You Should Be Playing ‘Dungeon Clawler,’ the Roguelite that Just Gets it

In a saturated indie game market, it takes a truly special idea to stand out. Most genres have been done to death, and finding a fresh twist on a classic formula is a rarity. This is why Dungeon Clawler, an indie gem from Swiss developer Stray Fawn Studio, is not just a good game—it’s a great one, and it’s a game you should be playing right now. Launched into Early Access on November 21, 2024, the game has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and for good reason: it brilliantly mashes up the strategic depth of a roguelike deckbuilder with the pure, chaotic fun of a claw machine.

The premise is simple, yet genius. In this turn-based dungeon crawler, your “deck” is a chaotic collection of items—swords, shields, potions, and other artifacts—that are all jumbled together inside a giant claw machine. At the start of each turn, you get two chances to maneuver the claw, grab the items you need, and then use them to defeat the monstrous enemies in front of you. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the core of the game’s strategic loop. The unpredictable physics of the claw, the way items tumble and shift, and the constant threat of an item slipping from your grasp turn every turn into a nail-biting, micro-strategy puzzle. It’s an incredibly satisfying and fresh take on a genre that desperately needed a new idea.

A Masterclass in Game Design

What makes Dungeon Clawler so compelling is how it builds on its central mechanic. The game isn’t content to simply be “the claw machine game.” It introduces a host of other elements that create deep, rewarding gameplay loops and a high level of replayability. It’s a game that is easy to pick up but difficult to master, and that’s the hallmark of a truly great roguelite.

• Deep Item Synergies: The game features a wide variety of items and passive perks that combine in surprising and game-breaking ways. You might find a perk that gives you gold for every attack, and an item that deals damage based on your gold. Suddenly, you have a build that can generate massive damage while healing you at the same time. Experimenting with these combinations is a huge part of the fun, and it provides a constant incentive to try new strategies with each run.
• The “Deck” of Possibilities: The items you collect in the dungeon are added to your claw machine pool. This means that a good run isn’t just about collecting a lot of items; it’s about curating your selection to ensure you have the best possible chance of grabbing the items you need for your build. You can even find “shredders” to remove bad items from your pool, adding a layer of strategic deck management that is key to success on higher difficulties.
• Character Variety: The game features a roster of unique characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. A trash collector bunny might remove unwanted items from the machine, while a swift cat might have a better chance of grabbing specific items. Unlocking and mastering these characters is a key part of the long-term progression and provides new ways to approach the game’s increasingly difficult challenges.
• Tactical Depth: The environment itself plays a role in the claw machine’s behavior. Water can make certain items float, while honey can make them stick together, allowing you to grab multiple items at once. Knowing how to manipulate the environment to your advantage is a crucial skill, adding an extra layer of complexity to the already rich combat system.

A Community-Driven Success Story

As an Early Access title, Dungeon Clawler is a testament to the power of community-based development. The developers at Stray Fawn Studio are actively engaging with their player base on Discord and other forums, using player feedback to balance the game, fix bugs, and add new content. This commitment to their community has created a loyal and passionate player base that is excited to see the game evolve. The game has already received significant content updates, including new characters, items, and a robust “endless mode” for players who want to push their builds to the limit. The game’s success is a perfect example of a small studio with a brilliant idea, proving that innovation and a strong relationship with your players are the keys to a hit.

In a world of overly complex and bloated game releases, Dungeon Clawler is a breath of fresh air. It’s a game that respects your time while providing a deep, satisfying experience. So, if you’re looking for a new roguelite to sink your teeth into, stop what you’re doing and give this one a shot. You won’t regret clawing your way through this dungeon.