Red Hook Studios’ Darkest Dungeon will be receiving a major new update today, introducing PvP combat to the punishing dungeon crawler. The Butcher’s Circus allows players to assemble teams to face each other to earn new banner components and trinkets. These are separate from the main campaign so there’s no risk of perma-death.

Other differences for these heroes include fixed stats and the inability to upgrade equipment. In a neat twist, Stress can be inflicted on enemy players during combat, which adds a whole new dimension to battle tactics. You can use DLC characters in PvP but the corresponding DLC pack will have to be owned.

The Butcher’s Circus will be free and includes anti-cheat (which players can opt out of if they have no interest in the PvP). The update will be available for Steam players only but stay tuned for more details on its release for consoles later. In the meantime, those who have never experienced the trauma of Darkest Dungeon can try it out for free from today till June 1st. The base game will also be on sale at a 75 percent discount.

Of the many trials that Red Hook Studios has inflicted on Darkest Dungeon players, its next DLC may be the most out-of-left-field. The Butcher’s Circus essentially adds a PvP mode, allowing players to battle it out with teams of four. The best part is that your heroes aren’t at risk of dying.

Some of the new content includes new gladiatorial trinkets and banner components for using “use your creativity to assemble your own duelist heraldry.” A new musical theme by Stuart Chatwood and some new narrator lines by Wayne June will also be included. While it’s still debatable as to whether players really want PvP, it should serve as a nice enough distraction.

The Butcher’s Circus is out this May. In the meantime, Red Hook is also working on Darkest Dungeon 2. It revealed on Twitter that this DLC was developed “alongside Darkest Dungeon 2” using additional resources and staff. There’s still no release window though so stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

We weren't joking – The Butcher's Circus is coming in May!

Play intense PVP arena battles against your friends and enemies alike. Pick your party & loadout, and let the games begin!

Wishlist here: https://t.co/SHKqZiqbML pic.twitter.com/8pXVhOBUiO

— Darkest Dungeon (@DarkestDungeon) April 2, 2020

Yes, DD2 is still in progress! This was developed alongside DD2 with additional resources and staff.

— Darkest Dungeon (@DarkestDungeon) April 2, 2020