This RPG follows its “own, hard-as-nails Roguelite path” – and it’s free to play on Steam right now
Darkest Dungeon II is the 2023 sequel to Red Hook Studios’ acclaimed dungeon crawler. As German gaming outlet GameStar put it, the game follows its “own, hard-as-nails Roguelite path” – a fitting description. Battles are punishing, and its Roguelite mechanics give it a unique edge in the genre. Set in a bleak, cursed world, the story follows four heroes who refuse to yield to despair. Their journey takes them to the Mountain, believed to be the source of all evil. Unlike its predecessor’s static dungeon crawling, the sequel unfolds as a dynamic road trip. You’ll guide your party across ruined landscapes in a battered stagecoach, facing challenges and choices at every turn.
Like the original, Darkest Dungeon II leans heavily on classic Roguelite elements. If an expedition fails, the journey ends – but not everything is lost. Resources, unlocked heroes and upgrades carry over, giving each new run a stronger foundation. The mental state of your heroes is just as critical as their abilities. Trust, tension and personal rivalries can shape the outcome of a battle, either holding the party together or driving it apart. Combat remains turn-based and depends on precise positioning, since abilities only work from specific spots in the lineup. A robust token system adds another layer of strategy, introducing buffs, debuffs and effects that can alter turn order or tip the odds in your favor.
In its review, German gaming outlet GamePro praised Darkest Dungeon II for its challenging and deeply layered combat system. The game’s dark cel-shaded visuals and powerful narration also earned high marks, as did its strong replay value thanks to the Roguelite structure. Still, the game isn’t without flaws. Early on, the sheer number of mechanics and effects can feel overwhelming. The carriage segments between battles were criticized for slowing the pace, especially during longer runs. GamePro also noted the heavy reliance on luck – unfortunate encounters or strained relationships can derail even the most carefully planned expeditions in an instant.
Despite some criticisms, GamePro awarded Darkest Dungeon II a solid 80 out of 100. On Metacritic, the game holds a Metascore of 81, while the User Score sits at 6.1. On Steam, the Roguelite RPG has amassed around 22,500 reviews, with a “Mostly Positive” rating of 75%.
Free weekend on Steam
Darkest Dungeon II normally sells for around $40 on Steam, but this weekend – between August 29 and September 1 – you can play it for free. If it hooks you, the full game is available for just $14.80 with a 63% discount until September 11.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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