New Online Co-Op Steam Game Was Made by the Original Diablo Developers

Moonbeast Productions, a team comprised of former Diablo and Diablo 2 developers, has officially launched its first playable demo for Darkhaven, a brand-new OARPG that blends similar themes from powerhouse titles in the genre with a unique procedurally generated open-world design that sets up diverse gameplay experiences between solo adventures and co-op excursions. Slated for a full launch exclusively for PC via Steam, Darkhaven promises to introduce players to a realm “unlike any other” with its dark fantasy Gothic setting that emphasizes dynamic environments, otherworldy creatures, and chaotic combat.

A number of co-op action RPGs on Steam have drawn inspiration from Diablo, Nox, Torchlight, and more, with players often voicing a notable desire for more games that blend stunning Gothic designs with high-fantasy storytelling, cosmic worldbuilding, and a dash of mystique and mysticism. The continued popularity of dark fantasy action games has spanned across many ARPGs and has even managed to encompass Soulslike games such as Bloodborne. As such, it should come as no surprise that some of the creatives behind the first two games in the iconic Diablo series are returning to their roots with Darkhaven. Thanks to the inclusion of both single-player and online co-op, Darkhaven looks to set itself apart from others while drawing on the successes of its predecessors.

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Darkhaven Free Demon Out Now on Steam

Darkhaven introduces players to a forlorn realm where civilization has completely collapsed, leaving behind the remnants of a long-dead empire and wild lands filled with an oppressive evil that seeks to reclaim the ruins of the world. Players must set out from the comfort of a humble home and embark on daring quests to uncover biomes, rebuild fallen fortresses, reshape the lands they explore, gather forgotten treasures, and battle against creatures mutated by darkness. Unlike other action role-playing games, Darkhaven features “truly open movement,” including jumping, climbing, swimming, and dashing, allowing fans to discover the world in a variety of ways and engage in more diverse combat scenarios. The dynamic environmental design of Darkhaven also allows both players and enemies to terraform battle zones, leaving the scars of conflict as a permanent reminder of the dangers living amongst the remains.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

Darkhaven intends to offer “persistent online worlds” that will allow players to experience the game solo, in co-op multiplayer, or in open online PvP mode. Moonbeast Productions aims to ensure Darkhaven is “fully moddable from the ground up,” meaning fans will be able to create their own stories, missions, landscapes, and more within the game. An in-client editor is said to make it possible for users to design single set-pieces or even develop items, monsters, and playable character classes, all of which can be shared and experienced in active co-op. Similar to other mod-friendly online games, Darkhaven seeks to give players the agency to expand the world in their own imaginative ways, while also offering enough for fans to enjoy while trying out a single-player run. Interested gamers can now check out the free playable pre-alpha demo of Darkhaven exclusively on Steam.

It is worth noting that the early reviews for the Darkhaven demo sit at “Mostly Positive” at the time of writing, with the general critiques being directed towards visual polish, general “jank,” and other issues that frequently plague early alpha builds, while positive reviews share an appreciation for the risks taken with some of the gameplay mechanics. There is presently no anticipated release window that has been shared publicly, so it may be some time until Darkhaven is ready for a full launch. Players can stay tuned for any updates on Darkhaven as its development progresses, along with other news of the latest isometric action RPGs.