TheDarkest Dungeonworld is finally set to officially expand, following the announcement of a release date for version 1.0 ofDarkest Dungeon 2. The secondDarkest Dungeongame has remained in Early Access since debuting October 2021, and its time to shine has nearly arrived.
Released in 2015, the firstDarkest Dungeonestablished a roguelike turn-based RPG franchise that quickly became known for its depth and difficulty. It explores the less pleasant side of adventuring that brighter fare tends to sweep under the rug.Darkest Dungeonranks amongthe hardest turn-based RPGson record, thanks to its emphasis on flawed party members and even the psychological toll their heroics take on them.
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The 1.0 edition ofDarkest Dungeon 2will reach the Epic Games Store and Steam on May 8, Red Hook Studios revealed. The company also announced a free demo to allow players to explore an entire region, which is one of five available in the full game. The demo will be available through the end of Steam Next Fest. It’s probably no coincidenceDarkest Dungeonis available on Xbox Game Passonce again, as well. Players with a subscription to that service can explore the entire first adventure and decide whether they’re up for the challenge the sequel brings to the table.
Red Hook Studios likely has high hopes forDarkest Dungeon 2. Two months ago, the company revealedDarkest Dungeonhas sold 6 million copies, which is the kind of number a lot of indie developers only see in their dreams. The game is available on a variety of platforms besides the PC, ranging from PlayStation 4 to Nintendo Switch and even PlayStation Vita.Darkest Dungeon 2has only been confirmed for PC thus far, but other versions seem likely, given the support its predecessor received.
In an era with a wider selection of games available than ever before, players often have more choices but less time. That dynamic sometimes means more difficult games aren’t a popular choice among those gamers who once might have appreciated them most, beyond the likes ofDark Souls. Red Hook Games has noted that inDarkest Dungeon 2, players will encounter a road-based trip structure that streamlines the familiar experience. That approach could allow adventures to maintain their complexity while encouraging players to embark on additional perilous journeys. As long as they keep a few vitalDarkest Dungeon 2beginner tipsin mind, there’s a good chance most RPG fans who test out the demo will decide to stick around for the full experience.
Darkest Dungeon 2releases on Epic Games Store and Steam on May 8.
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