Below The Stone is a new indie roguelike from new developer Strollart and experienced publisher Apogee Entertainment. In this retro-style roguelike, players will embark on a quest into the heart of the Dwarven Kingdom deep below ground. After finding success and renown at OTK Games Expo 2022, and at the TooManyGames expo of both 2022 and 2023, Below The Stone has now released a demo on Steam for players to try out as well as announcing plans for an early access release.
Players wishing to explore Below The Stone can expect to immerse themselves in the rich lore of the Dwarven Kingdom, where bearded dwarven miners are driven to brave untold dangers in their pursuit of fabled treasures hidden beneath the surface. With a pickaxe in hand, adventurers can hack a path through procedurally generated caverns, caves, and ancient ruins across more than 50 biomes, each more treacherous and rewarding than the last.
Each run begins with humble tools, a pickaxe, and a hardhat, as players venture through five progressively challenging underground layers. Take on the trials bestowed by your dwarven allies, amassing wealth and raw materials to forge a vast array of unique metals and alloys. These rare resources will enable players to craft formidable weapons, armor, and gear to aid them in their subterranean exploits.
Among the myriad of challenges, players will unearth mystical gems that grant powerful magical buffs when socketed into weapons and armor. Merge these gems strategically to create even more potent versions, enhancing chances of survival against the lurking horrors that dwell within the depths.
However, the perils are abundant as players delve deeper into the darkness. Prepare to face cunning creatures and dangerous biomes, with each layer presenting its own distinct threats and rewards. Only those who craft the right equipment and master the art of survival will be able to venture further into the abyss.
In preparation for each descent, the Dwarven Kingdom serves as a crafting hub and sanctuary. Here, players can craft new equipment, socket gems, and brew potions using the resources harvested from previous journeys.
As players venture deeper, they'll encounter new characters who may need rescuing, and those rescued will become valuable companions on future journeys. From elven witches brewing potions to legendary dragon slayers, these characters will lend their unique flavors to the Dwarven Kingdom and alter your playstyle with modifiers and other benefits.
Below The Stone currently has a demo available on PC via Steam and Early Access will launch on the platform in Q4 of 2023. The official release will land on PC via Steam and GOG, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S sometime in 2024.
