Darkest Dungeon II

67%
Game Brain Score Based on 8,168 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Darkest Dungeon II Game Cover
Darkest Dungeon 2 is a challenging yet fun roguelite experience, even if it does sacrifice some of what made the original great.
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In Darkest Dungeon II, form a party of four heroes for a roguelike road trip in a decaying world, hoping to avert the apocalypse. Familiar turn-based combat is refined, featuring a token system and improved rules, while heroes now have expanded skills and stories. Each run is unique, with its own emerging narrative, and every ending can provide resources for future attempts.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
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  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

67%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,168 reviews
gameplay495 positive mentions
grinding450 negative mentions
  • The game features stunning graphics and animations that enhance the overall experience.
  • The combat system has been significantly improved, making it more strategic and engaging than the first game.
  • The character backstories and relationships add depth and personality to the heroes, making each run feel unique.
  • The game can feel overly grindy, with long runs that may lead to frustration if players encounter bad luck.
  • The relationship system can lead to negative interactions that lock players into unwanted skills, making runs feel punishing.
  • Many players feel that the game lacks the same sense of attachment to characters as the first game, as heroes reset after each run.
  • gameplay2,316 mentions

    The gameplay of "Darkest Dungeon II" has been met with mixed reviews, reflecting a significant shift from its predecessor. While many players appreciate the introduction of new mechanics, such as the relationship system and token-based combat, others feel that the game has become overly complex and less engaging, with a focus on roguelike elements that detracts from the strategic depth of the original. The pacing and structure of runs, often lengthy and filled with repetitive mechanics, have also drawn criticism, leading some to prefer the more traditional dungeon-crawling experience of the first game. Overall, while the game retains the dark atmosphere and challenging gameplay fans expect, it diverges enough in mechanics and structure to elicit a polarized response from the community.

    • “After playing nearly 100 hours, I believe Darkest Dungeon 2 has more diversity in builds, more viable trinket options, and overall more strategic and varied gameplay than the first.”
    • “The new mechanics are pretty interesting and add a lot of subtleties to combat and exploration.”
    • “The gameplay feels way more in-depth, adding more mechanics and more things to think about, there’s more emphasis on buffs and debuffs, preparing for the road ahead, characters' opinions over the things you choose, and relationships.”
    • “I get it, this series is punishing, but there is a difference between punishing and being mechanically inept with your game where you punish the player for no reason.”
    • “Honestly, a ton of things need work; excessive boss cleaves, stress/hp heal thresholds are unnecessary at times + percentage heals are not ideal, affinity system got gutted and is just a stat, 4-hour runs that you build one party for which ends up in a specialized fight but it also has to do okay throughout all the regions, the grind is a bit relentless at times, stress damage and meltdowns are a lot more common and, in my opinion, an odd replacement for afflictions.”
    • “The gameplay loop is just so slow, boring and grindy.”
  • graphics998 mentions

    The graphics in "Darkest Dungeon II" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual presentation and improved animations, successfully transitioning the original's hand-drawn aesthetic into a detailed 3D environment. Many players appreciate the atmospheric art style, which retains the dark, Lovecraftian themes of the first game while enhancing character and enemy designs. However, some fans of the original express disappointment, feeling that the shift to 3D has lost some of the unique charm and simplicity of the 2D graphics, leading to mixed feelings about the overall visual direction.

    • “The graphics and animations are absolutely stunning, I found myself stopping everything just to see the animations of all the different characters, each representing them so well and bringing more life into them.”
    • “The graphical improvement over the first game is immense; DD2 didn't lose an ounce of its style but it definitely improved its looks by a lot.”
    • “The art style is beautiful; the 3D visuals show the world in a way that the first one couldn't.”
    • “The graphics lost all their uniqueness, the theme went from dark gothic to bizarre surrealism.”
    • “I feel they spent way too much time and money on the graphics, which in my opinion, aren't as good as the basic original one.”
    • “If you buy this game expecting to find the original Darkest Dungeon just with upgraded graphics and new enemies, you're gonna have a bad time (and you kinda deserve it).”
  • story964 mentions

    The story in "Darkest Dungeon II" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the deeper character backstories and the engaging narration by Wayne June. However, some feel that the overall narrative lacks the cohesion and depth of the first game, often describing it as disjointed and less compelling. While the new hero shrines and individual character arcs add a layer of personal storytelling, the roguelike structure can make it difficult for players to feel invested in the overarching plot, leading to a sense of repetitiveness and frustration in the gameplay experience.

    • “The storytelling and character backstories are genuinely great, and some of the memories were genuinely disturbing to play.”
    • “The story is dark and mysterious, and it's not just like you are buying a large DLC for the first game or a revamped Darkest Dungeon.”
    • “The story sections for the characters were probably my favorite part of the game - having to play out little mini-encounters personalized to each hero's tragic backstory.”
    • “I had trouble following the story with how disjointed the narrative is, having it repeat the same monologues after beating the chapter a few times, but having to keep going back and replaying a chapter to build up memories to go after later chapters.”
    • “The story is bland and forgettable, the gameplay becomes tedious and repetitive after a while, no incentive for replayability.”
    • “The irony is, they spent way more time in this game giving each 'character' a back story and development, but in the end, there is no development as they just die and come back over and over with extremely limited permanency.”
  • grinding453 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Darkest Dungeon 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive. While some appreciate the reduced grind compared to the first game, others feel that the new roguelike structure still requires excessive farming for resources and character upgrades, leading to a sense of monotony. The stagecoach mechanics and lengthy runs contribute to the overall feeling of tedium, making the experience less engaging for those who dislike grinding.

