Introduction

Released on June 23, 2015, Barony is a first-person roguelike that pays homage to classics like Ultima Underworld, System Shock, and Daggerfall while carving out its own niche in the dungeon-crawling landscape. With both single-player and 1-4 player co-op (local split-screen, wireless Switch, and online cross-play), Barony challenges you with deadly traps, permadeath, and procedurally generated labyrinths.

Story and Setting

Barony begins in the cursed town of Hamlet, destroyed by the undead Baron Herx. You choose from thirteen classes—ranging from warriors and wizards to more unusual ones like sextons and jokers—and explore ever-changing dungeons to break the lich’s control. The story is kept simple, meant to support personal experiences that happen during gameplay instead of following a fixed plot.

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Random Dungeons: Each playthrough gives you new maps, enemies, and items, keeping the game fresh.
  • Permadeath: When you die, it’s permanent. You either become a ghost helping your team or start over.
  • RPG Depth: Stats, item combos, magic, special gear, and detailed character builds give experienced players lots to enjoy.
  • Co-op Play: You’ll share loot and bring teammates back to life, but working together takes effort and mistakes can cost you.

Screenshot 1

Visuals and Audio

Barony’s pixel-style graphics go for a retro look. It’s not as smooth as today’s 3D games, but the blocky textures and shadowy lighting give it an old-school, immersive feel. Sounds like creaky doors, growling monsters, and clinking armor boost the mood, though the music is less noticeable than in many action RPGs.

Comparison with Similar Titles

  • Vs. Darkest Dungeon: While Darkest Dungeon uses stress and turn-based fights, Barony gives real-time action, a first-person view, and stronger co-op.
  • Vs. Diablo II/III: Diablo has flashy loot and cutscenes. Barony trades that polish for tough gameplay, perma-death, and deep dungeon systems.
  • Vs. The Binding of Isaac: Isaac is fast and quirky. Barony is slower, more serious, and appeals to RPG fans who love stats and strategy.
  • Vs. Crawl: Both games use ghost mechanics, but Crawl is a short party game. Barony features long, deep dungeon runs with steady progress.

Screenshot 2

Community Feedback and Reviews

Recent reviews give Barony a 94% “Very Positive” rating (460 reviews), and 92% overall (7,725 reviews). Players often highlight:

  • What Works: Tough gameplay, replayability, fun co-op, lots of classes, and free updates.

  • What Doesn’t: Hard to learn, outdated graphics and menus, some balance issues, and a weak main story.

Fans love helping friends in the middle of a run and surviving tricky traps. Still, new players may find it tough without tutorials to guide them.

Overall Impact

Barony is a great example of indie passion, bringing new life to the first-person roguelike genre. It’s not for everyone, but for players who enjoy co-op games with real challenge and risk, it remains one of the standout dungeon-crawlers since 2015.

Screenshot 3

Add Barony to your Steam collection!