Daggerheart’s first major expansion, Hope & Fear, is now available for pre-order and it’s bringing some serious firepower to your table. We’re talking four brand-new character classes—Witch, Warlock, Brawler, and Assassin—each with 2 unique subclasses. That’s 8 fresh archetypal options ready to shake up your campaigns when this thing drops in Summer 2026.
But wait, there’s more. Hope & Fear isn’t just about new classes. The expansion introduces the Dread Domain card set, unlocking ghastly magic for those Witch and Warlock players who want to lean into the darker side of things. And then there are the 6 Transformation Cards—Vampire, Werewolf, Reanimated, Shapeshifter, Ghost, and Demigod—that let your characters evolve in dramatic, story-changing ways as your campaign unfolds.
Whether you’ve been following Critical Role’s journey into Daggerheart or you’re already running campaigns with the system, this expansion opens up narrative possibilities and mechanical depth that’s going to make your sessions even more memorable.
Overview of the Four New Daggerheart Character Classes
Let’s break down what you’re getting. Hope & Fear brings four new playable classes to Daggerheart RPG: Witch, Warlock, Brawler, and Assassin. Each one has its own distinct flavor, both thematically and mechanically, expanding the range of character archetypes you can bring to the table.
Here’s the thing that makes this even better: each of the four new classes features 2 unique subclasses. That gives you 8 total subclass options for character customization. So you’re not just picking a base class and calling it a day—you can specialize and create builds that feel uniquely yours.
Witch and Warlock: Masters of the Dread Domain
The Witch and Warlock classes unlock access to the new Dread Domain card set, and this is where things get deliciously dark. We’re talking ghastly, macabre magic that leans into supernatural dread and otherworldly power. If you’ve been waiting to play a character concept rooted in arcane horror, these classes are your ticket.
Brawler and Assassin: Combat-Focused Options
Not everyone wants to sling spells, and that’s where the Brawler and Assassin come in. These martial-focused classes give you direct combat engagement and tactical prowess without the magic-heavy approach. Perfect for players who prefer to solve problems with fists, blades, and clever positioning.
Subclass Specialization
When you’re picking your class, think about how each one’s thematic focus fits your campaign’s tone and your party composition. The subclass choices let you refine your role even further, so you’re not just filling a slot—you’re creating a character that feels right for your story.
New Mechanics: Dread Domain and Transformation Cards
Hope & Fear introduces two major mechanical innovations that are going to change how you think about character customization and storytelling in your Daggerheart campaigns.
The Dread Domain Card Set
The Dread Domain is a new card set that’s core to the Witch and Warlock classes. This set unlocks ghastly magic options that align perfectly with supernatural and macabre themes. It’s not just flavor—these cards provide thematic abilities and effects that make playing these classes feel distinct and powerful.
Six Transformation Options
Now here’s where things get really interesting. Hope & Fear introduces 6 Transformation Cards: Vampire, Werewolf, Reanimated, Shapeshifter, Ghost, and Demigod. These aren’t just cosmetic changes—they’re character augmentations that add narrative depth and mechanical variety, letting your characters evolve beyond their base class in meaningful ways.
Transformations enable your characters to undergo significant changes that reshape both their mechanical capabilities and their role in the story. When you use Transformation Cards thoughtfully, you create memorable story beats and character arcs that your table will be talking about for sessions to come.
Integrating New Mechanics into Play
When you’re introducing these mechanics to your table, think about pacing and narrative justification. Transformations work best when they feel earned through story progression rather than arbitrary mechanical choices. Let the story drive the transformation, and the mechanics will follow naturally.
Integration with Existing Daggerheart Mechanics
Good news: Hope & Fear is designed as a full expansion that’s compatible with existing Daggerheart content. That means it integrates seamlessly with the core game you already know and play.
Compatibility with Core Rules
You’ll need the Daggerheart core book to use Hope & Fear, since it contains the foundational rules for the new classes and mechanics. But once you’ve got that, the new classes and mechanics integrate seamlessly with the Hope/Fear dice system and existing character options. No awkward retrofitting required.
Expanding Your Existing Campaign
If you’re already running a campaign, Hope & Fear offers flexible integration options. You can plan your campaign structure to allow mid-campaign character respecification if players want to explore new classes, or you can introduce new NPCs using the expanded options to keep things fresh.
Seamless System Integration
The expansion doesn’t require learning entirely new rules systems. Instead, it extends existing mechanics with new card sets and character archetypes that follow familiar Daggerheart design patterns. If you know how to play Daggerheart, you’ll know how to use Hope & Fear.
