How to play Dark and Darker – Tips and Tricks

Ironmace Game's hardcore PvPvE dungeon crawler Dark and Darker offers an extreme challenge with a fantasy setting. Players dive into dungeons for loot, either solo or with other players, battling monsters and fellow adventurers. If you are new to Dark and Darker, you may be wondering how to play.

Dark and Darker – Beginner's Guide

Dark and Darker is not for the faint of heart, and it can be extremely brutal to new players. However, knowing what you are getting into can be the difference between dying in the dungeon and escaping with your loot. We have compiled a list of tips and tricks for beginners in Dark and Darker, which you can find below.

Learn the Classes

Dark and Darker features six classes. Each of these is better suited to certain playstyles. The same goes if you are fighting another player, as you will want to identify what class they are and change your playstyle accordingly. Figuring out your character's strengths will better prepare you for a run and allow you to stay alive longer. You'll want to stay back if you are playing the ranger or wizard. Melee characters will want to get in close, either attacking and backing off or using a shield to block. Apply this knowledge to enemy players, retreating from melee characters if you are a ranged one or closing the distance between you and ranged enemies to get them within reach of your sword.

Learn the Monsters

There are various monsters in Dark and Darker, and these will likely be the most common cause of your death. Each monster has different patterns, special attacks, health, and more, so learning them is crucial. One wrong move can quickly lead to your death. Don't be afraid to cheese monsters by luring them to favorable positions for yourself. You can also run past monsters you don't want to fight and go through a doorway. Closing it behind you will buy you precious moments to escape and avoid some monsters altogether.

Related: How to keep loot in Dark and Darker

Play Slow and Smart

Greed and stupidity are the death of adventurers in Dark and Darker. While hoarding as much treasure as possible can be tempting, you can easily get lured into a bad position for being greedy. Sometimes it is better to leave that treasure chest behind and press on to a safer room. It also pays to take your time. Don't rush from room to room; stop and peek through doorways or scan the whole room before stepping into it. Dark and Darker features a lot of dark areas, making it easy to miss traps, monsters, or even players hiding. Taking your time will leave you less susceptible to surprises.

Keep Your Health Up

You will often die in Dark and Darker. Learn the different ways to heal and keep your health up. While hoarding health potions may seem like a good idea, using them and keeping yourself alive is better because you never know what the next encounter holds. When playing with others, ensure one of your party is a cleric, as this is the best healing class in the game. When exploring, make a note of any health shrines, you come across, and don't be afraid to return to them.

Related: Is Dark and Darker coming to consoles?

Know When to Fight and When to Run

Not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes it is better to avoid fights or retreat, especially against other players. If you engage in fights, be prepared and aware of what you are getting into. Players may be in groups, which can be fatal if you play alone. Don't be afraid to hide in the shadows and let players pass or run past monsters and into the next room. Every fight could be your last, making it crucial that you come out with as little damage as possible.

Keep an Eye on Your Surroundings

There are many things to pay attention to in Dark and Darker, with sound being the most important. Everything in the dungeons makes a sound, including monsters, doors, players, looting, and even footsteps. Make sure to crouch or walk slowly so you can hear your surroundings, as this will prevent players from being able to sneak up on you. You will also want to watch the kill feed, as this can provide valuable information about how many players are left. Finally, keep an eye on the Death Swarm and make sure you have a way forward to stay ahead of it.

For more information on Dark and Darker, check out All Dark and Darker Maps and Dark and Darker Failed to Connect to Server – How to fix on Pro Game Guides.