Grim Dawn

Grim Dawn: Fangs of Asterkarn launched on July 23, 2026, delivering the game’s largest expansion and a 32% larger world. It added the Berserker mastery, the Ascendant endgame mode, and a new chapter set in Asterkarn and the lands of the Kurn tribes.

• Expansion content — Fangs of Asterkarn: The expansion substantially broadened Grim Dawn’s endgame and campaign.

  • Asterkarn: Added a new western chapter with snowy peaks, frozen caverns, ancient forests, and three Kurn-related factions.
  • Berserker: Introduced the 10th mastery, shapeshifting into beastlike forms and increasing mastery combinations to 45.
  • Ascendant: Turned the campaign world into a challenge mode featuring dungeons, bosses, and equipment ascension.
  • Shattered Realm: Added new regions and boss arenas, alongside two new roguelike dungeons delivered as free content.
  • Kurn Nemeses: Added eight Nemesis monsters, three super bosses, and five new hero monster archetypes.

• Loot and build systems: Affix Transmutation enabled rerolling rare and magic-item affixes, while Awaken Items unlocked additional power in Epic gear. Potion customization added selectable buffs and effects, and Fangs of Asterkarn introduced hundreds of new items, including more than 370 unique items and 116 Monster Infrequents.

• Combat tuning and free updates: The v1.3.0 update launched alongside the expansion for all players, while the July 25 balance pass reduced early-game boss health and burst damage from enemies such as Queen Ravna, Zarthuzellan, Bonehunter, Yurra, and Blackheart. It also adjusted Dread spawning in Ascendant Mode and expanded Crucible by 30 waves for Crucible DLC owners. Loyalist Pack IV added four grim-dark armor sets in October.

• Next update announced: v1.3.1 was announced as the first major Fangs of Asterkarn content update, with public testing targeted for September and a release target of late September or early October.

Tracked sources for Grim Dawn were limited between 2025-02-25 and 2026-02-25, with only 2 verified changes captured in this window. The recorded activity centers on Fangs of Asterkarn Expansion Soundtrack and Reroll Loot Drops Feature and sits between Hundreds of New Items in Fangs of Asterkarn on 2025-02-10 (new_content) and Introduction of 10th Mastery on 2026-02-25 (new_content), making this a light but still readable period in the game's history.

• Verified activity: 2025-11-24 - Fangs of Asterkarn Expansion Soundtrack: 26 tracks recorded with a live orchestra will be featured in the upcoming expansion.; 2025-03-17 - Reroll Loot Drops Feature: Players can reroll nearly-perfect loot drops at the Inventor in the upcoming Fangs of Asterkarn expansion..
• What stands out: The period is defined more by a small number of isolated updates than by a large roadmap beat or expansion-sized release.
• Before this window: The closest earlier tracked activity was Hundreds of New Items in Fangs of Asterkarn on 2025-02-10 (new_content).
• After this window: The next tracked activity was Introduction of 10th Mastery on 2026-02-25 (new_content).

Loyalist Pack III launched on February 27, 2024, introducing new content and features, including five divine appearance sets. This update also marked the release of the Berserker Mastery on September 23, 2024, which brought shapeshifting mechanics to the game, significantly enriching gameplay options.

• New Mastery: The Berserker Mastery provided players with unique shapeshifting abilities, expanding character customization.
• Nemesis System Overhaul: On June 19, 2024, the game saw a complete overhaul of the Nemesis spawning mechanics, altering how these challenging enemies appear in the world.
  • This update also included expanded build options for pets, enhancing strategies for pet-focused players.
  • The introduction of new two-handed animations and a complete overhaul of two-handed melee animations added more visual flair to combat.
• New Items: The Fangs of Asterkarn update on February 10, 2025, added hundreds of new items, enhancing character builds and aesthetics.
• Balance Changes: A series of balance changes on June 19, 2024, adjusted the effectiveness of consumables, rebalanced monster physical damage, and included various other adjustments to gameplay.
• Quality of Life Improvements: The update on February 27 also brought valuable quality of life improvements, enhancing the overall user experience.

