Neverwinter, Cryptic Studios’ nearly 10-year-old MMORPG, received another massive update earlier this month with Neverwinter: Demonweb Pits. Expanding on one of the most iconic areas in the game (and the Forgotten Realms as a whole) the update adds several new areas and additional Heroic Encounters to the Underdark. It also wraps up the current storyline, which puts players at the center of an ongoing civil war in the great Drow city of Menzoberranzan.

Neverwinter first introduced the Underdark in 2015 as part of its eighth module, giving players a taste of the setting's unforgiving caverns and unsightly beasts.That original Neverwinter: Underdark update featured a scenario written by acclaimed author R.A. Salvatore—including a 10-player raid where players fought alongside Salvatore's famed Drow hero Drizzt Do'Urden to vanquish hordes of monstrosities under the control of the legendary Demogorgon. 

Exciting as it was at the time, this introduction to the Underdark only provided a glimpse into the inner workings of the area. And in the many years since its introduction, encounters in the Underdark have remained the same, with the plot threads woven by Salvatore mostly left open.

But with the late 2022 release of Neverwinter: Northdark Reaches and this year's Neverwinter: Menzoberranzan and Neverwinter: Demon Pits updates, Cryptic Studios breathed new life into the Underdark, building on the foundations laid nearly a decade ago and creating content for both new and old players alike. These individual updates added new narratives, areas, and even Heroic Encounters into the Underdark, evolving an area that had otherwise gone stagnant.

A familiar area given new life

Neverwinter's trio of new Underdark updates expand on the work Cryptic Studios did in 2015, enabling players to explore this familiar and beloved region in an entirely new way. “The Underdark is a huge place, and although many of the Underdark areas we had in 2015 are still in the game, these areas are entirely new," said Lead Designer Robert Gutschera. “The updates cover the areas in and around Menzoberranzan, which had not been previously seen in Neverwinter."

Environments are more varied than ever before, with caves packed with luminous fungi, breathtaking underwater lakes, and the sprawling onyx and violet city of Menzoberranzan itself. Dare to explore these new environments and you'll find Beholders and other fearsome monsters lying in wait, with dangerous encounters lurking behind every corner and in every shadow. .

R.A. Salvatore also returned to the game, partnering with his son Geno Salvatore on a storyline that deals with the intricate politics of Menzoberranzan. Finally, after seven years, players have access to the thrilling conclusion of the story that began in 2015.

“It’s a whole new storyline,” said Gutschera. “Players can now explore the legendary Drow city of Menzoberranzan, meet some of its most powerful citizens, and participate in the power struggle the city is currently undergoing.” 

Ever the city of chaos, Menzoberranzan is embroiled in an uprising. A recent trailer provided a glimpse into this power struggle, highlighting the Drow uprising against the oppressive rule of the red-eyed spider Goddess, Lolth. Players will have the opportunity to join this rebellion, forging a new tomorrow for the Underdark as the most powerful Drow Houses tear themselves apart in an ongoing civil war. 

“The struggles in the city are spilling over into magical conflicts, and the city is being encroached upon by the Demonweb Pits,” said Gutschera. “The upcoming module centers on this conflict, and culminates in an epic battle with Lolth, the Queen of the Demonweb Pits herself.” Prepare to test your mettle against one of the most fearsome and iconic Gods within The Forgotten Realms.

And while Neverwinter's adventures in the Underdark tell a standalone story, those familiar with The Forgotten Realms will find plenty of hooks to stories and characters outside the game, enhancing the experience. “In general, the story ties in with R. A. Salvatore’s new book series The Way of the Drow. We fill in some of the events that take place between novels in that series, and also tell some new stories in Menzoberranzan,” said Gutschera.

Drizzt Do’Urden makes an appearance, but the story mostly focuses on the charming and silver-tongued Jarlaxle—and a few newcomers as well. “You’ll encounter characters you’ve met before, like Jarlaxle and Drizzt Do’Urden,” Gutschera continued, “but there will be lots of new characters to meet, such as the legendary Drow mage Gromph Baenre.”

Get up to speed with the Hero's Path

Yearning to explore Menzoberranzan? Thankfully Cryptic Studios made it easy for both new and returning players to jump into the update immediately and begin their adventures in the Underdark.

“Although this latest module will contain plenty of challenges for our dedicated players, we’ve also put in a Gate Unlock that enables anyone to enter the newest areas, even if they wouldn’t normally qualify," said Gutschera. "We've also added a new feature with this module, a Hero’s Path system that helps new players know what they need to do to advance their characters." 

This new Hero's Path progression system guides players through a tutorial of sorts, part of a quality-of-life update to make end-game progression easier. Introducing players to key features and systems, those that follow the Hero’s Path will gain access to more advanced combat tutorials and enhanced equipment, making you combat-ready for the challenges waiting in Menzoberranzan.

This includes Heroic Encounters, which exist outside the already established Skirmishes players can participate in. “Each of the three new Underdark modules—Northdark Reaches, Menzoberranzan, and the latest Demonweb Pits—have a number of Heroic Encounters that capture the 'epic-but-quick' feel of a Skirmish, but in a way that fits the themes of that module.” Gutschera said. These bite-sized encounters are perfect for those looking to cut their teeth in the Underdark and test their mettle and combat prowess.

Overall, this year's updates have made Neverwinter a more accessible and approachable MMORPG than ever before. If you’re looking for a chance to jump into the game—or return to it—now is the time.

Neverwinter is available now on the Epic Games Store.