Is Grimdark Losing Its Edge?

Grimdark once dominated fantasy, giving us brutal realism, moral ambiguity, and flawed heroes. But lately, some fans feel it’s becoming formulaic—grim just for the sake of being grim. The shock value isn’t shocking anymore, and excessive violence without depth can feel hollow.

That said, series like The First Law and A Song of Ice and Fire still hold up because they balance the darkness with complex characters and genuine stakes. Meanwhile, newer works like The Green Bone Saga and The Poppy War are blending grimdark elements without falling into clichés.

Is grimdark evolving, or are we seeing its decline as other subgenres rise? What’s your take?