The Road of Dust and Sorrow is announced to launch on December 3, 2026. Publisher Silver Lining Interactive has announced versions for Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. These are announced platforms; that does not confirm a live store listing for each one.
When does The Road of Dust and Sorrow come out?
Developer Painted Black Games announced December 3, 2026 as the release date in an October 2026 Steam community post. The date is announced, so check the official Steam community page near launch for any update.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Merchants of the Dark Road: Patron's Provisions Mini Expansion | New Heroes, Commissions & Deluxe... | $13.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Road | $12.28 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Blurder | $1.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Checkers | $2.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Glass Slippers | Buy on Amazon |
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In the same announcement, the developer said the game had reached 150,000 wishlists. That is the studio’s reported milestone, not an independently verified count. It also said an updated demo was coming soon, but did not give a date.
What platforms will it be on?
Silver Lining Interactive announced the following platforms:
#1 Best Overall
- EXPAND YOUR JOURNEY ON THE DARK ROAD – Add new content and fresh strategic choices to every game of Merchants of the Dark Road with this mini-expansion packed with heroes, commissions, companions, and travel upgrades.
- NEW PRIEST HEROES & COMMISSIONS – Recruit 6 unique Priest Heroes and complete 6 Watchers' Words Commission Tiles, introducing new ways to earn rewards and plan your routes.
- DELUXE STEEDS & COMPANIONS – Enhance your travels with 8 Deluxe Steed Tiles, the legendary Rimefrost steed card, and Frost Squirrel companion cards that add variety and replayability.
- SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATES WITH THE BASE GAME – Designed to blend naturally into existing gameplay while adding meaningful choices for both experienced merchants and returning adventurers.
- REQUIRES MERCHANTS OF THE DARK ROAD – This is an expansion and is not a standalone game. For 1–4 players, ages 12+, with a playtime of approximately 60–120 minutes.
- Steam
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
The announcement establishes the platform list, but does not establish regional availability, pricing, preorder status, or a physical edition. It also does not confirm that each platform’s store page is live. The publisher’s platform announcement is the source for the console list.
What kind of game is it?
Painted Black Games describes The Road of Dust and Sorrow as a story-driven, pixel-art survival-horror game inspired by 1990s classics. Its premise centers on a famine cure that became a failed experiment, transforming people into hostile creatures called Dusters. Katherine and her daughter Ava search for safety amid the ruined remains of civilization, while also facing a mysterious preacher and his cult.
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- fiction
- Cormac McCarthy
- first edition
The developer’s description points to linear story progression, survival, exploration, environmental puzzles, hidden paths, and dangerous encounters that players can fight or avoid. These are the studio’s descriptions of the game, not independent assessments of its gameplay. The official demo announcement includes more about the premise and features.
Where can you follow updates or try the demo?
Painted Black Games has posted the release announcement and demo information through Steam. The developer said an updated demo was forthcoming in its release-date post, without specifying when it would be available. For the current announcement and any date changes, see the official Steam community page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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