Gamers seeking a fresh alternative to Dungeons and Dragons can soon experience Critical Role's innovative Daggerheart TTRPG.  Announced during a 2023 State of the Press event for Darrington Press, Critical Role's publishing arm, Daggerheart promises a unique d12-based fantasy system featuring a card-driven progression mechanic and the intriguing Hope and Fear dynamic.

Extensive playtesting, including community involvement at conventions like GenCon and actual play one-shots on the Critical Role channel, has refined Daggerheart over the past two years.

Daggerheart officially launches on May 20th and will be available for purchase on the game's website, at Darrington Press Guild stores, and various local game retailers. Digital versions will be accessible through DriveThruRPG and Demiplane. Wider distribution to stores carrying TTRPGs like Dungeons and Dragons begins on June 3rd.

The Daggerheart Core Set, priced at $60, includes a 300-page hardcover rulebook, 279 character customization cards, and a PDF of the rules. A limited edition set, available for $150, adds alternate cover art, a GM screen, dice set, tokens, and other bonus items.  For those preferring a digital-only experience, the rules can be purchased for $35 on Demiplane or for $45 on Nexus and DriveThruRPG bundled with print-and-play card files.

The May 20th launch date holds special significance, falling close to Critical Role's 10th anniversary on May 12th.  With the recent conclusion of Campaign 3, speculation abounds whether the next campaign will utilize the Daggerheart system.

To build anticipation, Critical Role is airing a four-week miniseries, Exandria Unlimited: Divergence, starting February 13th, followed by an Exandria Wrap-Up talk show on March 13th.  Fans eagerly await news about the future, including the possibility of a Critical Role video game, which may be revealed during these events.