Crawl is the local multiplayer dungeon crawler where your friends control the monsters! Battle through dungeons and power up your hero - if a friend kills you they take your place and it’s their turn to crawl. It's a race to gain enough XP and loot to take on the hulking final boss!
User reviews:
Recent:
Very Positive (48 reviews) - 95% of the 48 user reviews in the last 30 days are positive.
Overall:
Overwhelmingly Positive (1,641 reviews) - 97% of the 1,641 user reviews for this game are positive.
Release Date: 6 Aug, 2014

Sign in to add this item to your wishlist, follow it, or mark it as not interested

Early Access Game

Get instant access and start playing; get involved with this game as it develops.

Note: This Early Access game is not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“We've been getting together with friends to play Crawl since the first few days of development. It's a game designed to play again and again, and it's always been a blast showing off new content - watching strategies form, alliances rise and fall, and gaining invaluable feedback. Now it's time we opened it up to everyone, so you can all watch the game evolve and contribute your thoughts and ideas like our friends have been doing over the last year and a bit.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We have enough planned for Crawl Early Access to take us through to at least Early 2015. Beyond then we'll see if we're still having new ideas for things to add!”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The full version of Crawl will have more monsters, deities, bosses, weapons, items, traps, environments, things to do, and secrets to discover. Online multiplayer is a possibility, but if your purchase depends on that feature we recommend you wait.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Crawl is fully playable for up to 4 players around the same PC using keyboard, mouse, or controllers. The core experience of a crawl match is complete and ready to play with your friends, or with the AI bots. There are 3 deities to choose from, 30+ monsters to inhabit, loads of weapons and items and one huge boss to battle.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“Once early access is complete we intend to raise the price, so get in early and see how the game evolves!”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“We're really keen to hear about everyone's experiences playing Crawl. The early feedback we've received from showing the game has already helped shape it for the better. So we'll be hanging out on the steam forums, grabbing your feedback and ideas for new monsters, mechanics and content, and using your collective experiences to perfect the game's balance.”
Read more

Buy Crawl

 

Recent updates View all (10)

10 August

Update v0.10: Giant Rat



Hack and skewer with the vermin soldier's blighted halberd, or spawn a writhing rat army to command with our rodent summoner. New ways to trick your friends await in the murky depths, with devious artifacts and powerful new magics.

Major changes:
  • New Monsters:
    • The vermin soldier wields a vicious halberd
    • The rodent summoner commands a writhing rat army
  • Reworked Store Teleporter system helps new heroes get to the store for upgrades
  • Expanded Magic Weapon system with magic all magic now displayed in weapon art, and new magic types:
    • Cosmic Strikes
    • Explosive Strikes
    • Life Steal Strikes
  • New Artifacts:
    • The Medal of Honour makes your spells recharge faster on a kill streak
    • The Monster Hand makes your monsters' special attacks recharge faster
    • The Hymn of Betrayal robs the leading hero of a random artifact



And as usual there's a whole heap of smaller tweaks and bug fixes this time too, see the full list of changes on the community forums!

30 comments Read more

19 May

Update v0.9: Kevin The Destroyer



Grind heroes in your beak as the hulking bird abomination, hurl flesh-seeking skulls as the skeletal magelord, inhabit fish, squids and gargoyles or just soak in the stories from our new intro sequences, complete with voice-over from our unhinged narrator.

Main Changes:
  • Hero Battle Intros: The starting hero is no longer up to chance. Players battle it out in short randomized intros featuring our ghastly narrator.
  • New Monsters:
    • The gigantic bird abomination grinds heroes in his beak
    • The mind squid draws hulking tentacles from the earth
    • The gargoyle defends by turning to stone
    • The skeletal magelord throws flesh-seeking skulls
    • The tiny fish is... kind of useless. Or is he?
  • New Artifacts:
    • The Vampire Tooth drinks health from striking enemies when you're bleeding
    • Cadaver Burst triggers a last-ditch explosion from your monster's corpse
    • The Emerald Signet heals you when poisoned
  • New Traps
    • The Dart Array spits a sequence of darts from an array hidden in the decaying walls
    • The Spike Train triggers a course of spikes that pierces the sod, and the flesh of any who stand upon it
    • The Dart Trap fires a cruel dart at any intruder that dares to cross in front

Check out the full list of changes on the community forums!

