Dark and Darker Mobile Soft Launching on February 4 in US and Canada
Krafton, the South Korean studio best known for PUBG, has expanded the soft launch of Dark and Darker Mobile to include the U.S., responding to player demand after initially limiting the test to Canada. Starting February 4, players in both countries can access this mobile adaptation of the hit PC extraction RPG, which blends dungeon crawling, PvPvE combat, and high-risk loot mechanics. The global launch is slated for the first half of 2024.
What Makes This Mobile Spin-Off Unique?
Dark and Darker Mobile adapts the tense extraction genre—popularized by games like Escape from Tarkov—for shorter, mobile-friendly sessions. Players scavenge treasure, fight monsters and rivals, and flee a spreading “Dark Swarm” that destroys the map. The mobile version introduces key changes to accommodate on-the-go play:
- AI Sidekicks: Solo players can recruit AI companions to balance the difficulty of PvPvE battles.
- Flexible Playstyles: Opt for pure PvE (co-op monster hunts) or PvP-focused modes.
- Endgame Challenges: Exclusive high-level dungeons with unique rewards for veteran players.
Krafton’s Bluehole Studio has prioritized community input since announcing the project, refining the game through two global tests and a gamescom 2024 showcase. The soft launch will further test server stability, mobile controls, and progression systems. Executive Producer Joonseok Ahn noted, “Player excitement pushed us to include the U.S. earlier than planned. This phase is critical to ensuring a smooth global launch.”
What to Expect Next
Pre-registration is open globally, with in-game rewards likely for early s. Progress from the soft launch will carry over to the full release, and cross-play between Android and iOS is confirmed. For fans of the original Dark and Darker PC game—still entangled in legal disputes—the mobile version offers a way to experience its core loop while awaiting resolution.
Dark and Darker Mobile enters a crowded extraction genre but stands out with its medieval fantasy setting and accessibility tweaks.
Further reading: official website.