Darkest Dungeon is a challenging gothic roguelike RPG developed by Red Hook Studios that was first released in 2016. The game has seen releases on multiple gaming platforms over the years. In this article, we will take a look at the different consoles and platforms that Darkest Dungeon is available on.
PC
Darkest Dungeon first launched on PC via Steam’s Early Access program in February 2015. It remained in Early Access for about a year before its full 1.0 release on January 19, 2016. Since then, Darkest Dungeon has remained available on PC via Steam and GOG. The PC version has served as the baseline for Darkest Dungeon, receiving constant updates over the years that introduced new features and DLC to the game.
As a PC game, Darkest Dungeon has fairly modest system requirements. At a minimum, it requires a 64-bit dual core 2Ghz CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 512MB DirectX 9.0c compatible video card, and 2GB of storage space. The recommended specs call for a quad core 3.2Ghz CPU, 4GB of RAM, a 1GB DirectX 9.0c compatible video card, and 2GB of storage. So most relatively modern PCs should be able to run Darkest Dungeon without issue.
The PC version also supports mods through the Steam Workshop. Mods allow players to customize the experience by adding new character classes, monsters, gameplay tweaks, and more. This gives the PC version an active modding community extending the life of the game.
PlayStation 4
In January 2017, about a year after its initial PC launch, Darkest Dungeon made its console debut on PlayStation 4. This version contained the full original game plus the Crimson Court DLC. The PS4 version provided console gamers their first opportunity to experience Darkest Dungeon’s gritty and brutal dungeon crawling adventures.
The PS4 version of Darkest Dungeon received consistent updates to bring it in line with the PC version. It runs at resolutions up to 1080p depending on the specific PS4 model. In terms of controls, it offers players the choice between using the DualShock 4 controller or USB keyboard and mouse.
Later in 2017, the PS4 version also received the The Shieldbreaker DLC. And in 2018, it got the Color of Madness DLC expansion. So the PS4 version eventually contained all the same content and features as the original PC release.
Xbox One
That same year in 2018, Darkest Dungeon also expanded to Xbox One. This again provided console gamers, this time on Xbox platforms, the chance to try the game. The Xbox One version was nearly identical to the PS4 release.
The Xbox One version launched with the base game, Crimson Court DLC, and The Shieldbreaker DLC all included. Just a few months later, the Color of Madness DLC also came to Xbox One to once again achieve content parity with PC. And like PS4, the Xbox One version added controller support but still allowed keyboard and mouse controls.
With Xbox One, Darkest Dungeon was now available on the two most popular console platforms, significantly expanding its reach beyond PC alone. And updates continued to roll out on both PS4 and Xbox One to improve performance and add quality of life changes.
Nintendo Switch
In early 2019, Darkest Dungeon took its biggest console leap yet with a port to the Nintendo Switch. Darkest Dungeon: Ancestral Edition was tailored to the Switch and included all previously released DLC.
The Switch version introduced several optimizations to work well in both docked and handheld mode. Interface and text size could scale up to be more readable on the Switch’s screen. The Touch Screen, Joy-Con motion controls, or Pro Controller could all be used to control the game.
For the first time, Darkest Dungeon was truly a handheld experience. Players could manage their roster of heroes and descend into dungeons anywhere they wanted. The Ancestral Edition on Switch gave the game a whole new level of accessibility.
iOS and Android
Also in 2019, Darkest Dungeon made the leap to mobile platforms. Darkest Dungeon: Tablet Edition launched on iPad and Android tablets, condensing the full game onto touch screen devices.
The Tablet Edition reworked the UI to be easily navigable via touch. Combat and movement still worked the same, but various menus and interfaces were overhauled. There were some limitations compared to the PC and console versions, including lack of mod support.
But the Tablet Edition made for a remarkably smooth transition to tablets. Exploring the gothic dungeons and managing a roster on the go really did work surprisingly well on tablets. Later in 2020, an iPhone version fittingly called Darkest Dungeon: Pocket Edition also released.
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S
In October 2021, Darkest Dungeon 2 entered Early Access on PC via the Epic Games Store. This anticipated sequel is slated to launch fully in 2023. And when it does, it will likely also make its way to modern consoles.
Developer Red Hook Studios has already confirmed plans to bring Darkest Dungeon 2 to Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. These next-gen versions will feature 4K resolution and fast loading times to take advantage of new hardware capabilities.
Darkest Dungeon as a franchise seems poised to continue expanding across platforms. And the second entry launching on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will open the series up to even more console gamers when it releases.
Conclusion
Over the past seven years since its initial Early Access launch, Darkest Dungeon has made its way to pretty much every major gaming platform out there. Here’s a summary of where you can play Darkest Dungeon:
| Platform | Release Year |
|---|---|
| PC (Windows, Mac, Linux) | 2016 |
| PlayStation 4 | 2017 |
| Xbox One | 2018 |
| Nintendo Switch | 2019 |
| iOS and Android Tablets | 2019 |
| PlayStation 5 | TBA |
| Xbox Series X/S | TBA |
With releases spanning PC, major consoles, mobile devices, and upcoming next generation systems, Darkest Dungeon has become widely accessible for players on all sorts of different platforms. Each new version has allowed more and more gamers to experience its unique brand of gothic, Lovecraftian, roguelike RPG combat and team management. And with Darkest Dungeon 2 set to launch within the next year or so, the franchise will likely continue spreading to even more systems in the future.