72 comments Read more
See all discussions

Report bugs and leave feedback for this game on the discussion boards

Reviews

“The concept – a dungeon crawler where your friends control the monsters – is as brilliant as it is elegantly simple, and it’s got oodles (or blob monsters, as it were) of style to back it up.”
Rock Paper Shotgun

“Grab three friends and gather round; this is a dungeon crawl you won't forget in a hurry.”
US Gamer

“Crawl takes its inspiration from the arcade cabinets of old and plays exactly like a distilled, quarterless version of those experiences.”
PC Gamer

About This Game

Crawl is the local multiplayer dungeon crawler where your friends control the monsters! It’s bullet-hell beat-em-up meets old-school RPG, in an arcadey party-game for up to 4 players.


One player is the hero, exploring a randomly generated dungeon full of traps and monsters - all controlled by the other players. If you slay the hero you take their place and it’s your turn to crawl! Then it's a race to gain enough XP and loot to reach the final battle, where it's all on one as the other players collectively control the hulking final boss!



Local Multiplayer Arcade Action for 2-4 Players
  • Play with Controllers, Keyboard or Mouse.
  • Hone your skills against bots, while you wait for your friends to arrive.

Turbo Charged Dungeon Crawling
  • Level up, increase your stats, amass powerful weapons and magic items, all in the course of one 30 minute game.
  • Evolve your monsters from spiders and rats to powerful demons, dragons and undead warriors.

Every Battle is Unique
  • Explore and inhabit randomly generated dungeons.
  • Loads of unique weapons, spells and artifacts.
  • Dozens of unique monsters to unlock and master.


  • More weapons, spells, and items to collect.
  • More monsters, traps, and bosses to master.
  • More environments to explore and secrets to discover.
  • More polish - Continuing improvements to gameplay, menus, music, sound, and balance.
  • What about Online Multiplayer? It's a possibility, but if you can't get around a PC with some friends we recommend waiting until we have more news.

System Requirements

Windows
Mac OS X
SteamOS + Linux
    Minimum:
    • OS: Windows XP (sp2) or later
    • Processor: 1.66 GHz Dual Core Processor or equivalent
    • Memory: 1 GB RAM
    • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics or equivalent, capable of Shader Model 2.0
    • DirectX: Version 9.0c
    • Storage: 300 MB available space
    • Additional Notes: Gamepad highly recommended
    Minimum:
    • OS: Mac OS X 10.6 or later
    • Processor: 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent
    • Memory: 2 GB RAM
    • Graphics: OpenGL 3.0+ support (2.1 with ARB extensions acceptable)
    • Storage: 300 MB available space
    • Additional Notes: Gamepad highly recommended
    Minimum:
    • OS: Ubuntu - glibc 2.15+, 32/64-bit
    • Processor: 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent
    • Memory: 2 GB RAM
    • Graphics: OpenGL 3.0+ support (2.1 with ARB extensions acceptable)
    • Storage: 300 MB available space
    • Additional Notes: Gamepad highly recommended
Customer reviews
Customer Review system updated! Learn more
Recent:
Very Positive (48 reviews)
Overall:
Overwhelmingly Positive (1,641 reviews)
Recently Posted
PunisherGX
( 29.5 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 13 August
Great party game, makes friend work together, come with crazy tactics and when you become the hero the tables turn and you turn againts your friends to fight to escape or fail and be lost forever and loose your profile as added humilit,

Intense battles, crazy traps, mosnters as well as bosses and only three attempts to escape....... will it be you that escapes or or be doomed forever...... be ready to fight for your life
Helpful? Yes No Funny
aramaz
( 0.7 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 13 August
For the first five minutes I couldn't tell what need to be done (not going to spoil it for you).

