Two of Mewgenics' most memorable areas were directly inspired by a brutal and brilliant tabletop RPG
PC Gamer
by Robin Valentine February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article explores how Mewgenics, a standout game of 2023, draws inspiration from the OSR (Old School Renaissance) movement and specifically from Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC), a tabletop RPG known for its extreme lethality and challenging dungeon designs. Co-developer Tyler Glaiel revealed that two key areas in Mewgenics—The Desert and The Lab—are directly influenced by DCC's "level 0 funnel" concept, which involves starting players with underpowered characters who face intense challenges to determine the strongest survivors.
A level 0 funnel is a distinctive feature of DCC where players begin with four randomly generated, unclassed characters. These fledgling adventurers are thrown into deadly dungeons, often resulting in high mortality rates as they navigate traps and foes. The goal is to filter down to a single survivor who then progresses to level 1 and selects a class. While Mewgenics doesn't replicate this extreme lethality, it borrows the essence of testing characters' endurance and adaptability.
In Mewgenics, The Desert introduces mechanics that limit healing, making weaker cats more vulnerable. As players progress, they may have to eliminate underperforming team members to avoid penalties. Meanwhile, The Lab features encounters that can instantly injure or kill cats, adding a layer of danger and requiring strategic planning. These areas serve as tough tests, encouraging players to evaluate their party's strengths and weaknesses.
This design choice highlights the importance of drawing inspiration from tabletop RPG mechanics in modern game development. By adapting concepts like the level
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/24/2026