Darkhaven brings Minecraft-like sandbox elements to the classic Diablo formula

The isometric viewpoint, skills mapped to keys, classes, and spells, and red and blue circles depicting health and mana pools are all features associated with the action RPG genre. Specifically, the style that was popularised and invented by Blizzard North’s iconic Diablo and Diablo II. 

Darkhaven, from Moonbeast Productions, a studio that includes several Diablo veterans, including co-creator Erich Schaefer, might look like a new Diablo-style experience set in a dark fantasy world currently in development. But, it aims to add a sizable dose of “procedurally generated, dynamically responsive, sandbox worlds” to the loot-filled point-and-slash action.

One of the first things that differentiates Darkhaven from the isometric action RPG pack that now includes Diablo 4, Path of Exile 2, and others is that Darkhaven’s worlds have literal depth, height, and destructible environments. See a path blocked by a wall? Well, smash it down to get where you need to go. There’s also a building, which adds to the dynamic combat that includes a jump button, which is not something you normally see in a Diablo-like experience.

In a way, it’s a little bit like Diablo 2 meets Minecraft, and with the crowdfunding Kickstarter campaign for Darkhaven now live, you can also check out a playable demo of the game on Steam right now. The game has been in development since 2022, so the demo offers a decent look at the systems and Darkhaven's unique style. According to the Kickstarter campaign, an Early Access launch is on the cards for late 2026, with a planned 2027 launch on Steam. As of writing, the campaign has raised $154,751 AUD toward its $707,407 AUD goal.