Darkest Dungeon® II

Last updated: 2025-08-03

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Summary
  • Overall excellent and addictive game
  • Stunning visuals and animations
  • Kingdoms mode is a game-changer
  • Grindy, unrewarding progression
  • Major downgrade from DD1
  • Tedious stagecoach travel
Darkest Dungeon® II header

Categories

RoguelikeTurn-based CombatStrategic CombatCharacter ProgressionMeta-ProgressionHero ManagementResource ManagementKingdom Management

Emotions

Satisfaction30%Frustration18%Disappointment13%Excitement6%Enjoyment6%
Reviews
(sample size)
2000
Helpful reviews
70%
Unhelpful reviews
29%
Protest reviews
1%
Positive points
4607
Negative points
4093
Gameplay points
2764
Perf. points
33
Rec. points
910
Misc points
482
Point
Overall Excellent & Addictive Game
Description
Players overwhelmingly praise the game as a fantastic, addictive, and highly enjoyable experience. Many consider it a masterpiece and a worthy successor to the first game, often preferring it due to its unique direction and improved elements. The game's ability to provide a challenging yet rewarding experience, coupled with its immersive atmosphere and replayability, keeps players hooked for hundreds of hours.
Importance
100%
Stunning Visuals & Animations
Description
The game's visual presentation, including its art style, graphics, and animations, receives widespread acclaim. Players highlight the successful transition to 3D while retaining the original's aesthetic, noting the improved detail, fluidity, and impact of character and enemy movements. This visual overhaul significantly enhances the game's dark, gothic atmosphere and overall immersion.
Importance
37%
Kingdoms Mode is a Game-Changer
Description
The recently added 'Kingdoms' mode is a major highlight, frequently described as a game-changer and a significant improvement. Players appreciate this free update for its strategic depth, replayability, and its successful blend of elements from both the first and second games, offering a fresh and engaging long-form experience that many had hoped for from the sequel.
Importance
31%
Improved & Strategic Combat
Description
The combat system is widely praised for its significant improvements, increased strategic depth, and reduced reliance on RNG, particularly through the new token system. Players feel more in control of battles, finding them more dynamic, predictable, and ultimately more satisfying. These changes make the game more accessible while maintaining a challenging and engaging experience.
Importance
28%
Deep Character Stories & Relationships
Description
The game's focus on character development, including detailed backstories and the new relationship system, is highly appreciated. Players enjoy uncovering the lore of each hero and forming attachments to them, finding that these elements add significant depth, personality, and emotional weight to the gameplay experience.
Importance
20%
Effective Roguelite Design
Description
The shift to a roguelite format is generally well-received, with players enjoying the run-based structure and meta-progression. This design choice is seen as a positive change, offering high replayability and a less grindy experience compared to the first game, while still providing a challenging and rewarding loop.
Importance
11%
Strong Developer Support
Description
Red Hook Studios receives significant praise for their ongoing commitment to the game, consistently releasing free updates, new content, and balance changes. Players appreciate the developers' responsiveness to community feedback and their dedication to evolving and improving the game post-launch.
Importance
10%
Exceptional Narration & Voice Acting
Description
The game's narration, particularly the return of the iconic narrator Wayne June, is a standout feature. His voice acting and grim poetry significantly contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere and overall presentation, enhancing the player's experience.
Importance
6%