    • “No grinding for heirlooms to finish that final patient cells upgrade, or build the mighty red hook.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “As for now, it just feels like grinding with almost no return on investment.”
    • “The runs are soooo tedious, a good part of each run is waiting for all these slow menus/screens/transitions.”
    • “The game just becomes a tedious grind if you want all the abilities of your heroes.”
  • music409 mentions

    The music in "Darkest Dungeon II" has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and haunting quality, effectively enhancing the game's dark themes and immersive experience. Many players praise the soundtrack as a standout feature, with compositions by Stuart Chatwood that evoke a range of emotions from tension to relief during gameplay. However, some reviews note that while the music is generally excellent, it may lack the memorable and iconic tracks found in the first game, leading to mixed feelings about its overall impact.

    • “The music and sound design are like the best thing I've ever heard; my ears love this game!”
    • “The soundtrack is phenomenal, with major props to the composer. It perfectly complements the game's grim atmosphere.”
    • “The music is fantastic, and the art direction, along with the animations, creates a beautifully immersive experience.”
    • “The music is much weaker; the first game's hamlet theme was extremely soothing after a long run, and there is nothing like that caliber here.”
    • “After many times, animations just anger you more and more because you have to look at the same animations and hear the same music over and over again.”
    • “The music seems much less iconic than the first game.”
  • atmosphere293 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Darkest Dungeon II" is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively capturing the dark, Lovecraftian themes that defined its predecessor. Reviewers highlight the stunning visuals, exceptional art style, and atmospheric music, which together create a compelling sense of dread and tension throughout the gameplay. While some players feel that the new roguelite structure diminishes the emotional weight and claustrophobic intensity of the original, many agree that the game still delivers a rich and engaging atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.

    • “The atmosphere is among the best I have experienced - the look of the characters, their tragic backstory, the environment and creatures reflect a great dark fantasy setting with Lovecraftian thematics.”
    • “The game's dark and moody atmosphere is masterfully crafted, with stunning visuals and haunting music that create a truly immersive experience.”
    • “With its engaging gameplay, captivating atmosphere, and unique mechanics, it's a must-play for anyone who loves a good challenge and a thrilling adventure.”
    • “The atmosphere loses some of its eeriness; the roguelike nature of the game means there's certainly less emotional investment in each encounter, and the combat plays a bit differently.”
    • “The atmosphere of the original is just gone completely.”
    • “The biggest difference is a less stressful atmosphere (for the player): you never get those desperate moments where you're afraid you'll lose a character you've spent hours building up and improving.”
  • replayability141 mentions

    The replayability of Darkest Dungeon II is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the variety in team compositions, strategies, and the roguelike elements that encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some critics argue that it lacks the depth and long-term engagement found in its predecessor, leading to concerns about repetitiveness and limited content after completing the main chapters. Overall, while there is significant potential for replayability, especially with future updates and expansions, opinions vary widely on its current state.

    • “The game has a lot of variance, which I believe is overall good for fun moments and replayability.”
    • “It definitely has replay value, with each expedition able to go right or wrong in many ways, and all the variety team combinations which synergize quite well.”
    • “Darkest Dungeon 2 is an outstanding tactical roguelite RPG that stays true to the spirit of its predecessor while having its own distinct identity, with gameplay that can make anyone lose track of time, a metric ton of variety and replayability, beautiful art and an immersive atmosphere unlike any other game out there.”
    • “Lack of replayability and very grindy.”
    • “The replayability is lost as well after you've run through all the areas.”
    • “I have over 120 hours in dd1, but I'm done here, I don't feel like playing this a second time, there's absolutely 0 replayability in dd2.”
  • optimization75 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players noting significant performance issues such as stuttering and frame drops, particularly in specific areas like the Tangle. While many users report that the game runs smoothly on higher-end systems, others experience severe lag and loading times, indicating that optimization could be improved, especially for lower-end devices. Despite these challenges, some players appreciate the game's design and performance improvements since launch, suggesting ongoing patches may address these concerns.

