What is the point of a Grimdark World?

[@sentient_trash]

The essence of Grimdark is the phrase “To Rage against the dying of the Light” Everything sucks, everyone’s fucked, but all it takes is that one solider that makes it through or that one squad that holds the line at all costs that can make it even a small iota better. The most noble aspect of humanity is our ability to live through even the worst thrown at us by an uncaring universe, be it through wit or pure tenacity. Grimdark can only be dark in contrast to the light that it’s attempting to suffocate.

[@starhalv2427]

Yep, I've been making that point for a long time when trying to explain why I dislike Warhammer 40k- because by making the scale of it's universe so grand, it fails to execute this idea due to nobody caring about "just another 50 planets", whereas Warhammer Fantasy succeeds because once a city is burned, it's burned, and the consequences are serious when one soldier manages to hold the line allowing civilians to escape from scavens. To emulate the same feeling of "destruction has consequences", writers of 40k create events of such a scale that actions of individual people are completely meaningless. It might not fail as a grimdark setting to somebody else, but for these reasons it fails to me.

[@sentient_trash]

@@starhalv2427 I think the banality and scale of the atrocities that occur in 40k adds to the grim darkness, it’s one thing dealing with an orc WAAAGH at your city’s gates, but the Tyranids? Imagine you were in charge of tithe for a sector, only to see they’ve stopped sending their tithes. You chalk it up to another rebellion and send a guard regiment to beat them back into submission. Only for the only report to come back is pictures of once verdant worlds turned to dead rocks and the sounds of venerated battleships buckling under the weight of a living ship’s maw. It might not be strictly Eldritch but to me that’s a cosmic horror that’s terrifying at the surface, before you realize they’re coming from every angle into the galaxy.

[@Biodeamon]

@@starhalv2427 well the fall of cadia certainly had consequences. And the "end times" of warhammer fantasy didn't work out too well when stuff had "consequences"

[@JackRogers-x9e]

My issue in grimdark worlds is if everything sucks so much why does anyone live? Like why not game-end yourself the moment you're able to?

[@kakyoinpepsi5694]

⁠​⁠@@starhalv2427honestly, what I love about warhammer 40k is the little stories of people living their lives, the soldiers trying to live another day, the space marine trying to fulfill his duty no matter what challenges lie ahead, or the being attempting to preserves the legacies and memories of a galaxy ablaze. Their fates and actions may not matter in the greater setting, yet they still press forwards, and you hope that sometime somehow they will see their lives fulfilled.

[@TheGreatCreator101]

Something that I found years ago was a story that made a distinction from grimdark by describing it's tone as noblebright. It describes grimdark with these qualities: • The world is in slow, painful, decline. • Your best efforts will only serve to slow down the inevitable. • Life is cheap. Death, including massive body counts, is distressingly common. • The innocent exist to be victims of the strong. • Heroes are naive fools. And it describes noblebright with these qualities: • The world is emerging from an age of darkness. • You can make a difference, no matter how small. • Even in the midst of mass death, every life you can save is precious. • The innocent deserve to be protected from the strong. • Heroes are naive fools… but they are naive fools who can make a difference.

[@pointfrogg]

"Even in the midst of mass death, every life you can save is precious." Favourite.

[@ZarineBashire]

Sounds like I'll have a good sequel to my grim dark setting with this idea. Thanks for the description

[@badabing3391]

seems like a setting would always do better to just incorporate both instead of either or. Dunno why people want a monochrome setting so badly when every series that gets universal appraise (and isnt comedic slop) is one that incorporates noblebright and grimdark aspects

[@3dchick]

Such an interesting distinction!

[@thebigcapitalism9826]

Nice what are some examples of noblebright stories Kind of interesting that they would use "noble" to describe a subgenre where the weak should be protected from the strong

[@rhael42]

"what hope can you find in a world where flowers no longer bloom?" that line goes so hard wtf

[@adams13245]

Reminds me of Mistborn.

[@In_Purple_Clad]

The hope that even though the world is in a longer than normal winter, spring will eventually come. A fool's hope perhaps. But one that keeps mankind going. We wouldn't have the luxuries and bountiful harvests we have today if our ancestors all gave up when the world was a much grimer place to live. We owe them our thanks, for staying hopeful even amidst our darkest age

[@silver1340]

Could go harder: "What hope can you find in a world where flowers no longer bloom? Where grass gave up on growing?" Because grass not growing is even more messed up, considering it grows everywhere.

