The darkness is, once again, calling players back to the void.
Video game developer Red Hook Studios recently announced that the sequel to Darkest Dungeon will soon leave early access and will be officially released in May.
The game previously went into early access on Oct. 26, 2021, and was initially available to play through the Epic Games Store, per Radio Times and Games Press.
Darkest Dungeon 2 Official Release Details
Red Hook Studios mentioned in its announcement that Darkest Dungeon II would complete its early access run in the Epic Games Store and release version 1.0 on May 8.
During the time in between, Red Hook will develop and release a few major updates before it can release the game to the world, including a massive one very soon.
Gamers who wish to try the game out for themselves can do so with a free demo it is releasing on Feb. 6 on the Epic Games Store and Steam for the duration of Steam Next Fest, which will last until Feb. 13.
This free demo will allow players to use the game's four starting heroes through one full region, allowing them to encounter and fight many distinct enemy factions and the "rigors of survival."
Additionally, Darkest Dungeon II demo players can explore either Sprawl (city) or the Foetor (farms) in the demo. However, players should keep in mind that their progression in the demo won't be saved between expeditions.
Darkest Dungeon II Features
Much like its predecessor, Darkest Dungeon II is a turn-based roguelike road trip that lets players form parties of four from various heroes to prevent the apocalypse from ever happening.
Each of the expeditions can last 30 minutes or even several hours, providing players with either fun or terror as they explore the decaying landscape on and around the Mountain.
Unlike in the last game, Darkest Dungeon II allows players to uncover and experience the tragic origins of each of its heroes and unlock their full potential through new skills, paths, items, and more.
The game also allows the heroes in a player's party to bond with each other or develop animosity, which could either help or hinder their expedition. These bonds could create much-needed combat synergies or journey-ending dysfunctions.
Additionally, a new feature called "The Altar of Hope" provides players with a massive system of upgrades and boons that can open up new strategies for each expedition. Players can choose which upgrades and boons their heroes can use during their expeditions on the Mountain.
However, each of their expeditions means they will have to face obstacles that will challenge players' strategies, endurance, and heroes across five distinct regions, each with their own unique creatures that will hinder your expeditions.
Darkest Dungeon II will be available to download and play on Steam and the Epic Games Store on May 8, though Red Hook has yet to give a final price tag for the game.
