DNF Duel
A fighting game spin-off of Dungeon & Fighter with simplified controls.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
DNF Duel is a fighting video game co-developed by Arc System Works, Eighting, and Neople, and published by Nexon. Released on 28 June 2022 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, with a Nintendo Switch port on 20 April 2023, it is a spin-off of the Dungeon & Fighter series. The game features simplified mechanics and an MP bar system for skills, drawing from the RPG elements of the main series.
- Release date
- 28 June 2022 (Windows, PS4, PS5); 20 April 2023 (Nintendo Switch)
Lore & Background
DNF Duel is set in an astral plane full of gates, alternate realities created after the Great Metastasis. The gates malfunctioned in an event called 'The Day the Doors Closed,' becoming known as 'Wonders.' In the present, adventurers and warriors converge in the Principality of Bel Myre, each wielding 'Wills' that reawaken the Wonders and determine the fate of the gates and multiverse.
Reader's Guide
DNF Duel received generally favorable reviews on Metacritic. Critics praised its accessible yet deep fighting system, distinct roster, stable rollback netcode, and striking visuals, but noted a dull story mode, lack of crossplay, and steep learning curve for casual players. The game's MP bar system, which regenerates over time, sets it apart from traditional fighting game meters. Its significance lies in bringing the Dungeon & Fighter franchise to a global fighting game audience, with simplified inputs to attract newcomers. The season pass added five characters in December 2022, expanding the base roster of 15 plus one unlockable boss.
Did You Know?
- The game features an MP bar that regenerates over time, unlike special meters in other fighting games.
- An open beta was held from 17 to 20 December 2021 globally, with 10 playable characters.
- The story mode is set in an astral plane after the Great Metastasis event.
- The game includes voice acting in Korean, English, and Japanese, with Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) available as subtitle options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DNF Duel?
DNF Duel is a 2.5D fighting game that acts as a spin-off of the Dungeon & Fighter franchise. It was co-developed by Arc System Works, Eighting, and Neople, and published by Nexon.
What platforms is DNF Duel available on?
The title launched on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on 28 June 2022, with a Nintendo Switch port arriving on 20 April 2023.
How does DNF Duel's gameplay differ from the main Dungeon & Fighter games?
Instead of the RPG-heavy structure of the mainline series, DNF Duel boils things down to a streamlined fighting format. It keeps an MP bar system for activating skills, which is a direct nod to the RPG mechanics of the broader franchise.
Who developed and published DNF Duel?
Arc System Works, Eighting, and Neople collaborated on development, while Nexon handled publishing. The game sits within the Dungeon & Fighter family as its dedicated fighting-game entry.
When was DNF Duel released?
The initial launch on PC and PlayStation 4/5 took place on 28 June 2022. The Nintendo Switch version followed roughly ten months later, on 20 April 2023.
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