Dungeon & Fighter: Arad is the DNF franchise\'s pitch into the world of open-world adventure

Dungeon Fighter: Arad, the latest addition to the popular DNF franchise, is breaking new ground. Instead of the series' traditional style, this entry promises an open-world adventure. Is Nexon taking a page from MiHoYo's playbook? Possibly.

The Dungeon Fighter series is, arguably, Nexon's flagship franchise. Boasting millions of players and numerous spin-offs, it might not be as widely known in the West, but its importance to Nexon's portfolio is undeniable. Therefore, the development of a new spin-off, Dungeon Fighter: Arad, comes as little surprise.

A debut teaser trailer (yes, it premiered at the Game Awards) showcased this 3D open-world adventure, offering glimpses of the world and numerous, currently unnamed, characters. Many DNF fans have already speculated on these characters' potential roles as classes, drawing comparisons to previous entries.

As expected, Dungeon Fighter: Arad features open-world exploration, action-packed combat, and a diverse range of playable classes. Storytelling is a key element, introducing a fresh cast of characters to interact with and incorporating light puzzle-solving elements.

Beyond the Familiar Dungeons

The teaser trailer doesn't reveal much more. However, the overall feel suggests a formula similar to MiHoYo's successful titles.

While Arad's development was previously announced, details were scarce beyond the name. The visuals are impressive, but there's a risk of alienating longtime fans with such a significant departure from the established formula. Nevertheless, the high production values and extensive advertising (reportedly seen at the Peacock Theatre during the Game Awards) suggest Nexon is confident in its success.

In the meantime, there are plenty of other top-tier releases to explore. Check out our list of the top five new mobile games this week for more gaming options!