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 dungeon crawling, this entry promises an open-world adventure. Is Nexon taking a page from MiHoYo's playbook? Possibly.

Nexon's flagship franchise, Dungeon & Fighter, boasts millions of players and numerous spin-offs. While less recognized in the West, its importance to Nexon's portfolio is undeniable. The upcoming Dungeon & Fighter: Arad is a testament to this.

A debut teaser trailer (showcased at the Game Awards) provided the first glimpse of this 3D open-world adventure. The trailer showcased the game's world and numerous characters, many of which DNF fans speculate are potential classes from previous games.

As expected, Dungeon & Fighter: Arad features open-world exploration, action-packed combat, and a diverse range of classes. A strong narrative focus is also promised, with new characters, interactions, and the inclusion of puzzles.

Beyond the Familiar Dungeons

The teaser trailer offers limited details. However, the overall feel suggests a formula similar to MiHoYo's successful titles.

While Arad's development was previously known, details were scarce. The visuals are impressive, but there's a risk of alienating longtime fans with such a significant departure from the established gameplay. However, Nexon's extensive marketing campaign (including advertisements at the Peacock Theatre during the Game Awards) suggests high expectations for its success.

In the meantime, check out our list of the top five new mobile games this week for more gaming options!