Grim Dawn announced its third expansion, Fangs of Asterkarn, on August 29, 2023, setting the stage for significant new content expected in 2024. The Loyalist Item Pack 3 followed with an announcement on February 1, 2024, adding more illusions for players to collect. Notably, the Version 1.2.0.0 update released on November 16, 2023, improved the leveling experience and introduced new accessibility features.

• New Mastery: The Berserker, a 10th mastery, launched with the August 29 update, allowing players to shapeshift into beastlike forms, increasing mastery combinations to 45.

  • New Dungeons: Two new roguelike dungeons were added alongside the expansion, offering fresh challenges.
  • Hundreds of New Items: The update introduced hundreds of new Monster Infrequents, Epic items, and unique Legendary items.

• Gameplay Enhancements: A variety of new features and mechanics emerged, including:

  • Dedicated Evade Ability: Players gained a new ability for evading attacks.
  • Ascendant Game Mode: This new mode transformed the campaign into a challenge for ascendant demigods.
  • New Super Bosses: Players faced new super bosses and additional Nemesis bosses from older factions.
  • Expanded Crucible: The Crucible DLC received thirty additional waves for a deeper challenge.

• Quality of Life Improvements: The November 16 update included a comprehensive set of quality of life enhancements based on community feedback.

Tracked sources for Grim Dawn were limited between 2022-02-25 and 2023-02-25, with only 2 verified changes captured in this window. The recorded activity centers on Ranged Weapons Viability Improvement and Skill Points Bonuses for Niche Playstyles and sits between Grim Dawn Coming to Xbox with Definitive Edition on 2021-11-16 (dlc_release) and Announcing Grim Dawn: Fangs of Asterkarn Expansion on 2023-08-29 (dlc_release), making this a light but still readable period in the game's history.

• Verified activity: 2022-06-21 - Ranged Weapons Viability Improvement: Revisited ranged weapons to make them a more viable endgame choice.; 2022-06-21 - Skill Points Bonuses for Niche Playstyles: Improved the availability of skill points bonuses for various niche playstyles..
• What stands out: The period is defined more by a small number of isolated updates than by a large roadmap beat or expansion-sized release.
• Before this window: The closest earlier tracked activity was Grim Dawn Coming to Xbox with Definitive Edition on 2021-11-16 (dlc_release).
• After this window: The next tracked activity was Announcing Grim Dawn: Fangs of Asterkarn Expansion on 2023-08-29 (dlc_release).

Grim Dawn launched its Definitive Edition on November 16, 2021, bringing the game to Xbox along with the Ashes of Malmouth and Forgotten Gods expansions, plus the Crucible mode. This release marked a significant milestone for the title, expanding its reach to console players. Additionally, the release date for the Xbox version was confirmed for December 3, 2021, with preorders starting on November 22, 2021.

• Definitive Edition: Grim Dawn debuted on Xbox, featuring all previous expansions and the Crucible mode.
  • Ashes of Malmouth
  • Forgotten Gods
  • Crucible mode
• Release Date Announcement: The Xbox version's release was set for December 3, 2021.
• Preorder Availability: Preorders for the Xbox version became available on November 22, 2021.

The introduction of new side areas on September 21, 2020, marked a significant content expansion for Grim Dawn, adding fresh challenges and rewards in the world of Cairn. This update also included 30 new Monster Infrequents, enhancing loot diversity for players.

• New Side Areas: All new side areas were added, providing new gameplay experiences and rewards.
• New Monster Infrequents: Over 30 new Monster Infrequents were introduced, available to all players.
• Monster Totems: A new style of Monster Totem themed after celestial fiends from the Tomb of the Heretic was launched, adding variety to encounters.
• Unique Items: The game saw the addition of Unique and Monster Infrequent items, enriching the loot pool.
• Affix Tables: Major changes were made to affix tables on June 4, 2020, enhancing the farming experience and increasing the chances of obtaining desired affixes.
• Balancing Changes: Numerous backend and balancing changes were implemented on February 27, 2020, aimed at improving build variety.

Grim Dawn Definitive Edition launched on November 27, 2019, consolidating the base game, expansions, and DLC into one package. Alongside this, the Forgotten Gods expansion released on March 27, 2019, adding significant new content and gameplay features. The update also introduced the Tomb of the Heretic roguelike dungeon, further enriching the game's exploration aspects.

