Compare this game
Darksiders II

Review · Action · PC · Wii U · PlayStation 3

Darksiders II

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PC · Wii U · PlayStation 3 · Nintendo Switch · Xbox 360

THQ Nordic · 2012

Ludograph rating

B

Good

66 /100

Darksiders II is an action RPG that builds problem solving and strategic thinking, but features mature themes, high violence, and strong language.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 50 · R 5
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

50

Risk (RIS)

5

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.64
B2Social-emotional
0.23
B3Motor
0.55

Darksiders II offers engaging third-person action RPG gameplay with an open world, extensive combat, and challenging riddles. Players develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring a unique and immersive world as Death, one of the Four Horsemen.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.10
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game features mature themes including high levels of violence and some strong language, consistent with its 'M' rating. While it avoids manipulative monetization and social risks, its dark fantasy setting and themes of apocalypse may be intense for some players.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Darksiders II safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Darksiders II a rating of 66/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Darksiders II appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Darksiders II, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Darksiders II?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Darksiders II: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Darksiders II?

The game features mature themes including high levels of violence and some strong language, consistent with its 'M' rating. While it avoids manipulative monetization and social risks, its dark fantasy setting and themes of apocalypse may be intense for some players.