- Expedition Into Darkness weapons range from swords and axes to bows and throwable pots, each serving distinct combat roles.
- Directional attacks unlocked via the skill tree fundamentally change melee weapon performance.
- Always carry a melee weapon as a backup, even if you are running a dedicated archer build.
- Shields are mandatory for bottlenecking doorways and protecting your team from archer fire.
- Weapon customization allows you to swap blades, handles, and grips at your stash.
Weapon Categories Overview
In Expedition Into Darkness, your survival depends on understanding the game's diverse arsenal. The combat system blends tactical medieval mechanics with extraction-based PvE gameplay, making weapon choice critical for both dungeon crawling and surface-level skirmishes.
Video Highlights:
- Full 5-player co-op weapon testing against skeletons, goblins, and bosses
- Live demonstration of the directional attack control system
- Bow mechanics and the importance of carrying backup arrows
- Shield blocking strategies for doorway choke points
The weapon system is divided into three primary categories: melee, ranged, and utility. Each category interacts differently with the game's weight limit, inventory space, and skill tree. Weapons cannot simply be right-clicked to equip if you already have something in that slot—you must drag and drop or drop items on the ground first.
Weapons and armor share your limited inventory weight. You cannot shift-click items into your stash. Manage your loadout carefully before deploying, as picking up too much loot will prevent you from equipping better gear found in the dungeon.
Melee Weapons Tier List & Stats
Melee weapons form the backbone of any Expedition Into Darkness loadout. The game features a directional combat system where mouse movement determines swing direction—dragging right swings from the right, sprinting performs an overhead strike, and crouching enables thrusts.
| Tier | Weapon Type | Damage | Attack Speed | Best Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Two-Handed Sword | Very High | Moderate | Open areas, boss fights |
| S | Shield + One-Hander | Moderate | Fast | Doorway blocking, choke points |
| A | Spear / Pike | High | Moderate | Narrow hallways, keeping distance |
| A | Bearded Axe | High | Slow | Armored skeletons, single targets |
| B | Dagger / Knife | Low | Very Fast | Emergency backup, fast swaps |
| B | Torch (Off-hand) | Minimal | Slow | Spider eggs, light source |
The Directional Attack Control skill is a game-changer for two-handed weapons. It allows overhead swings, thrusts, and side strikes, giving you tactical flexibility. Sprint-attacking performs an overhead strike, while crouch-attacking executes a thrust—essential for hitting enemies behind shields.
Two-Handed Sword
- Highest raw damage output
- Requires directional attack skill
- Slow stamina drain per swing
- Excellent against groups
Spear & Shield
- Best defensive combo
- Thrust attacks pierce doorways
- Shield blocks archer fire
- Ideal for tanking roles
Bearded Axe
- Armor-piercing damage
- Slow windup animation
- High stagger potential
- Best against Fallen Knights
Ranged Weapons & Archery Mechanics
Ranged combat in Expedition Into Darkness requires significant investment. The bow does not come with a crosshair by default—you must unlock the Ranged Crosshair skill from the skill tree to aim effectively. Additionally, the bow sways considerably, making long-range shots challenging without proper skill allocation.
| Bow Type | Damage | Range | Arrow Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recurve Bow | Moderate | Long | Crude Arrows, Standard | Better than starter bow |
| Long Bow | High | Very Long | Standard, Bodkin | High damage, slow draw |
| Starter Bow | Low | Medium | Crude Arrows | Default, upgrade ASAP |
| Crossbow | High | Long | Bolts | Slow reload, high burst |
The quiver visually displays arrows, but you must physically have arrows in your inventory to fire. Many players mistakenly bring a bow without packing arrows. Always purchase additional arrows from the Fletcher vendor before deploying, and loot archer enemies for resupply.
Bows excel against large, slow-moving targets like the Bog Matriarch and the Hulk-type goblin elite. Against fast-moving goblin packs, melee weapons with wide swing arcs are generally more reliable. If you are running an archer build, always position behind a teammate with a shield to tank incoming attacks while you pick off targets.
