Below the Stone – A Miner’s Dream Come True The underground realm of Below the Stone, a dwarf-themed roguelike developed by Strollart and published by Apogee Entertainment, is now accessible in Steam Early Access and GOG. Aspiring miners can start their loot-laden journey today, with a full release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S slated for 2024.
Crafting Your Dwarf and Tackling the Depths In this all-in, no-holds-barred roguelike adventure, players design their own dwarf, complete with customizable beards and haircuts. Armed with a trusty pickaxe, it’s time to delve deep into the ruins, hunting for treasure while avoiding the perils of becoming another lost soul beneath the rubble.
Procedurally Generated Challenges and Biome Diversity Below the Stone features a diverse array of procedurally generated dungeons and caves. Adventurers will navigate through fluorescent fungi fields, magma-filled mazes, and vast caverns. The challenge intensifies with the presence of formidable foes like club-wielding trolls, yetis, and scorpions.
Loot Galore and Crafty Blacksmith Deals Treasure chests packed with gold, silver, and platinum await discovery. Players can use dungeon and ore-detecting devices to light their way. The collected loot can be traded with the benevolent blacksmith for weapon and gear upgrades, creating a sustainable cycle of exploration and improvement.
Explosive Combat and Cunning Enemies When traditional weapons fall short, players can resort to copper-laced crossbows, shotguns, and blunderbusses. Dynamite and other explosives offer both offensive and environmental advantages, blasting enemies and obstacles alike.
NPCs, Quests, and the Risks of Greed Interacting with NPCs like cave-dwelling moles adds depth to the game, as does undertaking side quests. Players must weigh the risks and rewards of delving deeper or returning to the surface with their current haul. Death in the game is costly, with miners losing all possessions and starting anew.
Community Feedback Fuels Development Scott Miller, founder of Apogee Entertainment, highlights the role of community feedback in shaping Below the Stone. The game’s retro style is matched with deep gameplay, and the journey to its final version promises even more surprises, driven by ongoing player input.
This early access release marks just the beginning for Below the Stone, as players around the globe start their quest for fortune and glory deep beneath the surface. Stay tuned for more updates as this dwarven roguelike continues to evolve.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
