects that build tension throughout your exploration.
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Town Management – The Hamlet: Your ancestral estate, the Hamlet, acts as your base of operations between dungeon crawls. Here, you can manage your roster, upgrade equipment, and utilize various facilities to heal, train, and de-stress your heroes. The Hamlet offers a strategic layer to the game, allowing you to invest resources and make decisions that impact your party’s success.
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Turn-Based Combat with Positioning: Battles in Darkest Dungeon are turn-based and strategic. Hero positioning plays a crucial role, as the placement of your party members on the front, back, or flanks can significantly impact their effectiveness and vulnerability. Managing abilities, positioning, and stress during combat creates a tense and challenging gameplay experience.
Darkest Dungeon Gameplay Video
Darkest Dungeon Gameplay Screenshots
Poll
Darkest Dungeon Linux Requirements
- OS: Ubuntu 18.04 or newer
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Graphics: Open GL 3.2+ Compliant
- Storage: 2 GB available space
- Additional Notes: 1080p, 16:9 recommended aspect ratio
Let us know in the comments what you think about the game if you decide to try it.