Also, when switching characters I had trouble figuring out which one I was.

I get it that some people just can't get enough of pixel art games and at that this one is great, just not for me.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
nobes
( 8.4 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 13 August
Probably the greatest local co-op experience of my life.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
SirLennyFace
( 54.1 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 12 August
The fact this game was made only by 2 people, and that updates keep getting pumped out - makes you wonder if these devs are human beings...
Helpful? Yes No Funny
glowanastole
( 16.7 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 12 August
It's a good game, but it would be great if it had online multiplayer.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Monkeyfoot
( 4.9 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 10 August
Fun to play with friends using usb controllers. If you don't have friends or controllers... maybe not for you.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Sordrax
( 5.0 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 10 August
Very nostalgic piece of work for me
Pixel art
mixed retro music
dungeon crawl
coop gameplay best form for party gaming
plenty of skill to master :D
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Epileptus
( 5.2 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 10 August
Cool local multiplayer, a lot of fun
Helpful? Yes No Funny
.Giovanni
( 1.8 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 8 August
Wow..

I don't often do reviews but this was definitely worth reviewing.

Powerhoof has managed to take the classic dungeon crawler formula and managed to make dying fun. It's currently early acces but that shouldn't stop you from giving this a try! Crawl has this Arcade-type of vibe to it where your name consists out of 3 letters and it asks you to "Enter a coin".

Gameplay: From the beginning you get to type who you wish to worship with each "God" offering you 3 types of monsters which each have their own special abilities and attacks. Throughout completing games which can also be done all by yourself against AI's of which you can select their difficulty for, you unlock new Artifacts, new Monsters/Gods, new Weapons and new Evolutions. Evolutions you ask? You're either the player, or you're the ghost. As the game starts the player will be selected by dropping all players in a room with and they will have to fight eachother. The winner will be the first to play as the "hero" ..for as long as you survive. The other players will come back as ghosts with one goal to kill you. They can do so by taking over traps and spawning in as monsters. Each time the player kills a monster EXP will be dropped on their death. This EXP will level up the player making him (Triggered feminazi's) stronger, however, as soon as the player levels up, the ghosts will get Wrath. Wrath can be used to evolve your monsters making THEM even stronger. Your goal is to be the first to defeat the boss, bosses can be fought by activating the portal once you're level 10. I must personally say, the bosses are quite tough and will require a few attempts to actually defeat. But! one game only allows you to fight the boss 3 times before it ends.

Shops. Oh boi, yes there's shops. Shops offer a decent amount of items that you can purchase using coins. These items consist out of Artifacts (Giving buffs and sometimes 'companions' such as Whirlwinds and orbiting shield) Potions to trade in 1 skill for 2 skills. ex: +2 Strength -1 Vitality. There's also scrolls which allow you to switch your special ability which standardly is roll. And the best part! Weapons.. Of course! Clubs, Daggers, Staffs, tons of stuff to buff you up.

Art. The 2D Pixelated art is absolutely stunning and unique.

Controls are simple, WASD for walking and LMOUSE & RMOUSE for interacting and combat.

For now gameplay gets a little repetitive quickly but I'm still rating it a 8.8/10
Helpful? Yes No Funny
mystery
( 14.5 hrs on record )
Early Access Review
Posted: 7 August
good game but need more content btw nice work
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Most Helpful Reviews  In the past 30 days
8 of 9 people (89%) found this review helpful
6 people found this review funny
Recommended
11.0 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 16 July
This game...

Oh my god this game...

Crawl is an insanely fun multiplayer experience with a focus on screwing over your friends as much as possible.

Something that I, being a lazy, empathy lacking husk of a human being severely enjoy.


Bottom line: if you enjoy ruining your friendships, buy this game, if not, buy this game.


