Darkest Dungeon® II

Darkest Dungeon® II is a roguelite sequel that divides fans of the original with its significant gameplay changes. Transitioning from a dungeon crawler to a run-based roguelike, it offers shorter, intense campaigns with a focus on strategic party composition and token-based combat mechanics. The art style and animations have been widely praised, with improved 3D visuals and atmospheric Lovecraftian themes maintaining the series' dark tone. The soundtrack and narration continue to enhance immersion, though some feel the narrator's impact is diminished compared to the first game.

Players appreciate the fresh mechanics like hero paths, mastery systems, and the meta-progression through candles of hope. However, the game is also criticized for its punishing difficulty spikes, heavy RNG elements outside combat, and a sometimes frustrating caravan travel mechanic. The absence of certain beloved characters and a perceived weaker storytelling experience also divide opinions. Despite these issues, ongoing updates and the addition of the Kingdoms mode have improved replayability and player engagement.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the stunning visuals and detailed animations, noting the game's artistic direction as superior to its predecessor. The token-based combat system adds depth and strategic complexity, reducing frustrating RNG in attacks. The hero progression and mastery mechanics are engaging, encouraging exploration of character stories and builds. The soundtrack and Wayne June's narration contribute strongly to the grim atmosphere. The introduction of the Kingdoms mode has been welcomed for bringing back some classic elements and enhancing gameplay variety.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the steep difficulty curve and punishing boss fights that demand multiple attempts and specific team compositions. Many players find the RNG outside of combat—such as quirks, trinket drops, and encounters—too influential, often feeling unfair. The caravan travel system is frequently described as tedious and slow. The lack of certain fan-favorite heroes and the weaker storytelling and narrator presence compared to the original disappoint some fans. UI navigation and unclear information on hero paths also cause frustration.