• New Expansions Included: The Definitive Edition encompasses the Ashes of Malmouth and Forgotten Gods expansions, alongside the Crucible game mode DLC.
  • Tomb of the Heretic: A new roguelike dungeon added for players seeking challenging new content.
  • Smaller Dungeons: A series of smaller dungeons now lead to the Tomb of the Heretic, enhancing exploration.
• New Legendary Sets: Players discovered 5 new Legendary quality sets in the June 20, 2019 update.
• Loot Filter Enhancement: An upgraded Enhanced Loot Filter was introduced, improving item management.
• Major Balancing Changes: Significant adjustments were made in preparation for the Forgotten Gods expansion, ensuring a more balanced gameplay experience.
• Performance Improvements: The game engine received major enhancements on July 25, 2019, leading to better performance and improved skill effects.
• Quality of Life Features: New features included item search functions, auto-looting for materials, and monster health bars, all implemented on July 25, 2019.

Grim Dawn continued to receive balance and quality-of-life updates while its next expansion, Forgotten Gods, was in development. This window ends in February 2019; the expansion itself released on March 27, 2019, after the period covered here.

• Ugdenbog: An update expanded the area and introduced the encounter with Kra'Vall, the Ancient of the Waters.
• Legendary sets: Three legendary-quality sets expanded the equipment options available for character builds.
• Crucible: The mode received balance adjustments alongside wider changes to gameplay.
• Devotion screen: A search feature made it easier to navigate devotion choices in the December update.
• Music: Patch 1.0.7.0 added a new track for the Loghorrean encounter, with a download option for the music.

Grim Dawn: Ashes of Malmouth Expansion launched on October 11, 2017, bringing significant new content and features, including the Illusionist System and two new chapters to the game's story. This expansion expanded the gameplay landscape with numerous items, masteries, and a level cap increase to 100.

• New Content: The Ashes of Malmouth expansion introduced:

  • Two New Chapters: Expanding the Grim Dawn narrative significantly.
  • Illusionist System: A new feature allowing players to customize gear appearances.
  • Hundreds of New Items: A vast array of new gear and items to discover.
  • New Masteries: The addition of the Inquisitor mastery among others.
  • New Roguelike Dungeon: The Ancient Grove was added, featuring unique items and a special Mythical Relic.

• Gameplay Changes:

  • Level Cap Increase: The level cap was raised to 100, enhancing character progression.
  • Improved Casting Mechanics: Updates made to casting behavior, including a toggle for Classic Casting, allowing players to choose their preferred casting style.

• Balance Adjustments:

  • Armor Adjustments: The armor gap between Heavy armor and Light/Caster armor was significantly reduced to balance gameplay.
  • Improvements and Balance Changes: A comprehensive list of improvements and balance changes was implemented in December 2017.

• Performance Enhancements: Major improvements were made to controller support, enhancing responsiveness for players using controllers.

• Quality of Life Improvements: A series of major quality of life changes were integrated as part of the updates, improving overall gameplay experience.

The Crucible DLC launched on August 3, 2016, introducing a new gameplay mode featuring 150 waves of enemies, marking a significant expansion for Grim Dawn. This period also saw the full release of Grim Dawn on February 25, 2016, exiting Steam Early Access, alongside the introduction of new content such as the Roguelike dungeon Port Valbury in December.

• New Content: The Hidden Path content update launched on June 7, 2016, offering a new journey along the sacred route of the Witch Gods. The game also received 28 new Legendary items and 91 revised Epic items in October, enhancing loot diversity.
  • New Roguelike Dungeon: Port Valbury was added on December 20, 2016, further enriching the dungeon-crawling experience.
• Gameplay Improvements: The February 10, 2017, update improved the leveling experience, making it smoother for players.
• Balance Changes: Patch 1.0.0.5 on August 3, 2016, included various balance changes to enhance character build options. Additional tuning for class balance was also applied in the February 10 update.
• Modding Tools: On April 28, 2016, modding tools became available, allowing players to create their own content, with improvements announced in June.