This article is sponsored by Needs Games.
Needs Games is preparing to cast ARPG players into another dark, thrilling challenge with Dark December, which will soon be available for players new and experienced alike to try out. Fans of the genre, which includes hits like Path of Exile and Diablo, can expect a thrilling story, approachable combat systems, and endless hours of dark fantasy immersion.
Dark December is a dark fantasy ARPG set in the prequel universe of Undecember, the 2022 hack and slash RPG, which will blend the distinctive atmosphere, emphasizing visceral combat and refined impact. It aims to capture the true essence of an action RPG — the thrill of combat and the joy of growth.
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The Darkest & Deepest Action RPG
Dark December' s story takes place prior to the events of Undecember, making this an easy game to dive into if you've not played the previous one, while offering an in-depth look into the existing game's lore and background. Instead of playing as a Rune Hunter, players will take on the role of the Syrian tribe, embarking on a thrilling adventure that uncovers the secrets of the gods' and their own identity.
The prequel world of Dark December depicts a time before the Rune Hunter ever encountered Serpens. Although the Twelve Gods who created the world—and the evil god—remain the same, this story unfolds along a different timeline from Undecember. While playing the previous game will give you better context, it's not required to have a full experience with the next installment.
Beginner Friendliness Meets Hardcore Immersion
Needs Games understands the importance of its player base and their feedback, which is why Dark December will streamline combat and skill systems in ways its predecessor couldn't. The game boasts combat and skill systems that are far more user-friendly, replacing complicated and layered systems with gameplay mechanics that reward learning by doing, using skills, and mastering timing in combat scenarios. Rather than relying on memorized strategies, it offers a level of difficulty that encourages players to learn and grow through direct experience.
These changes, however, aren't at the expense of the player experience. In fact, the developers have worked harder at improving player immersion, replacing the quarter-view camera of their previous hack-and-slash project with a free-cam system. While the game seamlessly supports cross-platform play across both PC and mobile, these changes deliver the weighty, impactful combat you'd expect from a refined action RPG.
Dark December's Classes Are Quality Over Quantity
In addition to simplifying the game's systems, Needs Games is doing away with their previous installment's classless system to offer three distinctly different classes to suit a variety of playstyles. This will support a more rigid structure, and help newcomers, in particular, to build their character to support their playstyle.
The classes will be a welcome addition to experienced ARPG players, as they offer a similar experience to other games in the genre they love, while giving new players a sense of direction. The three classes are Berserker, which supports close-quarter combat and high HP; Raven, which excels at using powerful attacks from long-distance using a bow; and Morgana, who inflicts damage using elemental spirits and a magical staff. Each class offers a vastly different combat and skill experience, which improves the replayability of the game.
A Player-Friendly Monetization Model
Like its predecessor, Dark December will be a free-to-play game, but will offer options to pay for certain resources. In saying that, spending money on the game is entirely optional, and won't be required to progress or "get ahead".
Additionally, paid products are not merely consumables to give you temporary boosts, but are used as elements that can help provide the missing piece to their build and play style.
Certain items that could be sensitive to players—those that enhance stats—are not simply sold, but are also designed to be crafted or obtained directly through in-game play. These paid products are designed not as mere consumables, but as elements that help each player complete their own play style.
Dark December begins a global pre-registration campaign on December 9, 2025, and early supporters can get their hands on some additional rewards! Pre-register for the game's next testing period to get some freebies for your character,