Daggerheart Pre-order Details and Pricing
Hope & Fear is now available for pre-order through multiple retailers, with a confirmed Summer 2026 release date. Here’s what you need to know about getting your hands on it.
Standard and Deluxe Editions
The Standard Edition is priced at $39.99, while the Deluxe Edition comes in at $119.99. The Deluxe Edition includes premium components, such as a set of 10 rhombic d12s, an oversized d20 for the GM, a set of 7 sharp-edged polyhedral dice, Fear tokens, and a GM screen.
Pre-order Availability
Pre-orders for Hope & Fear are available now through multiple retailers. If you’re planning to grab this expansion, consider pre-ordering early to secure your copy and start planning your campaign timeline around the Summer 2026 release.
Summer 2026 Release Timeline
Hope & Fear is scheduled for release in Summer 2026. That gives you months to prepare your campaign and decide which new classes and mechanics you want to incorporate. Use that time wisely.
Impact on Campaign Creation and Party Dynamics
The four new classes and transformation mechanics are going to significantly expand the possibilities for campaign design and character interaction within your party. Let’s talk about what that means in practice.
Expanding Character Archetypes
The four new classes provide GMs and players with expanded archetypal options for character creation. This diversity encourages players to explore different roles and playstyles they might not have considered with the core book alone. More options means more creative freedom.
New Narrative Possibilities
Transformation Cards enable unique character arcs and mid-campaign evolution, enriching long-term storytelling. Imagine a character who begins as a Brawler and later transforms into a Vampire. That’s a dramatic narrative shift that impacts both mechanics and roleplay in ways that create unforgettable moments.
Think about how Witch and Warlock options with Dread Domain magic shift the magical balance of your party. If your group previously lacked arcane casters, these classes provide new magical options with a distinct thematic flavor that changes the dynamic at your table.
Balancing Party Composition
Use the new classes to introduce fresh party dynamics and encourage players to explore different roles in subsequent campaigns. The expanded options make it easier to build balanced parties with diverse skill sets and playstyles, so everyone gets their moment to shine.
Why Critical Role Fans Should Anticipate Hope & Fear
As Critical Role’s first official expansion for Daggerheart, Hope & Fear represents the system’s evolution and the company’s commitment to supporting the game long-term. Here’s why that matters.
Narrative-Focused Expansion
Hope & Fear aligns with Daggerheart’s narrative-driven design philosophy, emphasizing character-centric storytelling. The new classes and mechanics are built around enabling rich, emotionally resonant character moments rather than purely mechanical optimization. Story first, always.
Deepening Character Stories
The new classes and Transformation Cards provide tools for GMs to craft complex, emotionally resonant character arcs. Whether your players want to explore darker magical themes through Witch and Warlock classes or evolve their characters through transformations, the expansion supports deep character development in ways the core book couldn’t.
Community Engagement
Hope & Fear demonstrates that Daggerheart will continue to receive support and expansion. For players invested in the system, this expansion signals a healthy future for the game and more content to come. That’s worth getting excited about.
Getting Started: What You Need to Know Before Pre-ordering
Before you commit to a pre-order, make sure you have the right foundation and understand what each edition offers. Here’s your checklist.
Prerequisites for Hope & Fear
Ensure you own the Daggerheart core book before purchasing Hope & Fear, as the expansion requires it for full functionality. The core book contains the foundational Hope/Fear dice mechanics and character creation rules that the expansion builds upon. No core book, no expansion play.
Edition Comparison
Decide between Standard ($39.99) and Deluxe ($119.99) editions based on your preference for premium components and presentation. If you’re unsure about the differences, contact the retailer for specific details about what each edition includes before you pull the trigger.
Planning Your Purchase
Pre-order now to guarantee availability at Summer 2026 release and begin planning campaigns around the new classes. Having the expansion secured in advance gives you time to read through the new options and incorporate them into your campaign planning. Future you will thank present you.
Conclusion
Hope & Fear represents a significant evolution for Daggerheart, offering GMs and players unprecedented character customization and narrative depth. The four new classes and transformation mechanics create fresh storytelling opportunities while maintaining compatibility with existing content. That’s the sweet spot.
With pre-orders available now at $39.99 (Standard) and $119.99 (Deluxe), securing your copy ensures you’re ready to explore these new options when the expansion launches in Summer 2026. Remember that the Daggerheart core book is required to use Hope & Fear.
Whether you’re expanding an ongoing campaign or planning fresh adventures, Hope & Fear promises to enrich your games with new archetypes, transformations, and the narrative-driven mechanics that define Daggerheart. Time to start planning what kind of character you want to bring to the table.