The Dark Mod

The Dark Mod is a free, open-source first-person stealth game inspired by the Thief series by Looking Glass Studios. Originally created as a total conversion mod for Doom 3 by David Massey, it was first released in 2009. In October 2013, the game transitioned into a standalone title, using the open-source id Tech 4 engine for its updated version (2.0).

Set in a dark, gothic steampunk world, The Dark Mod combines elements of fantasy, the Late Middle Ages, the Victorian era, and the Industrial Revolution. This unique setting draws clear inspiration from the Thief series, with a focus on stealth, atmosphere, and exploration in a morally ambiguous world.

In The Dark Mod, players take on the role of a skilled thief navigating a perilous environment. With limited combat abilities, the player must rely on a variety of tools and the surrounding environment to avoid detection by guards, traps, and other threats. Equipment includes items such as a blackjack, water arrows, holy water, flashbombs, and mines. Stealth is key, and players are encouraged to sneak, hide in shadows, and carefully plan their movements to outwit enemies, rather than engage in direct combat.

One of the standout features of The Dark Mod is its robust support for user-created content. The game includes powerful tools that allow the community to design new levels, missions, and even entire campaigns. This open-ended approach enables players to contribute to the game’s ever-expanding world, ensuring a continuously fresh experience.