Released in 2018, Darkest Dungeon: Ancestral Edition is a gothic horror RPG available on PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. This edition includes the core Darkest Dungeon game, along with the Crimson Court, Shieldbreaker, and Color of Madness DLC packs.

In Darkest Dungeon: Ancestral Edition, you inherit a decaying manor and surrounding lands, tainted by a dark presence unearthed by your Ancestor. The game creates an atmosphere filled with dread, madness, and the constant threat of death.

Core Gameplay

The core gameplay revolves around managing a roster of heroes as they explore dangerous dungeons filled with grotesque monsters, traps, and psychological horrors. A key feature is the Affliction system, where heroes accumulate stress that can lead to debilitating mental conditions, impacting their performance and party dynamics.

Combat and Strategy

Combat is turn-based and tactical, emphasizing party composition, positioning, and resource management. Each hero possesses unique skills and abilities, and you must carefully consider your team's synergy to survive. The game features permadeath, meaning fallen heroes are lost forever, adding weight to every decision.

What are the Content Additions?

The Ancestral Edition expands upon the base game with significant content additions. The Crimson Court introduces a new hero class, the Flagellant, and a sprawling new region plagued by a vampiric curse. The Shieldbreaker DLC adds another hero class, the Shieldbreaker, specializing in piercing armor and dealing with stealthy enemies. The Color of Madness introduces a new horde-style game mode and a mysterious crystalline comet that has crashed into the Miller's farm, twisting the land and its inhabitants.