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Below the Stone

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2023

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Quick resume

Below the Stone is an extraction roguelike about dwarves on the quest for the deepest depths. A place where each and every descent will lead to new adventures -- and where only the most determined dwarves with many lost lives will be rewarded by the hidden world lying below the stone.

Global score

85/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Early Access

Pros

  • Addictive and engaging gameplay loop
  • Responsive and passionate developers
  • Strong mining and exploration mechanics
  • Cozy art style and excellent sound design
  • Promising foundation with regular updates

Cons

  • Limited content and progression depth currently
  • Combat can feel basic and repetitive
  • Inventory management and ui need improvement
  • Lack of multiplayer or cooperative features
  • Some balancing and difficulty issues

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players choose their own missions, explore caves freely, and decide when to extract, showing strong control over actions and decisions."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players engage in combat and mining challenges with some skill required, though combat is described as somewhat basic and progression can become easy after initial runs."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progression and exploration rather than competing against others; no mention of leaderboards or ranked modes."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many reviews mention addictive gameplay and desire to keep playing despite limited content, indicating habitual and long sessions."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Game is primarily single-player focused with no current multiplayer or cooperative features mentioned."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Some crafting and equipment upgrading allow player customization, but limited content and lack of modding currently restrict creative expression."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions are balanced and respectful; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a relaxing, immersive mining and exploration experience, escaping real life stress."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and enjoyment, with no pressure or obligation noted."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore randomized caves and try different equipment and strategies, though some find runs repetitive."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around discovering new cave areas, mining resources, and uncovering secrets."

  • Expression
    1

    "Some character appearance variation and equipment upgrades exist, but limited customization options currently."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game features dwarves, fantasy creatures, and roguelike elements, providing an imaginative fictional setting."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Strongly single-player focused with minimal social or community interaction within gameplay."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn mechanics, improve skills, and progress through gear upgrades, though content is limited."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during runs; some players mention leaving game open but core gameplay demands engagement."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of close relationships or emotional social interactions."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles present."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong emphasis on accumulating resources, upgrading gear, and unlocking new equipment tiers."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Many players describe the game as cozy, chill, and relaxing despite some combat tension."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Positive sensory feedback from art style, sound design, and combat impact enhances enjoyment."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on individual play."

  • Story
    -2

    "Minimal narrative currently; some desire for more story and quests but mostly context-free exploration."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Some tactical choices in combat and resource management, but combat is described as straightforward and repetitive."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Risk of death and loss of gear creates suspense and tension during runs."

  • Value
    2

    "Players feel the game offers reasonable value for price given early access state and ongoing updates."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat against monsters is a core mechanic involving destruction and fighting."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must manage health, avoid death, and strategically extract to survive and keep progress."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026