The Inn Keeper Tackles the Top 10 Most-Asked Questions About Daggerheart
Welcome, weary traveler! This post is for old guard, seasoned tabletop adventurers as well as new-to-the-world-of-Daggerheart. I’m hoping to gather and answer the most-searched questions about the game — all in one place. If, after reading this, you come up with new questions or have a topic in which you’d like to drill down farther, be sure to comment. Let’s get into it with the most basic question first…
1. What Is Daggerheart?
Daggerheart is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) from Darrington Press, the creative studio behind Critical Role. It’s designed for a greater focus on immersive storytelling, emotional character arcs, and shared worldbuilding — blending narrative freedom with innovative mechanics that go beyond classic dice-rolling combat.
2. Game Mechanics: How Do the Hope and Fear Dice Work?
Instead of a single roll with a 20-sided die (“d20”), players roll two 12-sided dice (“2d12”): one of Hope and one of Fear (it’s a good idea to have two differently colored dice in order to make clear which is “Hope” and which is “Fear”). The higher die determines success or failure, whether it happens to be the Hope die or Fear die generates narrative energy — giving the players Hope or giving the GM Fear. This system keeps every roll dynamic, balancing risk and reward in creative ways. Hope is a player resource that can be spent to boost rolls, activate special abilities, or influence the story in positive ways — reflecting moments of courage, inspiration, or luck that turn the tide in your character’s favor. Fear is a resource gained by the GM when the Fear die wins a roll. It can be spent to escalate tension — introducing complications, powering adversaries, or triggering dramatic twists that challenge the heroes and drive the story forward.
3. Is Daggerheart Like Dungeons & Dragons?
It’s often compared to Dungeons & Dragons, but Daggerheart has a different soul. The focus leans more on storytelling and collaboration than tactical combat or rigid mechanics. Think fewer charts and math, more character moments — though combat still exists, it’s designed to serve the story.
4. How Does Character Creation Work?
Character creation in Daggerheart is flexible and card-based. Players combine Ancestry, Community, Class, and Domain cards to shape their hero’s background, skills, and powers. This modular system makes it easy to visualize your character’s identity and abilities while keeping play accessible.
Want more information about Daggerheart character creation? Want to know what a Domain Card is? How does Ancestry fit into character creation? Check out: Daggerheart Character Creation Guide: Can You Build Better Heroes Than in D&D 5e?
5. Does Daggerheart Require a GM?
Yes — Daggerheart uses a GM (Game Master), but their role is more collaborative than authoritarian. The GM guides the story and presents challenges, but players have real narrative input, often shaping the world and consequences alongside the GM.
6. How Long Are Daggerheart Sessions?
Typical sessions last around 2–4 hours, depending on the story and group size. The system supports both long-running campaigns and quick one-shots — making it great for anyone from casual players to weekly storytellers. When we record our actual play podcast Inn at the End, we typically record our weekly, 2-hour sessions and cut them into our weekly hour-ish long episodes.
7. When Was Daggerheart Released?
After a popular open beta playtest, Daggerheart officially launched on May 20, 2025. The release marked a new era for narrative-driven fantasy roleplay from the Critical Role team. Frankly, I’m thrilled with the outcome.
8. Where Can You Buy Daggerheart?
Physical copies are available from Darrington Press, local game stores, and online retailers. For digital play, Daggerheart can be found on Demiplane Nexus and DriveThruRPG, with digital tools that make character and card management simple. Personally, I love using Daggerstack and recommend checking it out.
9. Are Expansions or New Settings Coming?
Yes! New settings and campaign frames are in development, including collaborations with major designers like Keith Baker (Eberron). Expect evolving worlds, new ancestries, and fresh classes as the system grows. Daggerheart is officially alive and growing!
10. Is Daggerheart More Narrative or Tactical?
This question comes up a lot when folks are contemplating personal play style and how it can thrive in a particular game. While Daggerheart includes structured combat and adversary rules, Daggerheart leans toward narrative play. Success and failure aren’t just mechanical outcomes — they shape your character’s emotional journey and the world’s tone. It’s ideal for players who love story-driven sessions without sacrificing tension or choice.
In the end, I feel like Daggerheart invites you to rmove beyond dice rolling — it asks you to roll with some feeling. Whether you’re drawn by its novel Hope and Fear (2d12) system, collaborative storytelling, or Critical Role’s creative touch, this bold new TTRPG has become a fav of mine. Now, go grab your sword and KEEP ON ADVENTURING!
Thank you for stopping by the Inn at the End, don’t forget to subscribe to this blog and, if you’re into podcasts, be sure to check out Inn at the End on your favorite podcast app.
-The Inn Keeper-
Enjoy this content? Become an INN-habitant and never miss a communication from the Inn Keeper by following us. We will never misuse or sell your information.