[@christiandauz3742]

One Day the Only Butterflies Will be in your Chest

[@markop.1994]

Meanwhile in WH40k soldier gets eaten by giant carnivorous flower...

[@-w-.]

Grimdark exists so that Don Quixote could grace our eyes

[@jimmyjenkins1907]

PROJECT MOON MENTIONED!!!!!1!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Tam-Ezrac]

And especially our ears!

[@guardsmanlars6797]

The old ass knight?

[@lordship1543]

The knight from the Spanish novel or the one piece character?

[@merlitamemirata45]

Or the project moon one?

[@oniemployee3437]

"What is the point of Grimdark?" Hope. Good grimdark is never a 100% evil. It should always allow a tiny sliver of hope so that tomorrow, while never promised, is feasible. Today sucked, but tomorrow might be better, if only slightly.

[@armintor2826]

Darkest Dungeon nails this. Especially DD2, since it follows the apocalypse that came after the events of the first game. In DD2 they focus a lot on the small, otherwise unnoticeable moments of well-being that existed in the world before a lovecraftian apocalypse (a good meal, a favor from a friend, a calm day, etc) because its those moments of genuine peace that the characters in the world fight for; in spite of the horrors that permeate the world around them.

[@theeviloverlord7320]

No, grimdark is specifically the genre with no heros and no happy endings, If you want to see hope and perseverance rewarded, then any other genre is better

[@DarkJusn2020]

​@@theeviloverlord7320 Then we end up again at the beginning. What's the point?

[@off6848]

@@DarkJusn2020 To just indulge in tragedy. What about Whim Dark though? A bi polar world of bubbly Hello Kitty sequel happiness and Warhamer 40k Darkness for dramatic effect. The idea that some groups and species live in bliss and get away with it where as others usually individuals can experience extreme darkness.

[@charlieboone1298]

Not if you're a character in a Joe Abercrombie book.

[@bananaborn4785]

i think berserk: the lost children arc is pretty good example of a good grimdark story, it is grounded in its own reality and rules, the darkness part is very present too, and i think the concution of it is exacly what grimdark is all about.

[@chillax319]

And human makes a monster pee themselves in fear. That's a nice bonus too.

[@TheMightySinjo]

The innocence and drive of Jill, the arguable protagonist for the arc, I think likewise is a major reason why the arc holds as much as it does; Without her faith in things to be able to become better, for there to be a place far away for her, but also an acceptance that she can learn and grow with hope, I think is what cements it in the turmoil of the perversions of dreams and nightmares which Rosine and Guts stand for.

[@IggyBitz]

"Why tf are there robots in 1918?" Me, a CoD Zombies nerd: "Well you see..."

[@Sara3346]

I wouldn't mind hearing more about that.

[@Gol_D_Rog3r]

It would take 2 hours to fully explain the zombies timeline

[@TonyRedgrave]

"In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war..."

[@silver1340]

Except when races get along to squash Tyranids. Also some planets are pretty nice to live on. Also Tau were done dirty. They should've remained unapologetically good, with the grim aspect being them having no impact on the galaxy.

[@dakinayantv3245]

The grimdark future is now.

[@ProtonCannon]

Like in Ukraine right now...

[@denifnaf5874]

*_WAAAGH_*

[@Penofhell]

Gives me shivers just to read it.

[@xdr22]

0:45 i'm kind of a history nerd and i'll always remember vividly that time I saw a picture taken of Verdun right after the end of WWI, the picture was of course in black and white so it didn't help the feeling but. Desvastation, as far as the eye can see. Common and generic hills of the France landscape, completelly deformed by shell impact, the earth completelly turned over and a disfigurded landscape everywhere, probably still corpses under the soil and shells that didn't detonate on impact (we find some even to this day). And I remember thinking "If there is a Hell then I think this is it."

[@raskzak3313]

But then you realise it isn't hell, it is something worse, because innocents are not sent to hell. That's the true horror of our reality. No matter who you are, and how good you are, even if you have the best intentions, you can, and will probably, get fucked. That's pretty grim.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

it's worse than "we find some even to this day." Look up a map of Zone Rouge, it covers a huge portion of France.

[@Kreett_]

The indomitable human spirit shines brightest when surrounded by the grim darkness

[@kasrkindeltaspetsnazcompan364]

And Then There Xeeleeverse made you hated humanity.

