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Darkest Dungeon Is Getting New DLC, Even Though It Has A Sequel
Red Hook Studios has announced new downloadable content for the original Darkest Dungeon, despite having already released and supported its sequel. The return to the 2016 game is notable because its previous DLC arrived in May 2020, and the expansion will incorporate ideas and characters from Darkest Dungeon II.
The paid expansion, The Fire’s Edge, launches on 18 August for PC, PS4 and Nintendo Switch; its price has not been announced. It adds the Duelist and Runaway heroes, new trinket mechanics and Hamlet districts, while Red Hook says it is seeking to preserve existing mods and is developing an improved mod manager. DLC for Darkest Dungeon II is planned for 2027.
In short
- Original Darkest Dungeon receives paid DLC after six years.
- The Fire’s Edge arrives on 18 August.
- Sequel DLC is planned for 2027.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporting the original Darkest Dungeon alongside its sequel demonstrates respect for an established and dedicated fanbase who may prefer the original's design, mechanics or community. This approach maximises revenue by serving distinct player preferences, extends the franchise's lifespan, and signals that the developer values its entire community rather than abandoning older players for the new game. Keeping both games active also provides optionality for players who haven't migrated to the sequel, potentially sustaining goodwill and long-term engagement.
The case against
Dividing development resources between two separate games with their own DLC roadmaps risks compromising quality in both titles and dilutes focus from the newer sequel, which should represent the franchise's future. If the original still requires substantial new content and support, it may suggest the sequel hasn't sufficiently captured players or justified its existence, whilst resources spent on legacy DLC could accelerate sequel development and post-launch support. Maintaining parallel product lines indefinitely becomes unsustainable and could fragment the player community rather than unite it around a singular creative vision.
Explained simply
Darkest Dungeon is a fantasy dungeon-exploration game released in 2016 by developer Red Hook Studios. The original game developed a devoted following and has received numerous expansions and updates since launch.
Red Hook Studios subsequently created a sequel, Darkest Dungeon II, which launched in early access in 2021 and achieved full release in 2024. Video game companies typically concentrate development efforts on their newest titles rather than older entries in a series.
Readers should know there are now two Darkest Dungeon games operating with separate development paths and communities. Understanding this distinction is important for following news about updates and content for either version.