Red Hook Studios have just announced that the Early Access journey on the Epic Games Store for their grim turn-based road trip RPG, Darkest Dungeon 2, is about to come to an end. For fans of the original who want to endure another 100 hours of torture, the full release will be available on May 8.
The sequel retains the same turn-based roguelike road trip formula from the original with tweaks made to the gameplay mechanics. You will still be forming a party and setting off across a decaying landscape in your stagecoach to avert the apocalypse. With the world at the brink of destruction, you will travel to five distinct regions that aren’t worthy of a postcard. With names like the burning Sprawl (city) and diseased Foetor (farms), we can only imagine the challenges and enemies that await us there.
With the visuals being given a new 3D lick of paint, you will get to admire the fascinatingly grim design of the landscape and grotesque enemies that will undoubtedly make their way into your nightmares.
Why do the creepiest monsters like to live in areas with red lighting?| Red Hook Studios
I have a big axe so I will chop you down said the hellion before her demise. | Red Hook Studios
I think we might have taken the wrong turn somewhere. This isn't the pig farm I was looking for.| Red Hook Studios
Like any RPG worth its salt, you will have to make some tough decisions.| Red Hook Studios
Oh yes! The ever creepy merchant who somehow knows where I am at all the time.| Red Hook Studios
A perfect representation of what I go through when I play Darkest Dungeon.| Red Hook Studios
Between the monsters and this spat, I think I will survive longer with the monsters.| Red Hook Studios
The gameplay of Darkest Dungeon 2 has also been given a tweak and now features a run-based road trip structure that streamlines the experience without sacrificing the complexity of its system. Each expedition can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Even if you come to an untimely end, you will still be rewarded with resources that can be spent to improve your next journey.
Besides managing your resources and upgrades, you will also have to keep an eye out for the heroes you have recruited. The heroes in Darkest Dungeon are not perfect as they have flaws which can easily ruin your seemingly perfect run. Also, during your trip, heroes will either grow fond or develop animosity towards each other. The former will give you an advantage with combat synergies while the latter can also speed up the end of your journey.
Finally, the demo will allow you to take the four starting heroes through one full run of either the Sprawl or Foetor. However, do take note that no progression will be saved between expeditions in the demo.
