Dark Sun Original Creators Reunite for New D&D Book That You Can Play Like in the 1990s
Dark Sun, a beloved but long-dormant Dungeons & Dragons setting, is making a comeback. Wizards of the Coast announced at Gen Con 2026 that three new Dark Sun books will release in 2027, marking the return of Athas—a brutal, post-apocalyptic world ruled by despotic overlords where survival is the primary concern.
The setting was absent from D&D for many years due to controversial content including depictions of slavery and genocide. Despite these sensitivities, the publisher has greenlit the new materials, signaling renewed commitment to the franchise.
Notably, the project brings together Dark Sun’s original creators through a new initiative called Dragon Kings, published by Strange Owl Games. The creative team includes Timothy Brown, Troy Denning, Brom, Bill Slavicsek, Rich Baker, and Shane Hensley—the architects of the setting since its 1990s debut. This reunion of original designers suggests the new books aim to recapture the classic feel and gameplay that made Dark Sun distinctive during that era.
For devoted fans who have awaited Dark Sun’s return for decades, the announcement represents a significant victory in their long campaign for the setting’s revival.