Dungeons of Hinterberg is an action RPG that approaches the genre from an unusual perspective: a game about taking a break. Developed by Microbird Games, it places players in the role of Luisa, a junior lawyer seeking time away from the pressures of her job. Rather than focusing solely on combat or questing, the game emphasizes downtime, exploration, and social interactions in a detailed Alpine setting.
The game’s origins trace back to the COVID-19 lockdown, when co-founders Philipp Seifried and Regina Reisinger found themselves burned out and stuck indoors. “We thought, ‘Wouldn't it be nice to go on vacation?’ We couldn’t, so we figured we’d start working on a game that’s about going on holiday,” Seifried said. That concept shaped the entire design philosophy of Dungeons of Hinterberg, which aims to capture the experience of a calm, leisurely vacation.
Exploring Hinterberg and the Austrian Alps
The fictional resort town of Hinterberg draws inspiration from Austrian destinations such as Bad Gastein and Hallstatt. Seifried and Reisinger conducted a train tour across Austria to gather reference material, combining elements from multiple regions to create a visually varied and immersive world. Players can traverse snowy mountain passes, scenic lakesides, and alpine forests, all designed to reflect the feeling of a genuine winter getaway.
The game allows players to approach the environment at their own pace. Luisa can engage in activities like snowboarding, ziplining, or mountain climbing, but she can also choose to spend a day in quiet reflection or meditation. According to Reisinger, the goal was to create “a little mini home that you can go to after work,” giving players freedom to decide how to spend their in-game vacation.
Combat Designed for Relaxation
While Dungeons of Hinterberg features dungeons populated by monsters inspired by Alpine folklore, combat is structured to be approachable rather than punishing. Drawing influence from classic 3D The Legend of Zelda games, the system emphasizes strategy and timing over reflexes, allowing players to engage enemies at a comfortable pace. Special attacks, character progression, and equipment choices provide depth, but the focus remains on enjoyment rather than challenge.
Seifried noted that the game preserves the sense of freedom found in Zelda’s world, allowing players to explore and fight at their leisure. Even encounters with aggressive creatures are framed within the context of a relaxed vacation, ensuring that combat never feels overwhelming or disconnected from the game’s overall tone.
Social Interaction and Character Development
In addition to exploration and combat, Dungeons of Hinterberg incorporates a Persona-inspired social system. Players can interact with both locals and fellow tourists, forming relationships that influence gameplay and offer various rewards. Unlike traditional social simulation games, the system does not rely on strict time management, instead favoring unpredictability and the occasional surprise in interactions.
The developers intentionally included a range of personalities to reflect real-world vacation experiences. Some characters are welcoming and friendly, while others, like Kai, a social media influencer, are more difficult to like. Reisinger said these dynamics were included to mirror the spontaneity of real-life encounters and create a sense of authenticity within the resort environment.
A Vacation Game with Depth
Overall, Dungeons of Hinterberg provides a blend of light action, exploration, and social interaction set in a well-crafted Alpine environment. It offers players the freedom to engage with the world on their own terms, whether that means fighting monsters, exploring the mountains, or simply taking a day to do nothing at all. The game is currently available on the Epic Games Store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What platforms is Dungeons of Hinterberg available on?
Dungeons of Hinterberg is currently available on the Epic Games Store for PC.
Is Dungeons of Hinterberg a difficult game?
No, the game is designed to be accessible. Combat emphasizes strategy over reflexes, and players are free to take a leisurely approach.
Can you skip dungeons in Dungeons of Hinterberg?
Yes. Players can choose to focus on exploration, social interactions, or relaxation activities without engaging in every combat encounter.
Does the game feature online multiplayer or web3 elements?
No, Dungeons of Hinterberg is a single-player experience without web3 or blockchain integration.
What kind of social interactions are in the game?
The game includes a social system where players can develop relationships with locals and other tourists, with unpredictable rewards based on the interactions.
What inspired the game’s setting?
The setting is inspired by real Austrian towns and landscapes, including Bad Gastein, Hallstatt, Innsbruck, and the Dachstein glacier.
