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Darkest Dungeon® II
Indie
RPG
Strategy
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Workshop
Partial Controller Support
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

Darkest Dungeon II is a roguelike road trip of the damned. Form a party, equip your stagecoach, and set off across the decaying landscape on a last gasp quest to avert the apocalypse. The greatest dangers you face, however, may come from within...

Developers: Red Hook Studios
Publishers: Red Hook Studios
Release Date: May 8, 2023
Price (USD): $14.79
Current Players: 2.9k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mostly Positive(77%)
stunning visuals
strategic depth
character backstories
atmosphere
soundtrack
relationship system
roguelike progression
different gameplay
mixed feelings
punishing difficulty
RNG reliance
grind progression
time-wasting stagecoach
Darkest Dungeon II is a game of contrasts: while its stunning visuals, strategic depth in combat, and atmospheric storytelling are lauded by many, others are critical of its heavy reliance on RNG and punishing difficulty. The game takes a different path from its predecessor, focusing on roguelike progression and character backstories, which has led to divided opinions. Fans of the first game can expect some familiar elements but should be prepared for a shift in gameplay focus. Stagecoach sequences are particularly disliked for being time-wasting, while the new relationship mechanics offer both opportunities and frustrations. Overall, Darkest Dungeon II succeeds most when it's viewed as a separate experience rather than a direct sequel to its forerunner.

Positive Points

  • The game's new 3D art style is stunning and maintains the original aesthetic while delivering more detail and smoother animations.
  • The combat system is praised for being strategic and offers depth with the token system, providing a different experience from the first game.
  • The inclusion of detailed backstories for each character adds depth, making them feel more like real people.
  • The Kingdoms game mode adds a strategic layer, reminiscent of the first game's management aspects, and is a well-received addition.
  • The game's soundtrack, voice acting, especially the narration, and overall atmosphere are consistently highlighted as high-quality.

    • Negative Points

  • The game is criticized for being overly punishing and heavily reliant on RNG, leading to frustrating losses.
  • The progression system, particularly the grind for unlocking abilities and items, is seen as tedious by many players.
  • Stagecoach travel is considered a monotonous, time-wasting minigame that detracts from the overall experience.
  • Some players feel that the game does not respect their time due to the long duration of runs and the potential for abrupt ends.

    • Mixed Points

  • The relationship system is polarizing; some players find it adds depth and strategy, while others feel it can unfairly sabotage runs.
  • While many appreciate the new combat mechanics, others miss the more traditional elements from the first game, like the base management.

    • Common Themes

  • The sequel deviates significantly from the original format, and players have mixed feelings about the roguelike structure versus the campaign-style of the first game.
  • There is a consensus that the game offers a visually and atmospherically rich experience, but gameplay changes are divisive among fans of the original.
    • Updated 8/30/2025, 12:02:37 AM UTC
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