Deep Rock Galactic returns from its longest content hiatus ever. Season 6: Relics of Hoxxes launches January 29, 2026 on PC (Steam), bringing the first major update since mid-2024. Developed with Copenhagen studio Invisible Walls while Ghost Ship focuses on Rogue Core spinoff, the season introduces Ossuary Depths biome, three new Ossiran enemy types, Heavy Extraction missions, and free Performance Pass rewards.
Ossuary Depths – New Spooky Biome
The star attraction delivers skeleton-filled caverns littered with ancient beast remains. Ossuary Depths feature precarious terrain, bone-crushing hazards, and atmospheric lighting filtering through massive skeletal structures. New ambient sounds and particle effects create oppressive atmosphere perfect for dwarven ghost stories between waves.
Three Ossiran enemy types debut alongside biome. Scrab flies deliver dive-bomb attacks requiring vertical awareness. Pit Jaw functions as living bear trap, grabbing unwary dwarves crossing grates. Bone Collectors flee when spotted, forcing chase through tunnels to valuable material lairs – new Season Event mechanic.
Heavy Extraction Missions
Core gameplay loop evolves with mineral extraction objectives. Dwarves identify resinite amber deposits, laser-cut massive chunks, then attach to lift pods blasting out of caverns. Multi-phase objective demands coordination – cut too slow and enemies overwhelm, cut too fast and structural collapse kills team.
Mission type playable across existing biomes but shines in Ossuary Depths. Resinite rumored hiding mysterious contents developers coyly refuse to confirm. Lift pod launches deliver spectacular set pieces with destructible environments and physics-based chaos.
Free Performance Pass Returns
Completely free battle pass system returns with 50+ tiers of cosmetics. New pickaxe sets, armor skins, victory poses, and emotes reward mission success rather than wallet extraction. Premium track optional with extra cosmetics for dedicated Rock and Stone enthusiasts.
DLC armor and weapon cosmetics arrive alongside pass. Season-themed cosmetics tie into Ossuary aesthetic with bone motifs, glowing resinite accents, and Ossiran trophy displays. All previous seasons remain accessible – no FOMO mechanics alienating veteran players.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Biome | Ossuary Depths (skeletons, ancient remains) |
| Enemies | Scrab (flying), Pit Jaw (trap), Bone Collector (event) |
| Mission | Heavy Extraction (resinite mining, lift pods) |
| Pass | Free Performance Pass + Premium cosmetics |
| Launch | PC Jan 29, Console Feb 12 |
Development Partnership Model
Ghost Ship delegates Season 6 to Invisible Walls while concentrating on Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core (Q2 2026 early access). Copenhagen proximity enables close collaboration without splitting core team. Model mirrors Dead Cells ongoing content strategy – main studio focuses flagship while partners handle seasonal beats.
Rogue Core evolves as full roguelite spinoff rather than DRG expansion. Five classes (including new fifth class), rebalanced weapons, elemental damage systems, and standalone progression. Early access planned H1 2026 following Season 6 launch window.
Community Cracked Release Date
DRG players decoded January 29 date within 20 minutes of teaser art posting. Numbers hidden in spiderwebs (’29’), alien skull (’01’), rocket booster (’26’) revealed exact launch in day/month/year format. Community prowess rivals alien decoding skills displayed in-game.
Fans celebrate return after 18-month content drought. Season 5 ended mid-2024 with performance pass completion. Ghost Ship transparency throughout development maintains trust capital enabling partner handoff without backlash.
Content Roadmap Accelerates
- Jan 29: Season 6 PC launch
- Feb 12: Console rollout
- Q2 2026: Rogue Core early access
- Late 2026: Season 7 planning
Free-to-win model continues. No paywalls block core content or progression. Cosmetic microtransactions optional supporting ongoing development. 15 million players milestone hit December 2025 ensures healthy live service ecosystem.
FAQs
When exactly does Season 6 launch?
January 29, 2026 PC (Steam). Consoles follow February 12. All platforms receive identical content simultaneously.
Is the Performance Pass free?
Completely free core track with 50+ tiers. Optional premium cosmetics extra. No gameplay advantages behind paywalls.
What happened to Rogue Core?
Delayed Q2 2026 early access. Full roguelite spinoff with five classes, not DRG expansion. Season 6 bridges gap.
New enemies dangerous?
Scrab requires vertical defense. Pit Jaw punishes poor positioning. Bone Collectors create rewarding high-risk chases.
Crossplay still works?
Full crossplay across PC/PS/Xbox/Switch maintained. Friends lists carry forward seamlessly.
Previous seasons accessible?
All content remains playable forever. No rotation or FOMO mechanics.
Who made Season 6?
Invisible Walls (Copenhagen) with Ghost Ship oversight. Proven partner maintaining quality standards.
Rock and Stone Forever
Deep Rock Galactic proves live service done right. Season 6 delivers substantial content addressing 18-month wait without monetization gimmicks. Dwarves return to Hoxxes IV January 29 ready to mine, fight, and ROCK AND STONE through Ossuary Depths.
Free Performance Pass ensures every player enjoys full seasonal experience. Invisible Walls partnership secures franchise longevity while Rogue Core evolves separately. Perfect formula keeps 15 million dwarves swinging pickaxes happily.