In 2006, Dungeon Lords received a limited-run Collector’s Edition release that expanded and refined the original game with new quests, spells, monsters, and character options. Packaged in a striking embossed metal case, this edition became the definitive version of the game for dedicated fans.

This page serves as a permanent archive of the 2006 Collector’s Edition release. From the official game manual to the original heraldry, spell lists, and skill charts, this is the most complete record of the game’s core systems and collector content available online. Whether you’re returning to the Vale of Ruin or discovering it for the first time, welcome to the vault.

What Came in the Box

The Dungeon Lords: Collector’s Edition came packaged in a metal tin featuring embossed chainmail borders and the glowing-eyed visage of a mysterious mage. Inside, fans found a curated set of items that made this edition a must-have for RPG collectors:

• Three Game Discs: Spread across Discs I, II, and III, the full game and bonus content were divided for installation on PC.

• Collector’s Edition User’s Manual: A thick, full-color manual containing lore, character class breakdowns, spell lists, skill explanations, and more.

• Fold-Out Map: A parchment-style map of the world, including regions like the Vale of Ruin, Forbidden Lands, Demigoth Lands, and more.

• Bonus Content: New quests, spells, heraldries, and enemies exclusive to this edition, expanding the base game’s replayability and customization.

Whether you owned it or not, this edition became a cornerstone piece of early 2000s fantasy RPG memorabilia. Scroll down to explore what made the systems of Dungeon Lords so unique.

Vault Images of the Steelbook Collector’s Edition of Dungeon Lords

Download the Collector’s Edition Map (PDF)

Jewel Case Variant (Cardboard Sleeve Edition)

Despite commonly being referred to as the jewel case version, this edition of the Dungeon Lords Collector’s Edition doesn’t use a traditional hard plastic jewel case. Instead, it comes in a cardboard slipcase or sleeve-style packaging. The discs are stored in paper sleeves, and the overall presentation is more compact and minimalist compared to the steelbook edition.

The cover artwork was adjusted to fit the jewel case format, resulting in slightly tighter cropping and repositioned elements. This version appears to be less common than the steelbook, and may have been produced toward the end of the Collector’s Edition print run, possibly as a lower-cost repackage.

This edition also lacks the physical map that was included in other releases. Instead, players were directed to a download link printed on the insert, one that now leads to a defunct site.

For preservation purposes, you can download the original Collector’s Edition map below:

Download the Collector’s Edition Map (PDF)

Vault Images of the Jewel Case Collector’s Edition

Playable Races in Dungeon Lords: Collector’s Edition

Dungeon Lords features a variety of unique races, each with different strengths, affinities, and stat bonuses. These choices affect how your character performs in battle, interacts with magic, and progresses through the class system. Below is a breakdown of each playable race found in the Collector’s Edition:

Each race offers a distinct playstyle, giving players plenty of room to experiment with class combinations, especially once you begin unlocking advanced paths through guilds and trainers.

Character Class System

The class system in Dungeon Lords: Collector’s Edition is a core part of the game’s identity. Rather than choosing a final class at the start, players begin with a basic class and gradually unlock advanced and elite classes by completing quests and meeting specific requirements.

Your class determines what weapons, spells, and armor you can use, as well as your growth potential and guild affiliations. Here’s a breakdown of all classes and their associated skill access:

Skill System in Dungeon Lords

Skills in Dungeon Lords are central to your character’s progression. Unlike games with rigid class systems, this game lets you build your character freely by investing in combat, magic, stealth, and utility skills as you level up and complete guild quests.

Skills are grouped into categories based on weapon types, armor use, spellcasting, survival, and utility. Unlocking certain Prestige Classes also requires specific combinations of skills.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key skill categories from the Collector’s Edition manual:

Weapon & Combat Skills

• Light Weapons: Proficiency with daggers, short swords, and other agile weapons

• Heavy Weapons: Proficiency with axes, warhammers, and two-handed swords

• Dual Weapons: Ability to fight with one weapon in each hand

• Ranged Weapons: Proficiency with bows, crossbows, and thrown weapons

• Shield: Allows blocking with shields and parrying

• Critical Strike: Increases chance to deal extra damage

• Martial Arts: Hand-to-hand combat training

Armor Skills

• Light Armor: Allows use of leather and other lightweight protection

• Heavy Armor: Grants use of full plate and chainmail

• Special Hardiness: A passive defensive bonus tied to class choices

Magic Skills

• Celestial Magic: Healing and holy magic

• Rune Magic: Symbol-based magic for buffs and summons

• Nether Magic: Dark, necrotic, or destructive spells

• Alchemy: Allows use and creation of potions and poisons

• Spell Lore: Required for learning and casting advanced spells

• Enchant Weapon / Enchant Armor: Magical weapon/armor upgrades

Utility & Stealth Skills

• Lockpick: Opens locked doors and chests

• Pickpocket: Steal from NPCs

• Trap Lore: Detect and disarm traps

• Sneak: Avoid detection while moving

• Scout: Detect nearby enemies and hidden paths

• Heraldry: Tied to noble ranks and allows advanced class unlocks

You can freely train and improve these skills by joining guilds, completing quests, or spending earned skill points from leveling.

Collector’s Edition vs. Standard Release

The 2006 Dungeon Lords: Collector’s Edition was more than just a repackage — it featured significant updates over the original 2005 release. This version aimed to fix major complaints from fans and reviewers alike, while offering exclusive content to collectors.

Key Differences

Where to Find the Collector’s Edition Today

The Dungeon Lords: Collector’s Edition is no longer in print, but dedicated fans and collectors can still find copies through secondhand marketplaces. The most reliable source today is:

eBay

• Search Terms: “Dungeon Lords Collector’s Edition,” “Dungeon Lords Steelbook,” or “2006 Collector’s Tin”

• Listings: Vary from complete sets (steelbook, manual, discs, map) to individual components

• Pricing: Prices can range from $30 to over $150 depending on condition and completeness

Digital Version: Dungeon Lords MMXII

For players who want to experience the newest version of the game (although many say not the best version) without hunting down physical media, an updated version of Dungeon Lords MMXII is available digitally on Steam. It’s a modernized re-release with bug fixes and support for newer operating systems. While it doesn’t include the physical collector items, it offers the most stable gameplay experience today.

Preservation & Legacy

As part of the Legacy Vault, this page exists to document and preserve the most complete version of Dungeon Lords as it was released in 2006. Over the years, many fans have lost access to the original materials—manuals have gone missing, maps are torn, and boxed sets have become rare.

By archiving the contents of the Collector’s Edition—from its manual scans and character class tables to its packaging and gameplay differences—we aim to give both returning players and newcomers a way to explore the history of this cult classic RPG.

If you own a version of the game, have a different regional release, or possess rare promotional materials, reach out and help expand the vault. Together, we’re keeping the torch lit for Dungeon Lords and documenting every step into the dungeon.

Dungeon Lords - Collector's Edition User Manual (full) (25 downloads )