[@secutorprimus]

The grim darkness is once you realize that the light that shines is just an anglerfish's bait. The true light is far, far out of reach, and one must brave the darkness to find it. Brave the darkness alone, and in all likelihood, die forgotten instead. The vast masses will instead follow the bright light they see in front of them; they will die on the lines, drawn to the light as moths to a flame, ignorant to the teeth closing in around them. "Indomitable Human Spirit" is a red herring.

[@Sergio-nb4hj]

​@@secutorprimus WELL SAID!

[@hudsonflores5478]

@secutorprimus There is no other light in most settings other than the one which can at least mean you get to live for long enough to get a small chance at life. Perhaps sometimes there is another light but most of the time there is the light and there is deception. And often the light is dying. And who is to say that other light is not simply a farther anglerfish, if it is the case that the closer one is?

[@secutorprimus]

@@hudsonflores5478 Humanity, in this setting, is doomed because they are terrified to search for other lights. Despite the fact that this light scorches their flesh, they cling to the dying flame as it sinks into the murky depths, entirely unwilling to abandon it to search for sunlight.

[@rotmistrzjanm8776]

Grimdark exist so Games Workshop can sell plastic figurines 😅

[@tyinyk]

That's the REAL grimdark.

[@rotmistrzjanm8776]

@@tyinyk you mean corporate greed or Warhammer?

[@jim4194]

​@@rotmistrzjanm8776both 😂

[@tyinyk]

@@rotmistrzjanm8776 I did mean corporate greed, yeah.

[@ethanwesthoff7444]

@@tyinyk Cartoon Grimdark. Too shiny and bright.

[@masterzoroark6664]

In Trench Crussade you either pldedge yoruself to: - The Lord God who might not love you - The Dark Lord who might betray you - The Invaders from beyond who's transcendence might not be as fun And well, I am glad to see a hard hitting (vibe and art wise) competitor to 40K that is in the grimdark setting that is interesting and takes similar inspirations as it, but does not look like a rip-off. And the main tenure off Grimdark is, I think, best represented as quote form Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer: "Noone commits suicide, but we all self destruct". None wants to die, in even the last flash you will fight to stay alive, but the situation you are in will grind your body down. The more "hopefull" qupte for Grimdark would be "As long as we're alive we will continue fighting"

[@ScadrianGhostblood]

Grimdark makes the smallest light brighter than the sun.

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

Like a great glowing lighthouse amongst the seas of darkness

[@okitasoujialter]

I like grimdark because it reminds me that things could always be worse

[@drewgoin8849]

Hey, I like that. 👍

[@Biodeamon]

in a way that is optimism: no matter how horrid things may appear, life always finds a way. take what that means as you will.

[@sebswede9005]

Worse is yet to come.

[@cuongquan1633]

A counter guardian fitting comment ngl

[@kylefox1632]

I'm surprised give me a Grimmdark video and didn't mention 40K once

[@MadMadNomad]

I appreciate that he eschewed the obvious stuff everyone knows, and gave me obscure stuff I otherwise would've never heard of.

[@TheGreatGreenTurtle]

Agreed

[@charnelhousedog2394]

It probably would have been an too obvious choice. Plus, 40k has been getting less grimdark during the last handful of editions.

[@jacobcasey5202]

@@charnelhousedog2394I’ve heard a few people say that but I don’t really understand why? Have you got any examples?

[@litlbear01]

OK, you got me at the blind snipers lol, I love that

[@anitaremenarova6662]

That's an extremely cool concept that I'm surprised isn't more popular.

[@denifnaf5874]

Next: pregnant nun

[@imperium4821]

It's the most badass thing i've ever saw in a grimdark setting

[@thriquinox]

Next: The Voiceless Choir

[@Arcahnslight]

Samurai Jack did it pretty well haha

[@asurito9745]

To me Grimdark is ultimate exaltation of human agency. If there is no hope, or even no hope for hope, just living is a choice. In such situation if someone tries to rise they become hero, even if their fate is equaly grim. Those strong enough keep fighting and if they are skilled enough they could restore a little bit of hope if not for the world, then for some small part of it.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

This is a really good way of putting it.

[@quinnbuffet3825]

Grimdark is the rendered fat of the universal human feeling of despair. So many people have to keep day by day without the idea of hope to pull them along. Grimdark is a strata of those people's lives.

