A Torch in the Dark is a brutal, elegant solo dungeon-delving RPG that thrives on tension, scarcity, and hard choices. Using only a handful of d6s and a deck of cards, it turns every delve into a push-your-luck descent where light, inventory space, stress, and corruption all matter. The core loop is tight and punishing: draw a card, face danger, roll a small dice pool, and live with the consequences. It captures the feeling of desperate exploration perfectly—every success feels earned, and every failure leaves a mark that follows you deeper into the dark
What really sells it is how physical and immediate it feels. Inventory is spatial, armor degrades, conditions stack, and retreat is always tempting but never free. It’s not about heroic fantasy—it’s about survival. The updated versions refine presentation and flow, but the heart of the game remains the same: a clean, fast, atmospheric solo experience that rewards smart risk-taking and tells grim stories naturally. If you like solo play that’s lethal, moody, and mechanically sharp, A Torch in the Dark is an easy recommendation.
Full video review / actual play: