Red Hook Studios, the creators of the grim and beloved roguelite Darkest Dungeon II, announced the simultaneous release of a brand-new free game mode, Kingdoms, and a paid DLC, Inhuman Bondage. Both will launch for PC on January 27, 2025, with console availability to follow.
Kingdoms: A New Chapter in Darkest Dungeon II
Kingdoms introduces a fresh game mode designed to stand alongside the game’s main campaign mode, Confessions. This mode reimagines the game’s structure, offering an entirely new experience for players. Structured as a series of three themed adventure modules, the first chapter, Hunger of the Beast Clan, will challenge you to protect the Kingdom from the brutal onslaught of new enemy factions.
The initial module tasks players with defending territory from ravenous beastmen—a corrupted and decayed faction of foes. Unlike the traditional roguelike runs, players will traverse a persistent Kingdom map, managing inns as hubs for upgrades and fortification while balancing hero fatigue by cycling through different party configurations.
Creative Director Chris Bourassa emphasized the studio’s innovative approach:
“At Red Hook, we love going against the grain. Instead of merely adding more content, we pushed ourselves to rethink the structure of DDII, giving birth to Kingdoms. It’s a remix of almost every game system, and all three modules will be completely free for players.”
Inhuman Bondage DLC: Dive Into The Catacombs
For those craving new challenges and content, the Inhuman Bondage DLC adds a high-risk, high-reward region called The Catacombs. Accessible during both Confessions and Kingdoms modes, this subterranean environment introduces a faction of oozing, corrosive threats along with unique items to aid players.
This DLC also marks the return of a fan-favorite character: The Abomination. Originally designed with input from Kickstarter backers, the Abomination brings dynamic mechanics, exclusive trinkets, signature items, and a fully voiced origin story. Players will uncover the character’s mysterious past through playable flashback encounters.
Launch Details and Availability
Darkest Dungeon II is currently available on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S. The Kingdoms game mode, including its first module, and the Inhuman Bondage DLC will debut on PC on January 27, 2025. Console players can expect to see the updates shortly afterward.
