You’ve probably heard the name Daggerheart pop up a bunch of times by now. It’s a brand-spanking-new RPG system from Darrington Press, and it’s been getting a LOT of attention.
So, why is everyone suddenly talking about Daggerheart? For starters, it’s the brainchild of Critical Role, one of the most influential names in tabletop gaming history. The physical starter sets sold out almost immediately across the globe, and the game even cracked the top 100 bestselling books on Amazon. Even without the buzz, though, there’s genuine curiosity from players who want to explore systems beyond DnD and Pathfinder. The popularity is definitely going beyond just Critical Role fans.
How Daggerheart Compares to DnD 5E
I know, I know... there's more to life than just DnD. But, most TTRPG players have played DnD 5E, so it helps to use it as a comparison. Let's look at how the two stack up side-by-side. They’re different systems with different vibes, and here’s a quick overview:
| Feature |
Daggerheart |
DnD 5E |
| Core Dice | Two d12s (Hope & Fear dice) | One d20 plus modifiers |
| Tone | Leans into emotional stories; role-play heavy | Classic high fantasy; flexible for every table |
| Classes & Character Builds | Broad archetypes; character domain specialities | Detailed classes, subclasses and feats |
| Combat Style | Fast and focused on storytelling; streamlined | Tactical and grid-based; rules-first approach |
| Magic & Abilities | Tied to character stories; input from the players | Based on what is written in the class rules |
| Customisation | Narrative choices inform how characters level up | Subclass options determine choices |
Basically, if you like more role-play, drama and stories that specifically revolve around the characters at the table, Daggerheart will work for you. If you prefer rules that give clear guidelines, and enjoy building optimised characters, DnD will be more your thing.
Want to See It In Action?
If you’re curious but not quite ready to dive in, you can check out a few actual play shows that use Daggerheart:
- Age of Umbra – A flagship campaign using the new system, featuring the cast of Critical Role and GMed by Matt Mercer.
- City of the Black Rose: Dice, Danger, Daggerheart – Just released, this one-shot explores an urban horror setting and showcases Daggerheart's flexibility.
- Darrington Press Presents: Charityheart – A short series that spotlights some unique uses of the system, and supports some great causes.
Already Playing?
If you’re already playing or looking to expand your campaign, here are a few cool things you should definitely check out next:
- Community Content – The open SRD means folks are already making homebrew stuff, like new domains and settings.
- Join a Playtest – Darrington Press is still refining things, and they’re open to feedback. Get involved and shape the future of the game.
- Print Your Own Cards – The official site includes a print-and-play card system so you can make your own decks for domains, traits, and more. Perfect for GMs and players who want physical aids.
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Compatible Campaigns – I'm proud to say that our very own City of the
Black Rose campaign setting is fully Daggerheart-compatible, and live on Kickstarter right now! Click here to back it now.
Expanding Your Physical Game
Looking to bring Daggerheart to life? Our Tabletop Tokens are perfect for tracking key in-game mechanics like Hope, Fear and Stress – but they’re also handy for initiative, spell effects, condition tracking, areas of effect and more.
Click here to check out the box set.
Whether you’re playing theatre-of-the-mind or using battle maps, these tokens will 100% add visual clarity to your session.
How to Get Started
You can jump in and try the game for free. The Daggerheart System Reference Document (SRD) is online and open to everyone. It’s got the core rules, character creation tools, and even a campaign frame called Witherwild. Whether you’re a player or a GM, it’s enough to get you going.
Are you checking out Daggerheart? Are you a pro already? Tell us all about how you're finding it on our Discord server!
