What is EverDark?
If you're bored of standard tower defense and want something with more teeth, you've gotta check out EverDark. It's a dark steampunk ARPG that blends open-world exploration with high-stress base defense in a way that'll keep you on edge.
Gameplay
Forget about just placing towers and watching a path like you do in Bloons. EverDark is a chaotic 2D steampunk ARPG where you're actually in the thick of it. Your loop is simple but stressful: you venture out into the dark to loot resources, then rush back to build crazy steampunk machinery and walls to keep the monsters out. It's a survival-defense hybrid, so you're managing light and resources while praying your base holds up during the relentless waves.
The depth comes from the open-world exploration and crafting. You aren't just following a script; you're gathering materials to beef up your defenses and taking on challenging boss fights. It's got a killer atmosphere that keeps you coming back, even when the stress of the wave hits. However, it's an indie project and it shows. The UI can be messy, and the sheer amount of mechanics hitting you at once can feel overwhelming.
At $9.99, it's a fair price for the amount of content, but you've got to be okay with some rough edges. It's not polished to a mirror finish, and the UX needs some serious sanding down. If you can get past the clunkiness, the progression from a fragile camp to a steampunk fortress is a solid ride. I'd give it a 7/10 for the heart and style it brings to the table.
Key Features
- Dark steampunk open-world exploration
- Base building and resource gathering
- Relentless wave defense
- Challenging boss fights
Video Review
Screenshots
Verdict
Grab this if you love the base-building-to-survive vibe and don't mind a few clunky edges. If you're looking for a streamlined, polished TD experience, you should probably skip this one until the UX is fixed.
View on Steam →* Price at time of publication (checked 17.07.2026). Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. This is an editorial review, not a commercial offer.