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How to unlock all Crusader skills in Darkest Dungeon 2

The story of Reynauld.

Ian Neiman

Published: Dec 18, 2023 10:20 am

The best skills of The Crusader in Darkest Dungeon 2 aren't unlocked immediately. To experience the class at its full potential, you must play through five confessions, learn his backstory, and unlock all his skills.

All Crusader Shrine of Reflections in Darkest Dungeon 2

To unlock the skills of any hero in Darkest Dungeon 2, you have to visit Shrines during your confessions. Each Shrine will allow you to play one of the five parts of the backstory of the character; some will have you solving a puzzle (in the shape of a fight), while others will simply tell you a part of the story. At the end of each, you will be rewarded with one or two new skills for the class.

Chapter One: Labour the Land

Before becoming a soldier, Reynauld was a farmer who struggled to put food on the table. This chapter has you wielding a scythe, trying to harvest your crops before the frost kills them. However, don't worry about screwing it up because this battle is a Scripted Loss, meaning there is no way to win it, and Reynauld's family will starve regardless.

When you finish this chapter, you will be rewarded with the skill Reap.

What does Reap do in Darkest Dungeon 2?

Positions 1 and 2.
Hits 1 and 2 simultaneously.
4-5 damage with 5% CRIT chance.
Target -20% healing received for three turns.

Related: Crusader Build Guide – Darkest Dungeon 2

Chapter Two: Hard Pressed

This episode describes how Reynauld felt compelled to join the levies to provide for his family. He wasn't a fighter, but he had no other choice. There is no battle or puzzle here, and by the end of the narration, you will get the skill Battle Heal.

What does Battle Heal do in Darkest Dungeon 2?

Ranks 1 and 2.
Requires target below 50% HP.
Target: heals 20%.

Chapter Three: The Great Crusade

Although he wasn't a violent man when he signed up for the army, Reynauld discovered his zealot motives and found peace and pleasure in the battle. This chapter is only narration and rewards you with Bulwark of Faith.

What does Bulwark of Faith do in Darkest Dungeon 2?

Ranks 1 and 2.
Cooldown 2.
Self: 2 Block, 2 Taunt, 2 Regen.

Related: Duelist Build Guide – Darkest Dungeon 2

Chapter Four: Blood in the Snow

When the battle is won, the Crusader meets The Warlord, his feared enemy, in a one-on-one duel.

The Warlord will use a skill called Marcam which marks two ranks on your side as a warning that those two positions are going to be hit hard next turn. You can move away from it, and the attack will hit the abandoned swords that occupy the other three positions in your party. However, be careful because these swords have HP and can be broken, which would remove them from good and leave the Crusader with no one to swap positions with.

What I did instead was tank the hit with Bulwark of Faith, which in this puzzle gives you Strength and Block+. Right after that, I used Smite and dealt extra damage from the Strength token.

When the Warlord uses the skill Paro, you can counterattack with Stunning Blow and remove his CRIT and Strength tokens. To finish him off, you can move back to the third row and come back at him with Holy Lance.

The fight ends when the Warlord enters Death Door, upon which your other skills will disappear, and the only option you will have is Mercy. Reynauld lowers his sword and spares his life to let him live in humiliation.

Finishing this chapter will give you the skill Holy Lance.

What does Holy Lance do in Darkest Dungeon 2?

Rank 3 and 4.
Hits Rank 2,3,4.
DMG 4-7, CRIT 10%.
Self: Forward 1.
Target: 2 Burn.

Chapter Five: No Home but Hell

The final episode narrates how Reynauld came back to his farm, saw his son and wife from afar, and chose not to stay with them. Instead, he left them his banner and all his earnings and left with his regiment.

This chapter will give you two skills: Radiance and Tenacity.