Valheim Developers Unveil Demo for New Co-op Dungeon Crawler Begraved
Fans of survival games still fondly remember the massive hit that Valheim became back in early 2021. This Viking-themed adventure captured hearts with its open-world exploration and co-op gameplay, even as it continues to evolve in early access. Now, a few key team members behind that success have channeled their passion into a fresh independent venture. Under the new studio Grip Jaw, led by creative director Robin Eyre and colleagues like Emilia, they have just released a playable demo for their debut title, Begraved.
This first-person cooperative RPG puts players in the boots of a Gravebound, a desperate crypt raider in a grim, decaying world called Goria. Your main goal revolves around delving into cursed tombs to snatch valuables from the dead. Every haul gets sold to pay off a relentless Taxman, because failing means facing the gallows. It creates this tense loop where greed and survival constantly clash, making each run feel high-stakes and rewarding.
What stands out right away is the procedural generation of every dungeon. No two expeditions play out the same, filled with ghosts, deadly traps, bottomless pits, and even the simple peril of your torch burning out at the wrong moment. Inventory space stays limited, forcing tough decisions on what to carry versus what to leave behind for a safer escape. Tools like mallets or special gear add variety, and the darkness feels genuinely oppressive, building that perfect mix of cozy comfort and creeping dread.
Begraved shines brightest in co-op, supporting up to five players for chaotic teamwork. Proximity voice chat means you only hear nearby friends, ramping up the panic during close calls or hilarious betrayals over loot. Playing solo works too, but grouping up captures the spirit of games that blend horror and friendship. Surplus treasures let you spruce up a personal hideout with furniture, pets, and decorations, giving a satisfying progression layer outside the tombs.
Grip Jaw has built this as a side project in evenings and weekends while contributing to Valheim’s ongoing updates. The demo already offers a solid core experience with multiple dungeon areas, outfit customization, and hideout building. They plan to enter early access soon, using community feedback to expand with new zones, items, and deeper systems over the coming months. It is exciting to see talented developers exploring these dark, whimsical ideas in such a focused package.
The blend of scavenging tension, cooperative mayhem, and lighthearted customization feels fresh in the genre. Elements like the unforgiving Taxman add a unique narrative hook that keeps you coming back. With the demo free on Steam right now, it is the perfect time to gather friends and dive in. This could be another breakout for the team behind one of gaming’s biggest surprises.
Have you tried the Begraved demo yet, or what excites you most about its mix of horror and cozy vibes? Share your thoughts in the comments.
