While it hasn't been without competition, it's hard to argue against that Diablo 4 hasn't been the top dog in the ARPG space in recent years. The upcoming release of Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred in April, as well as its contents, is proof of that. The continued support since the initial launch also goes a long way. Likewise, no game has come close to capturing the West Red Dead Redemption 2and it may take a long time before that crown is taken. An upcoming ARPG doesn't try to dethrone either, but it understands the valuable lessons of each: The dark west.
The dark west is an upcoming isometric ARPG from developer Black Hand, which leaves a strong impression with every screenshot. Of course, proper gameplay is the best determinant of quality, so fans will have a hand in shaping it when it releases on Early Access in 2026. Essentially, the elevator pitch for The dark west seems to be Diablo 4s approach to gameplay, but if the world of Sanctuary was actually once the Wild West Red Dead 2. From both it takes strong lessons in storytelling and world building.
right now, The dark west is currently only scheduled for release on PC via Steam. It will launch on Early Access in 2026 and is expected to remain as such for a year. Developer Black Hand wants community feedback to shape decisions around balancing loot, optimizing difficulty, and refining the in-game economy, among other directions. When The dark west will be fully launched sometime in 2027, the five acts will be completed, the different classes will be ready for new players, and different systems (from crafting to endgame) will remain and ready for a real pressure test.
Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.
Start
Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.
Light (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
The Dark West features at a glance
- DAMN BORDER: Explore dying towns and depleted mines in a ruined Wild West.
- OCCULT WESTERN: The world lies barren under an eternal twilight.
- POWER COMES AT A PRICE: Players can drink alcohol to gain strength but dull the senses.
- POKER CARD POWER: Players can collect poker hands that turn abilities and bonuses.
- DEEP, DARK PROGRESSION: Complete with dynamic skills and legendary weapons.
- BRUTAL ARPG COMBAT: Fast, strategic and unforgiving.
Say hello to the occult west of Worldbuilding “The dark west does not forgive”
While both Diablo 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2 have drastically different world-building, what lies at the heart of both is a sense of being lived to the fullest. Red Dead 2 is more grounded and historical, perhaps makes it easier, but also the world of Diablo 4's Sanctuary has excellent world-building that sets the tone – right from the name. The dark west is no different.
IN The dark westthe world is described as an “occult West” where the sun refuses to rise. The country, probably once in a lively west as seen in Red Dead 2is forever marred by cults. When players choose a class, they will have a “troubled past”. The dark wests classes have yet to be revealed in full, but hopefully they will come with the strengths of Diablo 4best classes. In this world, cities are destroyed, buildings stand empty, and black magic rots everything it touches.
The Dark West's combat promises brutality
The best moments in any ARPG are when players are pushed to the limits of their builds (or when they can create clever 1-button builds a la Diablo 4). The dark west promises more of the same. It suggests that combat is a constant, complete with gunfire befitting a Western desperado and strange, magical powers befitting a world ravaged by black magic. As players progress in their class, they will be able to progress down vast skill trees. Right now only two classes have been shown:
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The Gunslinger, your gun-wielding desperado
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The Padre, a Fire Mage-like class
Alongside the skills, players will be able to create character builds with gear. It's the bare bones of the ARPG, and while there's a lot more to see in terms of builds, there's one interesting aspect worth highlighting. As described on the Steam page, “Choices also shape how you fight and what you become, and power leaves a mark that doesn't wash away. Soon, survival gives way to reputation, and the respect you've built is no longer taken lightly by the land or the people who still stand in it.” It remains to be seen how extensive choices, power, reputation and respect contribute to character building, but it's thought provoking Red Dead 2s honor system simply.
Black magic and western justice are at the heart of two factions
While the characters in The dark west will undoubtedly affect its lifespan, there are two known factions in the world as well. There's The Order and the Damned. The words sound a lot like Diablo 4s Paladins, as warriors of “justice” who wear it as “armour”. Tellingly, they are unwilling to see “rot” grow within the faction, and the best part is that such rot can be literal, figurative, or both.
The Damned are those who have given themselves completely to Black Magic, or at least those who have claimed it. Described as cursed and incurable, navigating both factions will no doubt play a role in how the world of The dark west develop.
The Dark West has big goals and a strong premise Only the strongest, the most cunning and the most ruthless survive.
The dark west will not abdicate the throne Diablo 4 in ARPGs or Red Dead 2 in depictions of the West, but based on everything shown so far, it promises to offer a unique take inspired by both their strengths. With Early Access and community support, it's easy to see how The dark west could become something really special by being released in its entirety in 2027.
