TTRPG news · Source announcement: 2026-10-10
Kobold Press is bringing its game material to Shadowdark RPG with Dark Halls, a project the publisher says is planned for Kickstarter in 2027. Announced on October 10, 2026, the expansion is described as a Kobold Press take on Shadowdark—not a new standalone game. The publisher lists two hardcover books, a series of zines, adapted monsters and new player options, but has not yet provided a campaign launch date or detailed contents.
A new Kobold Press line for Shadowdark
The announcement marks a move into a new system for Kobold Press, which describes Dark Halls as a way to bring its design approach to Shadowdark’s streamlined style. The project is also framed as a return to the publisher’s third-party publishing roots.
That distinction matters for existing players: Kobold Press says its aim is not to create another game, but to adapt its material to Shadowdark while respecting the original system. In editor Jeff Quick’s words, “It’s not a different game at all, but it is a Kobold take on Shadowdark.”
What the announcement says is included
The initial outline points to a mix of formats and game content. Kobold Press names two hardcover books and a series of zines, alongside monsters adapted for Shadowdark and new options for player characters. The publisher also highlights black-and-white line art intended to recall its Warlock-era aesthetic.
The announcement mentions contributions from Kobold Press writers and designers, including Shadowdark RPG designer Kelsey Dionne. It does not yet break down the books’ contents, explain how many zines are planned, or specify which monsters and character options will appear. Those details should be treated as unannounced rather than assumed.
- Two hardcover books and a series of zines
- Kobold Press monsters adapted for Shadowdark
- New player options and black-and-white line art
What current Shadowdark owners should know
For players who already own Shadowdark RPG, the key point is the stated relationship: Dark Halls is presented as an expansion for that game, not a replacement or a separate rules system. Kobold Press says it is adapting its approach to fit Shadowdark, but the announcement does not specify which existing books are required or provide a compatibility guide.
As practical advice, wait for campaign materials before deciding what you need to play. The announcement does not provide final book contents, rules details, pricing, or a confirmed release schedule for the physical books. Its mention of an early-access PDF is a preview plan, not a currently available download.
Kickstarter is planned for 2027
Kobold Press identifies Dark Halls as its first Kickstarter campaign of 2027 and invites readers to follow the project for notifications. The announcement does not give a day or month for launch, so 2027 is the only stated timing at present.
The publisher says it will share an early-access PDF “along the way” as the project develops, without specifying when or how it will be distributed. For now, the useful takeaway is that the project has been announced, but the campaign and its detailed offering are still ahead.
Sources and image credits
Original reporting based on the publisher’s announcement; this is not a hands-on review. Product plans and crowdfunding estimates may change.
Original AI-assisted editorial illustration created for GMCraft Tavern. This conceptual scene is not official publisher artwork, a product cover, or a software screenshot. GMCraft Tavern is independent of the publishers covered.