Red Hook Studios announced The Fire's Edge, a new downloadable content pack for the original Darkest Dungeon game, set to launch on August 18, 2026, across PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch platforms [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Xbox players will receive the DLC later on an unconfirmed date [2, 5].

This DLC marks the first major update for the original Darkest Dungeon since 2020 and arrives 10 years after the game's initial launch in January 2016 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The Fire's Edge adds two hero classes borrowed from Darkest Dungeon 2: the Duelist and the Runaway, the latter introducing a new burn damage mechanic to the original game [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Red Hook Studios describes the Duelist as "a complex damage dealer that dances between the party's ranks, able to freely maintain Riposte while alternating between her two combat stances, Defensive and Aggressive" [4]. The Runaway is "a position-flexible damage dealer utilizing a unique Burn damage type with high synergy for teams that like to utilize Stuns and Pull/Knockback/Shuffle effects," the studio added [4].

Along with the new heroes, the DLC adds three new Hamlet districts: Academie Duello, Craftworks, and Archaeological Base Camp [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Trinket mechanics will also receive updates featuring new attributes such as trigger uses, quest charges, and progressive trinkets, enhancing gameplay variety [1, 2, 4, 5].

The Fire's Edge includes new writing, events, and surprises beyond the prominent additions of heroes, districts, and trinkets, though specific details have yet to be fully revealed [2, 5]. The game's original narrator, Wayne June, who passed away last year, will not be replaced with AI technology for the new content, according to the developers [5].

Some fans have expressed concern over potential conflicts between the new content and existing player-created mods. Red Hook said it is working on tools to support mod compatibility over time [2]. Meanwhile, Darkest Dungeon 2 has received mixed reviews and remains less popular than the original, which continues to enjoy strong support on Steam [1, 2, 3].

The Fire's Edge price has not been officially announced, but previous DLC packs for Darkest Dungeon have retailed for around $9.99 [2].

In related news, Red Hook plans to release another DLC for Darkest Dungeon 2 in early 2027, continuing the franchise’s expansion [1, 2].