Screenshot : Red Hook Studios

For four years the grueling dungeon-crawler Darkest Dungeon has let players suffer alone. In May, new downloadable content will add a multiplayer arena where they can suffer together.




Red Hook Games announced the new content back on April 1, but because it was April Fools’ Day, everyone assumed it was just a joke. Multiplayer? In Darkest Dungeon? All these years later? Yesterday, it confirmed that a free new DLC called The Butcher’s Circus was in fact very real and coming to Steam in May.


The update adds a new hamlet location called Butcher’s Circus where players can go test their resolve in a grim arena against computer-controlled enemies or other players. PvP battles will consist of two teams made up of heroes created specifically for the mode so players don’t have to worry about some random stranger online slaying their favorite character.

Based on Red Hook’s description, it also sounds like there will be a new set of gear and accessories for players to strategize character builds around as well as a ranked system to build notoriety in. The studio hasn’t said if or when this update will be coming to console.

Red Hook also announced last year that it’s working on a full-blown sequel, and co-founder Chris Bourassa confirmed on Twitter that the team is still moving “full steam ahead” on Darkest Dungeon 2.


Correction: a previous version of this article described the upcoming Butcher’s Circus DLC as paid, but it will actually be free.