[@pro-hz7kx]

Yeah in the past and even today where are people whose lives would be classified as Grimdark

[@venom0825]

Grimdark to me is the fact that the end is coming and there is nothing you can do to stop it, but endlessly struggle against it. You can slow it down, but never truly stop. That almost pointless defiant struggle is what so appealing about it. It mirrors the human struggle in life that many nihilist say as is pointless. Unlike other stories that give a sorta price for the struggle, grimdark give no such illusion, you live, you suffer, you endure, then you die, that it. But the highlight are those that find the strength to keep fighting even if all hope is lost, even if there is no price at the end. To have the audacity to push even just a little the unstoppable encroaching darkness and tell it "not today". That's grimdark to me, the end is coming but you can make it a glorious end.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

The universe is literally doomed. Heat death, maybe the big rip, possibly even proton decay. Doomed. Everything we do is ultimately meaningless.

[@enricofischer1330]

This reminds me of a guy that basically became the only one with a gun in a cod Lobby. "the time I became a space monster"

[@RafeLaet]

Good on you for not saying Dark Souls or Warhammer out of the blue. These less known ones are cool.

[@soulburner1860]

I just got into a novel that made me start thinking about how anyone would be able to keep going in a world where everyone is suffering in some way with no real hopes for a better future and now I see this. It doesn't feel so much like suffering porn anymore.

[@notaheretic6675]

"Because then, who would carry the fire?"

[@matthiasthulman4058]

​@notaheretic6675 that was my first thought after reading the comment. I'm curious about what the novel is now.

[@soulburner1860]

@@matthiasthulman4058 I'm not sure if it's a good one, I just couldn't drop it because it was somewhat interesting watching the main character's dilemma over his twisted sense of justice and morals while he's obsessed with revenge... but if you want to bite: Zilbagias the demon prince. It's the typical rpg fantasy setting, a hero died and was reincarnated as the child of the demon that killed him. Only read 2 volumes but it's filled with mildly disturbing content (like all the various ways of torturing a pseudo-immortal being that heals from any damage for years to the point she would rather live as a dog than relive the memories by regaining her sense of self... They made paper from her skin, limitless supply), all the races at war have no hope, they're just fighting to survive and it's not something that can be fixed or will get better.

[@notaheretic6675]

@matthiasthulman4058 it's the book called "The Road." it's a companion piece for no country for old men.

[@zhollamychalis4252]

As Brian Herbert (son of Dune's Frank Herbert) and Kevin J Anderson 'finished' the Dune saga...there was a little side story about an agent on IX trying to take part in a rebellion. As much as I dug the stories about the Butlerian Jihad, early Idaho and Halleck...the story of that lone agent under tremendous pressure has always stayed with me. What you capture in your excellent essay reminds me totally of him and the knowledge despite his bare escapes...the doom that awaited him. Thanks.

[@kalebgonzales4009]

For me, grimdark should contrast with humor. It’s already hard enough, but a laugh doesn’t kill anybody unless only the ork with a bonk hammer will.

[@ASmartNameForMe]

First law be like:

[@nestharon]

You just helped me get out writers block with the Vermis 1 and the concept of grimdark. Thank you.

[@riddell26]

Nature is Grimdark. We are just fortunate enough to be so detached from it that we forget.

[@adams13245]

Parasitoid wasps are monstrous, and I heard they contributed to Darwin's conclusion that an all loving God does not exist. They dig a burrow, find a caterpillar, paralyze it then pull it into the burrow, lay their eggs on it, then seal it shut. Really screwed up stuff.

[@devingunnels3251]

No it isn't

[@riddell26]

@@devingunnels3251 go try and live in it using only what you can source from the land. Ill wait.

[@devingunnels3251]

@@riddell26 that doesn't make it grim dark you edgy dork. Life is tough but it isn't uniformly awful.

[@mikedanielespeja6128]

No we aren't. We just pretend to be detached.

[@prettyboylover]

I love this channel it always introduces me to new things or offers a new perspective. I personally like Grimdark when it's done well. I'm a very pessimistic person so I find comfort in the dark and hopeless worlds I often view this world as being. But something that's consistent in these stories mentioned here is hope. I'm unsure if Fear and Hunger is Grimdark, but there are moments of hope and peace, despite the inevitable suffering. It makes me feel a little less silly for enjoying the small things. A good cup of coffee, waking up cozy. Even if you have no faith in the world and humanity, enjoy the little joys you have, no matter how silly they are. It's your life, love it when you can.

[@Lizardman1997]

I am genuinely shocked you made a video on the topic of Grimdark without even coming close to talk a little bit about Warhammer or Hollow Knight. So, to a large extent, that breaks my heart.

