Critical Role Sets Rapid Pace for Daggerheart Expansion Launch
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Critical Role's publishing arm Darrington Press is launching Hope and Fear, the first major expansion for its tabletop RPG Daggerheart, on August 25 with new classes, transformation mechanics, and campaign frames.
Darrington Press is wasting no time expanding the footprint of its tabletop RPG. Following major industry moves like hiring former Dungeons and Dragons lead designers Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, the team behind Critical Role is launching the first major expansion for Daggerheart in just three weeks. Titled Hope and Fear, the upcoming book arrives on August 25 and brings a massive wave of mechanical additions for both players and game masters.
The expansion leans heavily into darker fantasy archetypes by introducing four new classes, which are the witch, warlock, brawler, and assassin, along with a dedicated transformation system that lets characters play as vampires, werewolves, or ghosts. Because Daggerheart relies heavily on a card-based tracking system, the release includes all the necessary cards for the new species, gear, and a brand new Dread domain. Game masters also get significant upgrades, including over 130 new adversaries, multi-phase boss evolution mechanics, and four distinct campaign frames inspired by properties like The Witcher and The Legend of Zelda.
Beyond the core rulebook, Darrington Press is supporting the ecosystem with digital integrations through Foundry VTT and a forthcoming partnership with Roll Play Press for rapid-fire adventure modules. Preorders grant early digital access to the PDF two weeks ahead of the physical launch. For community groups and regular streaming squads looking to branch out from traditional systems, this rapid expansion signals strong long-term backing from the Darrington team. You can read the original coverage over at Polygon. Regardless of whether your group plays around a physical table or coordinates through digital tabletops, this update gives table leads plenty of new tools to keep weekly campaigns fresh.
Tags: Tabletop RPG, Critical Role, Daggerheart, Darrington Press, Gaming News
Original article: Polygon