Excitement is building fast among fans of the acclaimed action RPG as Grim Dawn prepares to launch its largest expansion to date. Fangs of Asterkarn arrives on July 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. EDT on Steam and GOG.

A fresh chapter in the story of Cairn

The new content takes players west into the rugged wilderness of Asterkarn, a vast snowy region that expands the total game world by a staggering 32 percent. That makes the new area over 80 percent the size of the base game alone. Players will trek across glorious snowy peaks, delve into frozen caverns, explore ancient forest valleys, and visit breathtaking hot springs while purging the corruption that taints this once-idyllic landscape.

The expansion continues the dark fantasy tale of Grim Dawn. Players will parley with the mighty Kurn tribes, three new factions that bring their own complex history and alliances. Aid them in rekindling old bonds while confronting the darker side of their bloody past. An unusual new ally also shares ancient secrets that could change the course of the conflict.

New mastery and powerful gameplay additions

One of the biggest draws is the brand-new 10th mastery: the Berserker. This frenzied force of destruction lets players shapeshift into vicious beastlike forms on the battlefield. Combined with the existing nine masteries, it creates an astounding 45 possible class combinations.

 

Beyond the new class, players gain several fresh systems to deepen builds and experimentation:

  • Ascendant Game Mode turns the entire campaign into a brutal challenge for ascendant demigods. Every dungeon and boss encounter ramps up in difficulty while players ascend their equipment for incredible new power.
  • Potion customization lets you alter potions into powerful tonics that restore vitality or grant unique buffs and effects tailored to your playstyle.
  • Affix transmutation allows rerolling rare and magic items to perfect your gear.
  • Awaken Items unleashes the true potential of many Epic items, turning them into powerful implements worthy of legends.
  • Hundreds of new Monster Infrequents, Epic items, and unique Legendary items await discovery.

The Crucible also expands with thirty additional waves (if you own the Crucible DLC), and the Shattered Realm gains new regions and boss arenas.

Massive content at an accessible price

Crate Entertainment describes Fangs of Asterkarn as a massive expansion by every measure. It delivers an unprecedented amount of content for just $18.99. The expansion requires the base game plus the Ashes of Malmouth and Forgotten Gods DLCs to play.

Two new roguelike dungeons will arrive as free content updates alongside the expansion.

How to prepare

Players who already own the required expansions can jump straight in on launch day. Newcomers should grab the base game and the two required DLCs to experience the full journey. The expansion also heads to Xbox a few weeks after the PC release.

With only two days left until launch, now is the perfect time to revisit old characters, experiment with new builds, or simply wishlist the expansion on Steam to get notified the moment it drops.

Grim Dawn has long been praised for its deep loot-driven gameplay, intricate class system, and rich dark fantasy world. Fangs of Asterkarn looks set to deliver the biggest and most ambitious update the series has seen, giving veterans and newcomers alike plenty of reasons to return to the shattered world of Cairn.

The frozen peaks of Asterkarn await. The fight against corruption is far from over.