[@christianschlogl6295]

1:30 some of the easter egg songs hint that the Zombies, or rather the original person are completly aware but unable to control their bodies

[@thedudefromrobloxx]

18:30 I think this is why it's popular with social outcasts. The hope resonates with them despite their experiences

[@friendlytalbot4050]

Very interesting points, and good call showing these settings. Grimdark is a hard "genre" to nail because it's not exactly a genre, I think. People usually use it for other genres like dark fantasy, survival horror or sword and sorcery settings. It was deliberately used by publishers as a catch-term for sword and sorcery, feeling the term outdated, but no one can define what it is as a result. It was co-opted from Warhammer, with no regard for what makes Warhammer "grimdark." And now it's used for anything that's just slightly dark. Much like how cosmic horror is now frequently overused. And I think you caught onto what makes Trench Crusade in particular "grimdark" with its bleak and terrifying setting.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

I like referring to the "grimdark spectrum" because it isn't really a thing. Just some stuff is on that spectrum. Not all of it wears its grimdark on its sleeve. Stuff like Arcane, Dune 2, Dunkirk.

[@friendlyneighbourhoodsunwheel]

I'm glad you covered some more obscure parts of the grimdark genre I had never heard of Vernis and it seems pretty dark.

[@LailaDragoness]

I absolutely love that you used the "Resting Grounds" Song from the Hollow Knight soundtrack, very fitting. Great video, thank you for not going for the more obvious well-known examples of the genre but using the chance to promote some more unknown ones instead.

[@buzzmuth]

You best start believin' in grimdark worlds... You're livin' in one

[@feathercat9118]

grimdark exists so people can experience their darker fantasies from the comfort of their own homes.

[@RodrigoKimito]

What fantasies ?

[@3choblast3r4]

99% of Grim dark is literally just realistic fantasy. It's not darker fantasy. People use grim dark far too liberally, to pretend like a song of ice and fire and the 40k universes are in the same category is ridiculous. There is nothing grim or dark about 99% of grim dark settings. It's just more realistic and grounded

[@LowestofheDead]

@@3choblast3r4 There's still the paradox that people are looking for something realistic and grounded in a magical fantasy world. 40k fans could be reading historical fiction or even real documentaries and narratives by actual soldiers who saw real-world atrocities and g*nocides. Why read about psychic god-men fighting demons in space? The same applies to Berzerk, ASOIAF, etc which also feature magic and giant monsters. I'm not criticizing these stories, I just think the paradox is interesting. My theory is that Grimdark fans believe that human nature or the natural world is hostile, competitive and domineering - and it's backlash against stories like Star Trek or LOTR where cooperation and negotiation saves the day. It's the psychology and vibes that are "realistic", not the magic. So they want to see a brutal world that reflects that, and the brutal strategies you'd need to survive there. EDIT: I didn't even see that the comment below me proves my point: "Nature is Grimdark. We are just fortunate enough to be so detached from it that we forget"

[@LowestofheDead]

@@3choblast3r4 There's still the paradox that people are looking for something realistic and grounded in a magical fantasy world. 40k fans could be reading historical fiction or even real documentaries and narratives by actual soldiers who saw real-world atrocities. Why read about psychic god-men fighting demons in space? The same applies to Berzerk, ASOIAF, etc which also feature magic and giant monsters. I'm not criticizing these stories, I just think the paradox is interesting. My theory is that Grimdark fans believe that human nature or the natural world is hostile, competitive and domineering - and it's backlash against stories like Star Trek or LOTR where cooperation and negotiation saves the day. It's the psychology and vibes that are "realistic", not the magic. So they want to see a brutal world that reflects that, and the brutal strategies you'd need to survive there. EDIT: I didn't even see that the comment below me proves my point: "Nature is Grimdark. We are just fortunate enough to be so detached from it that we forget"

[@justincholos.balisang6884]

Love the Arknights music in the background

[@sirguarenlot]

This video, specially the end note, motivated me to continue on a project I've had on hiatus for a long time, thanks for that!

[@kennethclark4599]

Grimdark only works if there is someone who is ultimately trying to do some good in the world, and is beaten down each and every time, until one day...he succeeds. The brightest light is the sun rise after great darkness.

[@theeviloverlord7320]

If you have a hero with a happy ending, it isn't grimdark,

[@j.f.fisher5318]

That's the opposite of grimdark. It might be on the spectrum to a degree, but it isn't grimdark. Dunkirk, Dune 2, or Arcane are far more grimdark than that.