10/10
(Did I mention you can play as an evil corporate executive...no? Well you can do that too, seriously, buy this game.)


(Bought through humble bundle)
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful
Recommended
1.8 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 8 August
Wow..

I don't often do reviews but this was definitely worth reviewing.

Powerhoof has managed to take the classic dungeon crawler formula and managed to make dying fun. It's currently early acces but that shouldn't stop you from giving this a try! Crawl has this Arcade-type of vibe to it where your name consists out of 3 letters and it asks you to "Enter a coin".

Gameplay: From the beginning you get to type who you wish to worship with each "God" offering you 3 types of monsters which each have their own special abilities and attacks. Throughout completing games which can also be done all by yourself against AI's of which you can select their difficulty for, you unlock new Artifacts, new Monsters/Gods, new Weapons and new Evolutions. Evolutions you ask? You're either the player, or you're the ghost. As the game starts the player will be selected by dropping all players in a room with and they will have to fight eachother. The winner will be the first to play as the "hero" ..for as long as you survive. The other players will come back as ghosts with one goal to kill you. They can do so by taking over traps and spawning in as monsters. Each time the player kills a monster EXP will be dropped on their death. This EXP will level up the player making him (Triggered feminazi's) stronger, however, as soon as the player levels up, the ghosts will get Wrath. Wrath can be used to evolve your monsters making THEM even stronger. Your goal is to be the first to defeat the boss, bosses can be fought by activating the portal once you're level 10. I must personally say, the bosses are quite tough and will require a few attempts to actually defeat. But! one game only allows you to fight the boss 3 times before it ends.

Shops. Oh boi, yes there's shops. Shops offer a decent amount of items that you can purchase using coins. These items consist out of Artifacts (Giving buffs and sometimes 'companions' such as Whirlwinds and orbiting shield) Potions to trade in 1 skill for 2 skills. ex: +2 Strength -1 Vitality. There's also scrolls which allow you to switch your special ability which standardly is roll. And the best part! Weapons.. Of course! Clubs, Daggers, Staffs, tons of stuff to buff you up.

Art. The 2D Pixelated art is absolutely stunning and unique.

Controls are simple, WASD for walking and LMOUSE & RMOUSE for interacting and combat.

For now gameplay gets a little repetitive quickly but I'm still rating it a 8.8/10
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
6 of 8 people (75%) found this review helpful
3 people found this review funny
Recommended
1.3 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 21 July
Believe it or not, I play this with my 10-year-old daughter. She loves Crawl!
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful
Recommended
1.1 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 23 July
Refreshing idea!

Played this with 3 friends of mine on a steam link with 4 controllers. Worked perfectly and is easy to learn!!

One of the "must have" titles if you're looking for a decent 4 player local game.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful
1 person found this review funny
Recommended
14.0 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 19 July
That moment when you don't know who killed the human.

A+ couchgaming and friendship destroyer
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful
2 people found this review funny
Recommended
11.6 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 23 July
10/10 would not teach my friends how to play and kill them all again.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful
Recommended
17.8 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 23 July
This is by faaaar the best dungeon crawler ive played, its unique its fun and I love the fact you can play as the monster, the best purchase ive made on steam so far ive had it for 2 days and ive played for 9hrs im addicted! i love this game so much keep adding new features and keep up the good work! also i would totally buy poster of this game if they were for sale!
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful
1 person found this review funny
Recommended
71.8 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 15 July
Great game. They just have to put in online multiplayer and it'll be perfect.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful
1 person found this review funny
Recommended
9.8 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 31 July
Very fun hot-seat dungeon crawler with unique gameplay :D
Must have!
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful
1 person found this review funny
Recommended
8.1 hrs on record
Early Access Review
Posted: 31 July
Super fun, original, well designed local co-op game. Must-buy if you play locally with friends.

Would love to see some more content added, especially bosses for some variety.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny