Darkest Dungeon

Your next expedition starts here

An independent guide to the first Darkest Dungeon: expeditions, ranks, stress, Hamlet management, and DLC. Start with preparation, then choose a topic below. Mechanics and optional DLC are separated; use the original English names to match the in-game menus.

Start here

First expeditionPrepare, finish an objective, and return with the party alive.

Combat

Combat and ranksUnderstand skill reach, turn order, movement, and formation recovery.

BossesExplain mechanics, failure states, and preparation before party recipes.

Systems

Stress, virtues, and afflictionsManage psychological damage inside and outside expeditions.

Heroes

Heroes and rolesEvaluate classes by rank, reach, sustain, control, and synergy.

Party compositionBuild flexible teams and explain why they work.

Expeditions

ProvisionsBuy for mission length, region, and risk tolerance.

Curios and interactionsChoose when to inspect, use an item, or leave an object alone.

World

RegionsTreat Ruins, Warrens, Weald, Cove, and optional areas as tactical contexts.

Management

Hamlet and upgradesSpend heirlooms, rotate the roster, and sustain the expedition loop.

Quirks and diseasesDecide what to lock, remove, tolerate, or exploit.

Equipment

TrinketsEvaluate bonuses, penalties, and combinations by mission purpose.

Campaign

Difficulty and permanent deathUnderstand how campaign rules change risk tolerance.

Versions

DLC and compatibilitySeparate optional expansions from the base campaign.

DLC

The Fire's EdgeRunaway, Duelist, and systems added to the original game in 2026.

Hero classes

AbominationAbomination: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

AntiquarianAntiquarian: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

ArbalestArbalest: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

Bounty HunterBounty Hunter: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

CrusaderCrusader: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

Grave RobberGrave Robber: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

HellionHellion: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

HighwaymanHighwayman: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

HoundmasterHoundmaster: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

JesterJester: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

LeperLeper: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

Man-at-ArmsMan-at-Arms: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

OccultistOccultist: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

Plague DoctorPlague Doctor: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

VestalVestal: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

FlagellantFlagellant: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

ShieldbreakerShieldbreaker: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

MusketeerMusketeer: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

RunawayRunaway: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

DuelistDuelist: roles, tradeoffs, and a practical party-building checklist.

Visual reference