The relegated teams were replaced by 2017–18 1st Division champions Vejle BK, who returned after nine years of absence, as well as the play-off winners Vendsyssel FF who got promoted to the top division for the first time ever, and Esbjerg fB who returned after a one-year absence.

The winning team from the 4-team knock-out tournament will advance to a Europa League play-off match.

In the final, the team with the most points from the relegation round group stage will host the second leg.

If the 2018–19 Danish Cup winner, found on 17 May in the final, is involved in the play-offs, they will be withdrawn, as they will enter the Europa League third qualifying round directly.

The relegation play-offs were streamlined slightly compared to the previous system, essentially doing away with the former first round.