To say there is a lot happening at the start of Matt Dinniman’s beloved LitRPG series “Dungeon Crawler Carl” would be a massive understatement. The story opens with Carl, a Coast Guard veteran, caught outside in the dead of winter wearing nothing but his underwear when every man-made structure on Earth suddenly collapses. He and the only nearby survivor — a talking cat named Princess Donut — are forced to descend into their rebuilt planet, which has been transformed into an 18-level dungeon serving as entertainment for a corporate alien race’s twisted reality show called “Dungeon Crawler World.” This darkly comedic premise has captured the hearts of millions of readers and audiobook listeners, leaving many fans searching for video games that capture the same chaotic energy, strategic depth, and dungeon-crawling excitement.
The series, which began in 2020, has become one of the most successful entries in the LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) genre, a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that incorporates game-like mechanics such as leveling systems, stat tracking, and skill trees directly into the narrative. Dinniman’s work stands out for its perfect blend of humor, horror, and heart, following Carl and Princess Donut as they navigate increasingly dangerous dungeon floors while being broadcast to billions of alien viewers. The audiobook versions, narrated by Jeff Hays, have achieved particular acclaim for bringing the colorful cast of characters to life.
Roguelike Games That Capture the Dungeon Crawler Spirit
For fans looking to experience gameplay that mirrors Carl’s deadly descent, roguelike games offer the closest parallel. Titles like “Hades” by Supergiant Games provide that same sense of fighting through increasingly difficult levels while developing your character’s abilities. The procedurally generated nature of roguelikes means no two runs are identical, much like how each floor of the Dungeon Crawler World presents unique challenges and surprises. “Enter the Gungeon” and “The Binding of Isaac” similarly offer intense dungeon exploration with permanent death mechanics that raise the stakes considerably. These games capture the tension of knowing that one wrong move could end everything, a feeling Carl knows all too well.
“Darkest Dungeon” deserves special mention for its psychological horror elements and party-based dungeon crawling. The game’s stress mechanics and gothic atmosphere create a sense of dread that resonates with the darker moments of Dinniman’s series. Players must manage not just their characters’ health but their mental state as well, adding layers of strategy that would appeal to fans who appreciate Carl’s tactical thinking under pressure.
Survival Games with a Deadly Twist
The survival elements of Dungeon Crawler Carl — scrounging for equipment, making do with whatever resources are available, and adapting to ever-changing circumstances — translate well to survival games with dungeon elements. “Don’t Starve” and its multiplayer sequel “Don’t Starve Together” offer that same desperate scramble for survival in hostile environments. The games’ dark humor and quirky art style also echo the tonal balance Dinniman achieves in his writing. “Risk of Rain 2” provides another excellent option, combining roguelike progression with cooperative multiplayer as players fight through alien worlds against increasingly overwhelming odds.
For those who want to experience being watched and judged while fighting for survival, “The Darwin Project” (though now discontinued) pioneered the concept of spectators influencing gameplay, much like the alien audience in Dungeon Crawler World. Modern alternatives like “Vampire Survivors” have captured massive audiences with their simple yet addictive gameplay loops of surviving against endless waves of enemies while constantly powering up — a satisfying parallel to Carl’s journey of accumulating abilities and gear.
Classic Dungeon Crawlers and Modern Innovations
Traditional dungeon crawler games provide the foundational experience that Dinniman’s series celebrates and subverts. The “Diablo” series remains the gold standard, with “Diablo IV” offering the latest entry in the franchise that defined the action RPG genre. For something with more tactical depth, “Divinity: Original Sin 2” provides turn-based combat and complex character building that would satisfy fans who enjoy the strategic elements of Carl’s adventures. The game’s cooperative multiplayer mode also allows friends to experience the dungeon together, adding a social element reminiscent of how viewers in the series root for their favorite crawlers.
Indie gems like “Slay the Spire” combine dungeon crawling with deck-building mechanics, creating a unique strategic experience that rewards careful planning and adaptation. The game’s structure of ascending through increasingly difficult levels mirrors the floor-by-floor progression in Dungeon Crawler Carl. Meanwhile, “Deep Rock Galactic” offers cooperative mining and combat in procedurally generated caves, complete with a tongue-in-cheek corporate overlord theme that fans of the series’ satirical elements will appreciate.
Expert Opinion: The success of Dungeon Crawler Carl reflects a broader cultural appetite for stories that combine gaming mechanics with traditional narrative, and the gaming industry is increasingly recognizing this crossover potential. We can expect more games to lean into LitRPG-style progression systems and meta-commentary on gaming culture. Developers who can capture the balance of deadly stakes, dark humor, and meaningful character progression that Dinniman achieves will find an eager and growing audience waiting for them.
