Darkest Dungeon 2 has always been known for its intense and demanding gameplay, and with the introduction of its Kingdoms mode, the game has ventured into new territory. This mode transforms the essence of DD2 into a strategy game that resembles a tabletop board game. The familiar turn-based combat and its signature grim style are now part of a fresh kind of experience. Developer Red Hook had previously promised more content drops for Kingdoms, which they call ‘modules,’ and they’ve delivered with the release of their second expansion, Secrets of the Coven.
If you’re not familiar with Darkest Dungeon 2 Kingdoms, here’s a brief rundown. Each session unfolds across a map made of tiled pathways, your mission being to thwart a sinister force threatening to conquer the land. You must navigate these paths strategically to confront the final boss. Along the way, encounters with enemy troops will challenge your progress. You’re on a clock, with a limited number of ‘days’ to find and defeat their leader.
Strategically scattered across the board are inns, serving as havens where you can rest and recuperate. However, should you fail to defend them sufficiently, these inns can fall under enemy control. Depending on how difficult you’ve set the game, losing enough of these inns can spell the end of your journey. When faced with a combat scenario, you’ll find yourself employing the same tactical turn-based combat that fans of Darkest Dungeon 2 know and love, requiring careful team composition and strategic planning.
The inaugural module for Kingdoms was titled Hunger of the Beast Clan, marked by its gritty themes. However, Red Hook’s latest venture introduces a focus on witchcraft. “Secrets of the Coven presents a brand-new challenge where you battle against a sinister group of witches,” notes the developer. “The subtle manipulation of witchcraft permeates the Kingdom. Follow the clues to uncover and dismantle this shadowy coven before their surreptitious influence takes hold!”
In addition to the new enemies and storyline introduced in Kingdoms, the mode is also receiving several fantastic quality-of-life improvements. You’ll now have the capability to store at least three items at any inn you visit, with additional slots available for upgrades. Hoarders can even sell back items to traders, albeit at a reduced rate. A newly introduced help tool is available to guide you in crafting strong and synergistic team formations.
The Secrets of the Coven update is accompanied by the premium The Binding Blade DLC, which expands your roster with two fresh characters: The Duelist and The Crusader.
You can dive into Kingdoms’ latest update, Secrets of the Coven, right away. If you’ve yet to explore Darkest Dungeon 2, now’s an excellent opportunity, as it’s on sale for 50% off until Monday, April 21. Grab your copy here.
If this isn’t quite your style, we offer suggestions for the best roguelikes and RPGs available on PC right now.
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