    • “Bugs are very rare, optimization is solid, system requirements are mediocre at best.”
    • “It seems like they fixed the optimization issues that were killing it at launch.”
    • “Overall the experience is good and I am happy to recommend it if you can look past some performance issues.”
    • “Sounds and other visuals were good as well, but widescreen seemed to have some visual flickering on the sides of maps, most likely caused by optimization of terrain loading that wasn't planned for widescreen.”
    • “5 months after the release, the game has barely had any improvements regarding balance, optimization, new heroes, or really anything substantial.”
    • “The game is dumbed down, less optimized (wagon controls are clunky and prone to sludgy framerate drops), more grindy, more RNG dependent, and overall less of an enjoyable experience than its predecessor.”
  • emotional56 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, from heart-wrenching encounters that leave players feeling deeply invested in their characters, to frustrations stemming from the roguelike mechanics that can diminish emotional attachment. While some players appreciate the new approach that allows for less heartbreak over character losses, others miss the profound emotional connections fostered in the original game. Overall, the game successfully evokes strong feelings, whether through moments of despair, triumph, or the bittersweet nature of character management, making it a memorable experience for many.

    • “Personally, both games, old and new, keep touching my soul over and over again with the feelings of hope, despite the horror, which makes those games my favorite of all time.”
    • “Bravo, developers, for creating a gaming experience that leaves me emotionally scarred and begging for more.”
    • “Darkest Dungeon II is art, and its message is beautiful and touching, if you can push through your despair and frustration to reach the light at the end of the tunnel.”
    • “You drive a wonky carriage with a lantern on it and have to sit through boring story segments if you want to see a character's class get upgraded.”
    • “They added tedious story elements and a bafflingly lame horse and buggy.”
    • “Boring story, fights that drag on for hours, and the battles don't feel more strategic or skillful than the first game; it's just buff up, use all the buffs, and repeat.”
  • humor45 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny, particularly in character interactions and absurd situations, while others feel that the humor has diminished compared to the first installment. Many reviews highlight moments of dark humor and irony, especially in the face of frustrating gameplay mechanics, but there are also complaints about the game's difficulty overshadowing its comedic elements. Overall, the humor can be hit-or-miss, often eliciting laughter in moments of despair or absurdity, but it may not resonate with everyone.

    • “There's also these hilarious story 'cinematics' which is some preset encounter with in-game battle mechanics or literally a dude reading two sentences of some dog lore.”
    • “Your decisions matter and just like Darkest Dungeon 1, this game will have you crying for joy at times and laughing in dismay as your party is obliterated.”
    • “In a nutshell, Darkest Dungeon 2 is Oregon Trail meets Darkest Dungeon 1 combat and I can't stop laughing about that.”
    • “However, I have the feeling the game has become so hard that it is not funny anymore.”
    • “So much RNG that it's not funny.”
  • character development32 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the unique character designs and the depth of storytelling that enhances player engagement. While some players appreciate the new mechanics and the focus on characters' backstories, others feel that the progression system is limited and requires excessive grinding, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the character design and atmosphere are highlighted as standout features, contributing positively to the game's Lovecraftian theme.

    • “The storyline is great and keeps you interested in character development.”
    • “I love the updated style, all of the characters look amazing and have such detailed character designs and animation.”
    • “The most clever design change is the focus on character development.”
    • “Everything but the character designs seems like a downgrade from the first game... and they got rid of the crusader.”
    • “This game requires a significant amount of grinding towards class development rather than character development, as characters are treated as disposable.”
    • “Lacking on customization and character development you will find yourself grinding the same thing over and over.”
  • stability23 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting frequent UI freezes, frame drops, and occasional stutters, particularly during combat and while navigating the buggy feature. While some players have not encountered major bugs and find the game enjoyable, others describe it as buggy and unbalanced, suggesting that it may require further updates to improve performance. Despite these issues, many still appreciate the game's innovative mechanics and overall fun factor.

    • “The game is finished, not buggy, discounted for DD1 owners, and is fun.”
    • “I’m also playing this game on the Steam Deck, and while it needs Proton to run for now, it still runs great.”
    • “Random UI freezes make the need for frequent restarts required; you're literally not meant to do anything in the first four to six hours of the game but the following in order: farm candles, learn mechanics, hope RNG doesn't do a bendiboi, and cry when you wipe to the most ridiculous, back-to-back, death-door combos.”
    • “The user interface is also bloated as hell with frame-freezes present at every window opening (this is baked into the code and not dependent on hardware).”
    • “There are frame drops, especially in one of the regions, and occasional brief stutters and freezes in combat.”
  • monetization18 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized as a cash grab, with many reviewers feeling that it exploits nostalgia without offering substantial new content. While some appreciate the absence of microtransactions and battle passes, the overall sentiment is that the game relies heavily on predatory practices and feels like a freemium title, undermining the spirit of its predecessor. Despite some positive elements, the monetization strategy has left many players disappointed and frustrated.

    • “I've given it a thumbs up because they don't have a battle pass or any in-game purchases, and that's a rarity these days.”
    • “About the only way they could have made this worse would have been by adding microtransactions.”
    • “It feels more like a freemium game without the microtransactions.”
    • “This is an example of a promising company falling into the misery of predatory monetization, lacking new ideas, and trying to squeeze the most out of a mediocre game.”
    • “Entire game feels like developers made a quick cash grab using a few themes from the original game.”
    • “The spirit of the old game is gone and this just feels like a cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy Darkest Dungeon II

Play time

48hMedian play time
92hAverage play time
11-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 100 analyzed playthroughs

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