Other versions of this game:  Dungeon of Numenas 2

Learn About the Game Dungeon of Numenas

I first heard about Dungeon of Numenas when a friend couldn’t stop talking about how every run felt fresh, and I have to admit, they weren’t wrong. You start off with a simple adventurer, a rusty sword, and an inkling of curiosity—and before you know it, you’re elbow-deep in shifting corridors, facing off against glowing mushrooms that shoot poison darts. The layout changes each time, so you really can’t rely on memorization; every twist and trap keeps you on your toes.

What really got me hooked was how the game balances that old-school permadeath tension with moments of genuine discovery. You’ll find hidden altars that grant weird buffs, secret doors that reveal treasure rooms, and cryptic notes left by past explorers. There’s no overblown narrative voice guiding your decisions—just you, your wits, and a journal full of scribbled clues. That sense of “what’s around the next corner?” is a big part of the charm.

Combat feels punchy and precise, leaning into strategy rather than button mashers. You’ll dodge, parry, and unleash special abilities you unlock by collecting runes scattered throughout the dungeon. And while a tough boss fight can leave you frustrated, the glow of victory when you finally best them is incredibly satisfying. Plus, there’s an undercurrent of humor in some of the enemy designs—giant tapirs wearing bronze helmets, or spectral jesters that juggle fireballs.

All in all, Dungeon of Numenas strikes a nice balance between challenge and reward. It’s one of those games that’s easy to pick up but hard to put down, especially when you’re chasing that next glimpse of arcane lore or the perfect piece of loot. If you enjoy games where you carve your own path and learn from every stumble (and sometimes hilarious failure), this one’s worth giving a shot.