Darkest Dungeon 2 early access kicks off in 2021

Developer Red Hook Studios has announced that Darkest Dungeon 2 will enter early access in 2021 via the Epic Games Store.

A teaser trailer that appeared on YouTube called “A Glimmer of Hope” (below) confirmed that the game will be coming to early access next year, complete with a nice new 3D art style.

“It’s time to face the failures of the past,” Red Hook Studios explains in a short blurb for the game. “Lash your gear to the stagecoach, fix your eyes on the horizon, and prepare to roll into Early Access on the Epic Games Store in 2021!”

Darkest Dungeon 2 is a follow-on from the first game that was announced way back in February 2019, and combines elements of roguelike, strategy, and RPG gameplay to form something altogether quite unique. If the game is anything like its predecessor, you can expect an all-around addictive experience.

It looks like the tone of the first game will be kept intact, too. A little description for the game notes that it will “test your mettle and drive you to the brink of madness” – expect more horror influence once the game hits early access, then.

"Darkest Dungeon II is about hope, grit and determination," says Red Hook. "It reminds us that in times of crisis, we can’t wait for salvation, we have to find it ourselves — earn it, in spite of our weaknesses."

Players can expect a “completely different metagame structure”, along with the six character classes from the original. You can add the game to your Epic Games Store wishlist now.

If you're eager to get into the mood ahead of the sequel's release, you can pick up Darkest Dungeon now on PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and mobile.