[@kennethclark4599]

@@theeviloverlord7320 I said he succeeds. I never said he gets to live to see that success, nor did I say he is remembered favorably.

[@theeviloverlord7320]

@@j.f.fisher5318 arcane isn't even grimdark, it has heros, hope, and a lot of people doing ok in life/changing the world for the better it is dark sure, but not grimdark

[@elytraman1809]

@@theeviloverlord7320and yet if the hero doesn’t succeed at the very least post mortem, is that story even worth telling? It doesn’t thrill, it doesn’t give a worthwhile message of morality or ambition, it doesn’t have a spec of whimsy or humor, and it isn’t even satisfying so people wouldn’t read it to read it.

[@squikie8151]

i absolutely love vermis!! plastiboo is one of my all time favorite artists and is so good at that eerie, helpless vibe

[@TyphoonMinecraft]

Honestly I'm impressed that you were able to make a great video about Grimdark without mentioning the father of the word "Grimdark" Warhammer 40,000

[@lordsandwich2309]

Imagine being isekaid into a grimdark world where you are the only hope. 99% of everything is in a state of living decay as an unspeakable abomination has swept the world. Only 3 "havens" exist with all 3 merely waiting to fall. You can stop the cursed, but you are the herald of the forbidden God. Thus, even those you could save actively seek your death. If you could save a grimdark world, would it even be worth it?

[@mikedanielespeja6128]

Yeah. If I was plopped into a Grimdark verse with Superman-esque powers, I would 100% try my damn hardest. Because while I may fail in saving it in the end, I'd have pushed the dark clouds far enough that more seekers of light could continue hoping and fighting and living for a better future. I'd do my best to fight for hope, justice, and a better future.

[@EllaM-o2l]

@@mikedanielespeja6128Then something similar happens to Warhammer 40k were the Emperor is a figure like that, but the Empire and humanity is still suffering.

[@xshadowscreamx]

Yeah we don’t need another generic high fantasy setting.

[@ZarineBashire]

That almost sounds like the Bible 😂😂😂😂

[@fish5671]

@@EllaM-o2lThe emperor was straight-up a dumbass, half of the human population would be able to perform better than him if they got his powers

[@SirHugsalot13th]

I was fully expecting The Forever Winter, but I was pleasantly surprised by Vermis. Great video, dude! Here, have my humble suberooni.

[@argotheslicer1654]

Earth is a grimdark world you can’t prove me wrong

[@thedudefromrobloxx]

Trench crusade: Hell is hell, Earth is Hell, Heaven might be Hell

[@BookOfWorms]

But it’s also really fun to write in grimdark, because if you want a story where the light overcoming the dark is truly a spectacular and wondrous thing to behold, and not just some bland predictable given event, it can make the ultimate setting for it, as long as you are willing to throw away plot armor, up the stakes, throw down the kid gauntlets, and let the antagonists have a sizable amount of relevant victories

[@svenabel2987]

I spent my evening scrolling through video essays on Forever Winter and Trench Crusade, so I applaud the algorithm for actually putting your vid in front of me successfully

[@JJShurte]

I wrote and published a grimdark indie novel - it was pretty messed up, but it definately had that core of hope in it. Great video!

[@tezereth]

Hello small youtuber that's surprisingly good at making video, that video was very cool and well made and I hope your channels grow :D

[@sartnowelye3236]

I love the soundtrack you chose XD Arknights is among the most grimdark universe you could find :P Also, I intend to write a grimdark universe in the future, those examples and especially the trench crusade are incredibly interesting

[@xxxlatif]

Wow never heard of Vermis that is amazing how he presents his project

[@Sara3346]

As someone from the subtropics, whose seen frost a literal nonmetaphorical handful of times, winter is ''thank the stars it's now less than 100 degrees!''.

[@kuryaku5906]

That's amazing concept art. Thanks for sharing.

[@armorist_8712]

3:20 Oh Gawd, ofc its Trench Crusade

[@chrisdiokno5600]

In some, what I love is how, despite the darkness, there exists motes of light, however fleeting

[@alexmichailow3658]

This video is very well made!! I was also always interested in these types of worlds

[@Sober1299]

This was a great video, great quality, great speaking, just great in general dude, bravo

[@britishbeef9168]

13:43 Hopelessness? Honestly this world gives me dark souls 3 vibes. Like what other world would fit that description

[@comradecameron3726]

Most of them.

