Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO) has rolled out Update 74, bringing some notable changes to the long-running fantasy MMO. Alongside the update, developer Standing Stone Games has opened preorders for its next major expansion, The Chill of Ravenloft. This latest expansion draws on the gothic horror of Ravenloft, a classic D&D setting known for its dark atmosphere and vampire lore.
Update 74 introduces the vampire-inspired Dhampir race and a new Iconic Hero, the Dark Bargainer. However, access to these new options is tied directly to the new expansion, so players looking to try them out will need to purchase one of the available expansion packs.
- The Dhampir race is now available, offering unique abilities tied to vampirism and undeath, including a life-draining bite.
- The Dark Bargainer Iconic Hero debuts with its own set of traits and feats.
- Both the Dhampir and Dark Bargainer are paid content included with The Chill of Ravenloft preorder bundles.
- Three preorder bundles are on offer: a $40 standard edition, an $80 collector’s edition, and a $130 ultimate bundle, each offering different perks and cosmetics.
- Players who preorder any package can access the Dhampir race immediately, but the Dark Bargainer is exclusive to the $130 bundle for now.
- The full expansion content is scheduled for release in August, with a latest possible launch by September 5.
Dungeons & Dragons Online first launched in 2006 and has continued to evolve with new content and expansions, drawing on various D&D campaign settings. Ravenloft, introduced in the tabletop game in the 1980s, is known for its horror themes and vampire antagonists. The return to this setting is likely to appeal to fans of DDO’s previous horror-themed content and those familiar with classic D&D lore. The paid nature of the new playable race and hero may be a sticking point for some, but it follows the game’s established approach to monetizing major content updates.
Further reading: Update 74 Patch Notes