Shadow Dungeon Demo and System Requirements
Free demo, store specs, 1.0 performance work, and 1.0.1 resolution plus controller FPS fixes.
Use this page to decide whether your PC or Steam Deck can run Shadow Dungeon, and what the free demo is for after the 1.0 launch (August 26, 2026). The live full game as of August 27, 2026 is 1.0.1. Intro price on Steam is $8.99 USD (10% off $9.99) through September 9, 2026.
The Shadow Dungeon demo
The demo is Steam app 4563350. It exists so you can feel combat, classes, and the retro look before you buy.
After Update 0.4.0, OO Cat wrote that the demo would not receive further major updates and that work would focus on the full version. Treat the demo as a slice of older content and systems, not as a 1.0 feature checklist. Greater Rifts, Paragon, the full 160-map campaign, and 1.0 input notes live in the paid client.
This wiki will not invent a demo boss name, a three-map list, or a guaranteed save transfer. If Steam documents transfer later, we will cite it. For now, use the demo to pick a class — you cannot class-change in the full game — then start a 1.0 save.
Gameplay footage: keep the embed on this page, and see Getting Started for another demo clip.
What 1.0 added that the old demo cycle could not show
From the “Complete Official Version Content” Steam news: 160 story maps, 30–50 hour campaign ending near 99–100, map-tied monster levels and drops, Greater Rifts, rift runes, Treasure Sprites, Paragon, mouse movement, controller auto-target, Steam Deck button contexts, DPS Tester, lighting/contrast comfort, and a large equipment affix pass. Details: Full Release.
System requirements (Steam store)
Minimum
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 or newer |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-4460 / AMD Ryzen 5 2400G |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | nVidia GTX 960 / AMD RX 460 |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 10 GB |
Recommended
| Component | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 or newer |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-6700 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600x |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | nVidia GTX 2060 / AMD RX 5700 |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 15 GB |
The recommended GPU string is copied from the store. This page will not invent ray tracing or Nvidia Reflex as Shadow Dungeon features.
Performance work you can count on
1.0: reduced visual-effect particles by about 60%, citing roughly 40% better frame rates. Lighting contrast was softened (dimmer torches, less harsh bright/dark, lower ground contrast).
1.0.1: added more screen resolutions; fixed frame drops when playing with a controller; fixed controllers not being recognized. See Patch 1.0.1 and Controls.
There is no official 144 Hz esports preset. Cap FPS if the client or your driver allows it.
Steam Deck
1.0 includes Steam Deck-specific optimizations: context-sensitive face buttons (X drops/sells/stores/maxes skills depending on panel), A / X / Y skill-point rules, larger fonts, and some maps scaled down with props removed for FPS. Combined with the particle pass, Deck is an intended 1.0 target, not an afterthought. Verify current Steam Deck status on the store overlay; this wiki will not invent a Verified badge grade.
Platform
Windows on Steam. Store listings at launch are not macOS/Linux. Steam Cloud and Save Anytime are part of the published PC feature set.
Decision guide
- At or above minimum: play the demo, then 1.0.1. Lower particles/effects if needed.
- At recommended: you should be in the audience 1.0 optimized for.
- Below minimum: demo first; do not expect Inferno rifts to be pretty.
Related: Getting Started, Combat, Updates Hub, Review (Very Positive, about 88% of ~190 Steam reviews).
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about Shadow Dungeon.
Does the demo run on Steam Deck?
The demo is a Steam app; 1.0 documented Deck-specific button layouts and FPS map trims for the full game. Try the demo on Deck to feel performance. The full game on 1.0.1 is the version with extra resolutions and controller FPS fixes.
How much space do I need to install Shadow Dungeon?
Steam lists 10 GB minimum and 15 GB recommended. The demo is a separate install. An SSD helps map loads; it is not a store requirement line.
Can I play Shadow Dungeon on Windows 7?
Windows 7 or newer is the listed minimum OS. Newer Windows is the practical choice for security and drivers. DirectX 11 is the listed API.
Will the demo run worse than the full game?
The demo stopped getting major updates after 0.4.0. The full 1.0 client cut particles by about 60% for roughly 40% more FPS; 1.0.1 added resolutions and controller FPS fixes. The paid game is the optimized one.
Is there a Mac version of Shadow Dungeon?
Launch store pages list Windows. There is no official Mac/Linux build in those listings. Do not assume Proton or Boot Camp support as a developer promise.