[@shobooknight]

When everything is unpleasant the nice small things feel even better. Getting to eat something tasty for the first time in a while, the sky looking beautiful as the sun sets, spending time with someone. I think those rays of sun through the everpresent dark clouds are an easy emotional thing to recognize and that's (for me) the biggest draw of stories and worlds like these.

[@mr.t0xic100]

I thought Warhammer was messed up (from my limited knowledge), but good lord. This is just nightmare fuel. At least the Space Marines have the bravado of brotherhood that makes pretty much everyone go, hell yeah!

[@denifnaf5874]

Ever heard about servitors?(hl2 stalker for 40k) or what happens to those captured by the dark eldar?(bdsm living furniture)

[@GhostOfReachB312]

FOR DORN! FOR THE EMPEROR! WE RAGE AGAINST THE DARKNESS FOR THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE

[@iloooveBOMBS]

Thanks for making videos, I love them ❤🥰

[@brandondoane332]

This one video just covered everything I've been obsessed with over the past month lol

[@junechevalier]

5:10 "Ministery of Dis (nuts lmao)" GOT ME xD

[@GMTD11]

Wish you good luck with Signalis. Be waiting some video about this gem.

[@Wendigosh]

Great video.. been obsessed with vermis/ plastiboos art for so long im so excited to see it pop up in videos like this!

[@HuevoBendito]

Thank you for making this video. I love Trench Crusade and am happy that word is getting around!

[@bloodrunsclear]

Without darkness you can't see the light

[@RememberTheDuck]

Grimdark speaks to my resolve to keep going. If men live in a world worse than mine, and choose to keep living, refusing to give up... then they're stronger than I could ever be, and they're leaders I can look to for an example. By looking to these characters, I find a lot of my fears and anxieties about our modern world become unfounded. Their lives suck, but they still choose acts of heroism and ambition, becoming the best depictions of being human. The worst thing I'll ever have to compare to their plight is finding a new job, or paying my bills. Truly the greatest horrors of my comfortable life. I think the only grimdark that truly works is the sort where people are at their best and the world is at its worst. Like a soldier giving a small child a flower on a battlefield, or being locked in an armed standoff with another survivor and both of you choosing to drop your weapons; that sort of thing. The idea that, no matter how bad it gets, you can still make choices, and you can still make the most of a terrible situation.

[@chowrites6179]

I do like Grimdark but Nobledark is more my speed. I greatly enjoy overwhelmingly accursed and gruesome events taking over the lives of all inside this world but having a sliver of hope where a singular character takes on mad gods and evil men in order to save themselves or their loved ones gets me fucking hyped! This can be summed up in "The Indomitable Human Spirit!" and I'm here for it.

[@richmondvand147]

The whole point of Grimdark is contrast it makes those moments of victory or humanity so much more poignant. As the great Morpheus in Neil Gaiman's Sandman says: Hope

[@silvandarart]

Kult: Divinity Lost is a fantastic example of a GrimDark TTRPG. The lore is fascinating, the artwork is spectacular, and there are some brilliant Actual Plays online if you want to see how the scenarios play out.

[@rockatjoerockatjoe359]

Ah grimdark, my favorite genera. Where heroes stand against all odds just to spite a cold and unfeeling universe that will never know they existed. Thank you for making this video.

[@modguy871]

One of the most underappreciated pieces of media I’ve watched

[@Hyacsho]

I love these worlds, thanks for sharing.

[@retroman355]

I feel like theres a difference between things like berserk and 40k. Berserk feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel. It feels like maybe just dark fantasy? But i feel like with 40k and what i fear with trench crusade as someone who is only interested in lore is the lack of progression. In a need to keep things always hopeless there are rarely any major victories. And when there are i feel like they are called less grim dark. I could be wrong though

[@nephicus339]

16:06 - I can already hear a symphony of pitches from a bunch of Aztek death whistles being used for this forest of flutewoods. 😍 I don't know, it sounds haunting but also beautiful in my head.

[@aallen3311]

I remember when I first saw early concept art for Trench Crusade. Loved it at first sight

[@ardalanghasemian3658]

Very well put together explaination really enjoyed the video!

