Darkest Dungeon—the original—is getting surprise DLC in August

More than a decade after its initial launch and six years since the last downloadable content (DLC), Darkest Dungeon is set to expand once again. Red Hook Studios has unveiled The Fire’s Edge, an exciting new DLC that introduces two fresh hero classes, alongside innovative Trinket mechanics and three additional districts within the hamlet.

New Heroes and Mechanics

The Duelist and the Runaway, both of whom made their debut in Darkest Dungeon II, are now making their way into the original game. The Duelist is characterized as a “complex damage dealer that dances between the party’s ranks,” offering players a dynamic approach to combat. Meanwhile, the Runaway introduces a new Burn damage type, designed to complement teams that favor Stuns and Pull/Knockback/Shuffle effects. Red Hook emphasizes that these characters will not be mere replicas of their Darkest Dungeon II counterparts; rather, they are a “re-visioning” tailored specifically for the original game.

The Fire’s Edge, the first new DLC for Darkest Dungeon since 2020, is releasing on August 18th. The Duelist and Runaway, heroes who debuted in Darkest Dungeon II, bring their unique abilities to bear against horrors that lurk beneath the manor. Wishlist now: store.steampowered.com/app/4964110/…— @darkestdungeon.bsky.social (@darkestdungeon.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-07-21T16:07:49.751Z

With an impressive 88% review score, Darkest Dungeon has earned accolades, including the “Best RPG” award in the 2016 Game of the Year selections. In contrast, while Darkest Dungeon II has garnered positive feedback, it has not quite captured the same fervent loyalty as its predecessor. This enduring attachment to the original game on Steam suggests that the release of The Fire’s Edge DLC is a timely response to fan demand, reinforcing the notion that sometimes, giving the audience what they desire is the best strategy.

(Image credit: Red Hook Studios)
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Darkest Dungeon—the original—is getting surprise DLC in August