Kingdoms Mode is Introduces a New Way to Play in Darkest Dungeon II

Red Hook Studios announced that they're releasing a new free game mode for Darkest Dungeon II. Titled as Kingdoms, it features three themed adventure modules which starts with Hunger of the Beast Clan.

Kingdoms mode is played independently of the standard Confessions mode. That means Confession progress is entirely unaffected. In this new mode, item unlocks, Hero skill access/upgrades, and Inn functionality, are all reset in a Kingdoms campaign.

Now while Kingdoms and Confessions progress are largely independent, there are some exceptions. These include:

• Stagecoach skins must be unlocked in Confessions mode before using them in Kingdoms.

• Hero palettes and weapon kits must be unlocked in Confessions/Altar of Hope before using them in Kingdoms.

• The Abomination (included in Inhuman Bondage DLC) appears in Kingdoms only after his Shrines of Reflection have been completed in Confessions.

In a statement, Red Hook Studios co-founder and creative director Chris Bourassa shared that with this new game mode, they remixed their very own game. He added that everyone is sure to love this new standalone experience for the game. He went on to say that the new mode is introducing two more adventure modules this year for free.

Darkest Dungeon II may be the second installment in the series but it remains faithful to its grim thematic underpinnings as it urges players to form a party, gear up their stagecoach, and journey across a dystopian landscape in an attempt to prevent the apocalypse.

The game brings back the signature mix of memorable heroes, with each one having their own tragic backstories to unearth. Heroes can unlock their full potential through a range of new skills, progress paths, and items that can provide an edge in battle. Each expedition in the game varies in length, from 30 minutes to several hours. Even a journey cut short yields its rewards, providing resources players can use to enhance upcoming expeditions. The game’s massive upgrade system, aptly named ‘The Altar of Hope’, offers new strategies for every venture, enabling players to cater their attack plans in line with their goals.

Get Darkest Dungeon II on Steam now. It’s being offered at 50% until February 3.