Five years after Valheim’s early access debut, three of its core developers have quietly crafted something entirely different—a first-person dungeon-crawler where players scavenge cursed tombs under the threat of a relentless Taxman. Begraved, developed by Grip Jaw, drops players into procedurally generated crypts filled with traps, whispers, and relics that demand careful handling. The demo, now available on Steam, offers a taste of its medieval horror-comedy blend, where survival hinges on speed, teamwork, and the sheer weight of looted treasures.
The game’s premise is simple yet brutal: players are the Gravebound, condemned to raid tombs for profit while evading the Taxman’s inevitable collection. Light sources flicker, traps lurk in the dark, and every stolen artifact carries unseen curses. The catch? Inventory is limited, and carrying large items requires both hands, forcing players to choose between torchlight, weapons, or the very gold they’re fleeing with. The demo’s solo experience underscores the challenge—navigating a crypt alone is a gamble, as one wrong turn can trigger spirits, snares, or the Taxman’s noose.
What sets Begraved* apart is its emphasis on physicality and chaos. Unlike traditional looters, players can’t simply stash items; they must physically lug them, creating tense moments where escape routes demand split-second decisions. The game supports up to five players with voice chat, turning every raid into a high-stakes cooperative scramble. Decorating a hideout with unsold treasures adds a touch of dark humor, while the Taxman’s visits—whether for payment or reckoning—keep the pressure on.
The project is the brainchild of Grip Jaw, a studio founded by Valheim’s creative director Robin Eyre, along with Emilia Oscarsson and Andreas Tomasson. Unlike Valheim, Begraved operates independently, untethered from the corporate shifts of its parent studio. No release date has been set, but early access is confirmed upon launch. For now, the free demo invites players to test their nerves—and their carrying capacity—in a world where death is inevitable, but riches (and embarrassment) are just a drop away.
- Procedural Tombs: Each crypt is randomly generated with hazards, secrets, and undisturbed curses.
- Two-Handed Carrying: Large loot blocks movement, forcing players to balance tools, weapons, and light sources.
- Co-op Chaos: Supports up to five players with proximity voice chat for team-based looting.
- The Taxman: A recurring antagonist who demands payment—or takes lives—if debts go unpaid.
- Hideout Decor: Unsold treasures can be used to personalize a grim, functional base.
- Demo Availability: Free and live on Steam, offering a glimpse into the game’s atmospheric horror.
The demo’s design choices—limited light, punishing traps, and the sheer absurdity of hauling a chest while fleeing—suggest Begraved will appeal to fans of Lethal Company’s frantic looting and Dark Souls’ methodical dread. Whether it succeeds as a standalone experience remains to be seen, but its origins in Valheim*’s creative team promise a fresh take on dungeon-crawling. For those who thrive on tension, teamwork, and the occasional curse, the demo is a must-try.