[@lordtaitos4212]

I feel like the biggest problem with Grimdark, which is why it’s normally relegated to game backgrounds, is that it can only really exist for a setting, not for a plot. True grimdark is antithetical to storytelling, hence why any Warhammer narratives are always more positive than the background material. Any stories fall into a catch-22; either the grim darkness holds and the story reaches a disappointing, unfulfilling end, or the story is small enough against the backdrop that it can feature achievement and hope, in which case it loses the soul crushing weight of the setting.

[@marqofthedwyne]

Grimdarkness exist so that when you thought you will have a happy ending, you will get smacked to the face with realization that you are just a spec of dust in the grander scheme

[@emrek99205]

14:30 This relentless slow pursuit sounds a lot like the advantage humans gained with their upright posture. Constantly falling to move forward with gravity assist instead of having to grip ahead and push behind in order to move. Not as fast as other creatures, we as hunters were able to continue running when our prey had tired out and had to rest. Which brings up a curious question: Are humans the animal kingdom's version of Grimdark?

[@Xx_Malum_Caedo_xX]

Easy one, to be on a knifes edge, the fine line between a fickle ember of hope and utter despair. It is to see the triumph of humanity in that most darkest hour, it is glorious

[@Arkhestra]

Grimdark acknowledges life is full of more bad than good but to a dramatic level, it highlights the good

[@GFMarine]

I was very interested in Tench Crusade because it has an awesome aesthetic and world, I quite enjoy playing Warhammer 40K with friends on the weekends so it would've been a cool alternative to play every now and then. Flash forward like a year later, and color me surprised when I found out, can't remember if it was one of the creators or a community manager, but that person blatantly said that 40K players are not welcome in their community and can go eff themselves, since no one was reprimanded for such a post, I can assume that statement is also shared by the company and I refuse to support people who dislike me, to quote Leon S. Kennedy from the original Resident Evil 4 " No thanks, bro".

[@Nictator42]

o man, someone out here making a love letter to not one, not two, but _three_ grimdark settings I've fallen in love with

[@theonewhosees586]

Incredible video essay, remember me when you’re famous 🙏

[@Captain40K]

I love Warhammer 40k and in my opinion, the reason why the grim dark there is so good is because there's still hope no matter the horrors they encounter.

[@agentzer0201]

Trench Crusade: you must suffer to gain power. Me: "takes off shoe", "steps on lego", "becomes juggernaut".

[@roccogough254]

This video is more peak Haedal, nothing more to say than that.

[@teethpaste8568]

grimdark exists to see how many things you can think of that make you say “wouldnt that be fucked up”

[@bradleykurtz2605]

Grimdark for the sake of being grimdark something I will always look down on. If there is some intent to explore holding fast in a world that gives you little reason to, I will respect it. The only reason to make the former is to reflect a terrible quality in one's own soul.

[@Dinoenthusiastguy]

The Resting Grounds track from Hollow Knight suits Vermis so well

[@knightoggoldenbow4655]

Aside from this being a suspiciously timed recommendation by KZbin this game/ world sound 'beautiful' ( sounds funked up but i can't put it in a better way) and the conseptart is insane like you said I wish my mind was this funked up!

[@jaggedstar1537]

The entire aesthetic of World War One is such a perfect story setting. And i wish it was more utilized

[@JohnDoe-m3x]

"But what if winter never comes" "Hear me, Hear me! New law in the city!"

[@spookrockcity]

To strip everything down and remind us what is important in this world and what is worth fighting for

[@aron1980s]

This earned you another subscription

[@darkranger116]

for me, its because it makes the act of being good to others and the world something incredibly unique. and not just something special for the sake of a rarity system, but speaking as a DM of many D&D sessions, putting players in something like Dark Sun, instead of Faerun, makes so many differences. Water and food become like health potions, at every step you're wondering what will make your character snap, what will drive you to break your ethic or moral code, if you even had any? its easy to be the good guy when everything still functions. being the good guy when everything is ****? thats a role-play/writing skill cieling in of itself.

[@Lanessar8008]

"To be a man in such times is to be one amongst untold billions. It is to live in the cruelest and most bloody regime imaginable. These are the tales of those times. Forget the power of technology and science, for so much has been forgotten, never to be re-learned. Forget the promise of progress and understanding, for in the grim dark future there is only war. There is no peace amongst the stars, only an eternity of carnage and slaughter, and the laughter of thirsting gods."

[@christiandauz3742]

Don't forget the Tredecillions of Eldar that died during the Fall

[@dante_0962]

Forever winter sounds like an alternated history of the Cold War.

[@denifnaf5874]

And metal gear solid: snake eater sounds like a prono