It was three years ago thatDarkest Dungeonlaunched as a Kickstarter-backed title with much to prove, but prove it did: the game quickly cemented itself as a top-tier roguelike game with challenging gameplay, grim repercussions, and a dark Cthulhu-esque setting. Three years after this initial success, developer Red Hook Studios has just revealed thatDarkest Dungeon 2is on the way. Little is known about the successor to the series, but it looks like fans should be in for an evolution of the original’s successful and unforgiving formula.
The trailer, which can be seen below, opens with the ominous and familiar tones of narrator Wayne June. As some of the first game’s heroes approach the precipice of an ominous mountain, the narrator reveals a few key facts: stress mechanics will once again play a large part in the sequel’s harrowing journey, and carrying a flame is still an integral part of beating back the monsters of the shadows. The location, it seems, will be entirely new.
WhileDarkest Dungeonfocused on the shame of the family and cleaning out the evils from the Estate, the sequel will focus on a more “grueling journey”. An ominous mountain range is certainly an apt setting for that, though it’s unknown how other game mechanics - like the Estate-based recruitment and improvement system - will work if players are trekking across unforgiving mountain ranges.
There’s still a lot to learn aboutDarkest Dungeon 2, but for now Red Hook Studios is keeping those cards close to its chest. The first game was known for itsunforgiving nature, but the mechanics still allowed players to start fresh and keep sending hapless heroes to madness as they slowly improved the Estate. It’s not clear what the goals will be this time around, but fans definitely look excited to venture into the madness once again.
Darkest Dungeon 2currently has no release date. Red Hook Studios states that the game will first arrive via early access.
