Darkest Dungeon 2 has been available in various forms since 2021, expanding on the beloved roguelike RPG franchise and soon making its way to consoles.
Developed and published by Red Hook Studios, Darkest Dungeon 2 serves as the sequel to its predecessor. The game introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with unique strengths and abilities that players can enhance through specialized trinkets and combat items.
Players navigate the game world using a stagecoach, with the overarching objective of reaching a menacing mountain. This mountain serves as the stronghold for an encroaching evil force, necessitating exploration and the overcoming of various challenges along the journey. Central to gameplay are turn-based combat mechanics, requiring strategic positioning of heroes to optimize their skills, which vary depending on their placement.
Receiving a commendable score of 81 on Metacritic (compared to the original game’s 84), Darkest Dungeon 2 has garnered positive reception among fans. Additionally, the game hints at future expansions or sequels, hinting at ongoing Eldritch threats that may require further heroics. Currently, fans await the broader release of Darkest Dungeon 2 on consoles, eagerly anticipating its expanded availability and the continuation of its dark, immersive narrative.
What is the release date for Darkest Dungeon 2?
Darkest Dungeon 2 initially debuted in October 2021 through its early access phase on Windows. The game’s full version became available on May 8, 2023, launching on both the Epic Games Store and Steam platforms.
Looking ahead, there are ongoing efforts to broaden its accessibility beyond PC, with plans to introduce the game to additional gaming consoles in the coming months.
Darkest Dungeon II Extends Its Exploration to Xbox
Red Hook Studios, the developer and publisher of Darkest Dungeon II, has announced the upcoming release of its turn-based roguelike game on Xbox Series X|S. Scheduled to launch alongside versions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, Darkest Dungeon II will debut on July 15, 2024. The Standard Edition will be priced at $39.99/38,99€/£33.74 on the Microsoft Store, while the Oblivion Edition, which includes The Binding Blade DLC, will be available for $44.99/44,99€/£38.49. Additionally, a free content update previously announced for PC will roll out later this year across all platforms.
In this sequel to the acclaimed 2016 game, players undertake the challenging task of guiding a stagecoach expedition across a bleak and deteriorating landscape in a bid to prevent an impending apocalypse. Darkest Dungeon II refines the combat mechanics of its predecessor with a new Token System, where failed runs yield resources for enhancing future attempts. The game also introduces an affinity system between party members, allowing players to delve deeper into the personal histories of their heroes.
Currently available on PC via Steam, GOG.com, and the Epic Games Store, Darkest Dungeon II and its DLC are currently offered at discounted prices on Steam. For more insights into the title, readers can explore Ryan Costa’s review of its PC release.
What is Darkest Dungeon 2: Kingdoms?
While the main storyline of Darkest Dungeon 2 is already available on PC, a forthcoming update titled ‘Kingdoms’ is set to launch later in 2024. This extensive update introduces a new campaign along with three new enemy factions: the Coven, the Beastmen, and the Crimson Couriers. According to Director Chris Bourassa, speaking to PC Gamer, ‘Kingdoms’ aims to blend elements of roster management and permanence from the original Darkest Dungeon with the traversal and combat mechanics of Darkest Dungeon 2.
The update will be completely free and is designed with longtime fans in mind, reintroducing specific gameplay features from the original game. While players will continue to explore the in-game world as part of the Confessions storyline from Darkest Dungeon 2, the primary focus will shift towards gathering resources to upgrade heroes’ skills and fortify inns, pivotal checkpoints for progressing through the game.
True to the game’s challenging nature, heroes will still face permanent death if they fall in battle, maintaining the stakes of each expedition. However, players can rely on their stagecoach to recruit and deploy a new party of heroes to reclaim besieged inns. For a sneak peek at the new Kingdoms content, check out the early glimpse provided in the trailer below.
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