Red Hook Studios announced today that Darkest Dungeon: The Butcher’s Circus downloadable content will release next month. The latest update to the popular roguelike turn-based role-playing game will launch May 19 on PC and will finally add in arena combat. No price is currently listed, but past DLC prices ranged from $3.99 to $9.99.
The Butcher’s Circus will add in a new circus-themed Hamlet location that will allow players to engage in player-versus-player combat for the first time. Matches will be composed of teams with four heroes, although a player’s campaign heroes won’t be risked. There will be ranked matches to partake in, and players can unlock banners for performing well. The DLC will also feature a new musical theme composed by Stuart Chatwood, narration by Wayne June, and new sound effects via Power Up Audio.
We weren't joking – The Butcher's Circus is coming in May!
Play intense PVP arena battles against your friends and enemies alike. Pick your party & loadout, and let the games begin!
Wishlist here: https://t.co/SHKqZiqbML pic.twitter.com/8pXVhOBUiO
— Darkest Dungeon (@DarkestDungeon) April 2, 2020
Darkest Dungeon: The Butcher’s Circus was first teased yesterday on social media by the developer. Considering multiplayer has long been a request from fans and its being announced on April Fools’ Day, many thought it was a joke. However, Red Hook Studios has shown that it’s quite serious about the surprise DLC today.
Happy April 1st – Enjoy this sneak peek of our upcoming DLC! pic.twitter.com/yZOP6whaO5
— Darkest Dungeon (@DarkestDungeon) April 1, 2020
The 2016 release found an immediate audience on PC and was later ported to PlayStation platforms, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and iOS. The RPG’s mix of turn-based combat and real-time movement drew praise from critics and players alike. It has sold over two million copies and a sequel, fittingly called Darkest Dungeons 2, was announced early last year. This will presumably be the original title’s final DLC release.
