The Top 3 Dark Fantasy Stories You Need to Know More About

One of the things I love most about Dark Fantasy is that it often explores social conflicts, moral ambiguity, and the costs of power; while also showing us fantastical cities and creatures that really capture the imagination in a way few genres really can. What's more is that, as tabletop hobbyists, these settings provide ample sources of inspiration, helping us to create cool and unique projects that feel fantastical, but avoid that 'overdesigned' flare we so often see in other fantasy ranges.

Whether you're new to dark fantasy, or a long time fan, please take a walk with me today as I show you my top 3 dark fantasy stories.

3. Dragon Age: Origins 

Dragon Age: Origins is an older game, set in the world of Thedas (literally THE Dragon Age Setting!) during a brutal struggle against the Blight, a corruption that brings the Darkspawn, the Maker's Punishment out from their tunnels to ravage the surface world above, let by a wonderfully grotesque dragon called an Archdemon. Now, Dragon Age as a franchise is not what it was, true enough, but back in the day, it provided a truly dark and gritty tale that, at least to me, stands as high as almost any. 

In the main campaign, you play a unique character of your own creation, each of which gets their own Origin Story; you might be a Human Noble in one play through, a semi-imprisoned Elf Mage in the next, or a rough-bearded and casteless Dwarf Commoner in the one after that. Each character comes with their own struggles, from betrayal or falling victim to curses, right through to experiencing classism, and even racism! Dragon Age truly does not shy away from difficult topics, to say the least.

Your journey takes you all over Ferelden, battling Darkspawn and gathering allies for the final push, and when the game does end, you can't help but find yourself feeling a little lost over what to do next. 

2. The Witcher (Books)

The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski focuses on Geralt, a professional monster hunter, whose contracts almost always end up walking that fine line between human cruelty and true monstrosity. Political schemes, war, and social prejudices drive many of the conflicts he faces. He might save a village from ravening ghouls one day, only to be chased out the next, he is a 'freak', and people rarely let him forget it, no matter how much good he does.

What really sets The Witcher apart is its dark humour, which stands in wicked contrast to serious topics like disease, displacement, and even child abduction (the process of making Witchers is far from consensual). Each story is a challenge to your typical 'good vs. evil' struggle.

1. The Lord of the Rings

Now, this suggestion might surprise you, as technically Lord of the Rings is classified as High Fantasy, not Dark Fantasy. But just like any good dark fantasy story, I'd like to challenge that assumption. 

You see, Tolkien depicts a world in decline. The time of the elves is at and end, and evil beings are almost everywhere. Even Men are not what they once were, Numenor is gone, and Gondor's cities are in ruins, their armies broken. Even mighty Arnor, once the most powerful realm of Men, is nothing more than a range of haunted hills and desolate, ghost-infested ruins. What's worse is that one of the only powers on the rise (at least in the first two books - Spoilers!) is Isengard, a viciously industrial power that destroys the natural world around it. All this points to civilisations that have gone well past their peak, and it's up to the heroes to make something good out of what remains. 

A Special Mention

I suppose now would be a great time to mention that I am a dark fantasy author, as well. My debut novel, The Sundering Cycle: Book One - Fire and Wrath came out in early June, and it's been wonderful seeing people's reactions to it.

For those of you interested, The Sundering Cycle follows Arken Othen, the only son of Eirik, a famous Sellsword, Slayer and Skald, as he sets out into the world to make a name of his own, at any cost. 

Meanwhile, below the earth, the dwarves of Naddenheim find themselves beset on all sides. Goblins claw at the borders, and conspiracy seeks to bring about the Hold's downfall from within. Worse still, the Pale Elves, the ancient foes of Naddenheim, bring about their return.  

Conclusion

Well, there it is, all my opinions laid bare! What do you think of my list, and what dark fantasy settings resonate most with you?

I'd love to get your thoughts, and see any miniatures you've painted with a dark fantasy flare!

- Mak

note: Most images used in this article are not mine. If you know the artist, please feel free to share and I will credit them fully!