Utility Weapons & Throwables
Beyond traditional weapons, Expedition Into Darkness features a robust utility category that can turn the tide of battle. These items occupy quick-use slots and are accessed by holding Q to open the radial menu.
| Item | Effect | Source | Combat Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grenade / Bomb | AoE explosion damage | Goblin Bombadiers, Shops | High burst, crowd clear |
| Large Fire Pot | AoE burn damage | Loot chests | DoT, anti-armor |
| Claymore (Trap) | Directional explosion | Crafted / Found | Area denial |
| Bandage | Stops bleeding, minor heal | Shops, Loot | Essential survival item |
| Health Potion (16 HP) | Major heal | Scholar vendor | Primary healing |
| Elixir (12 HP) | Minor heal | Loot, Alchemy | Emergency heal |
| Walnuts | Sell for 4 coins each | Foraged | Currency source |
Grenades dropped by Goblin Bombadiers are extremely effective against clustered enemies and elite mobs. Save them for boss encounters like the Bog Matriarch or when multiple archers pin your team behind cover. One well-placed grenade can clear an entire wave.
The blocking system also functions as a utility weapon. You can use wood planks, shields, and even bandages to seal holes and doorways where enemies spawn. This tactic is critical for managing skeleton respawn points and preventing goblin reinforcements from flanking your party.
Weapon Customization & Skill Tree
Unlock Core Combat Skills
Prioritize unlocking Ranged Crosshair (for bow users) and Directional Attack Control (for melee users). These two skills fundamentally change how weapons function. Tough Skin is also recommended for all builds to increase survivability.
Gather Customization Materials
Collect blades, handles, wrapped grips, and sharpening stones from dungeon loot. Right-clicking a weapon in your stash and selecting "Configure" opens the customization menu where you can swap components.
Attach Accessories
Use the configure menu to attach lanterns to belts, backpacks, and helmets. A pack frame can be fitted to backpacks to hold tools. Dyes can be applied to armor and shields for team identification.
Build Your Workbench
Purchase building supplies (200 gold) from the Purveyor. Combine with a hammer and nails at your camp to construct a workbench, which unlocks additional crafting options including rope, quality wood, and weapon components.
Craft and Upgrade
Use the blacksmith, tailor, and iron works stations to craft upgraded gear. The alchemy bench recycles empty potion bottles into new consumables, reducing your long-term gold expenditure on healing items.
For new players, follow this unlock order: Tough Skin > Directional Attack Control > Ranged Crosshair > Survivalism. This gives you durability, melee versatility, ranged capability, and the ability to forage mushrooms for additional sustain.
Best Loadouts by Enemy Type
Different enemy types in Expedition Into Darkness require different weapon approaches. Skeletons shatter and respawn unless their spawn point is destroyed. Goblins are fast and numerous. Bosses like the Bog Matriarch and giant spiders require focused teamwork.
| Enemy Type | Recommended Weapon | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Skeletons (Basic) | One-Handed + Shield | Block doorway, thrust through gaps |
| Armored Skeletons | Two-Handed Sword | Overhead strikes to bypass armor |
| Skeleton Archers | Spear or Bow | Close distance quickly or out-range them |
| Goblin Infantry | Axe or Sword | Wide swings for groups |
| Goblin Archers | Shield + Sprint | Block arrows, close gap, strike |
| Goblin Bombadier | Bow (Long Range) | Kill before they throw |
| Giant Spider | Torch + Shield | Burn webs, block lunges |
| Bog Matriarch | Grenades + Two-Hander | Focus fire weak points |
| Fallen Knight | Axe + Shield | Stagger with axe, block counter |
| Hulk Goblin | Bow + Spear | Kite with arrows, thrust when close |
Pre-Expedition Loadout Checklist:
- Equip a primary melee weapon (sword, axe, or spear)
- Pack at least 5 bandages and 3 health potions
- Bring a shield for doorway blocking
- Carry a torch for spider encounters and dark areas
- Attach a lantern to your belt or helmet
- Stock arrows if using a bow (minimum 20)
- Bring 1-2 grenades for elite enemies
- Ensure inventory weight is below cap before deploying
During the current build, friendly fire appears to be disabled in PvE. However, always confirm this before swinging wildly near teammates, as game mechanics may change between updates.
FAQ
Q: What are the best Expedition Into Darkness weapons for beginners?
The Shield and one-handed sword combination is the most forgiving loadout for new players. It provides defensive capability for blocking archer fire, reliable damage against skeletons, and the ability to seal doorways. Once you unlock Directional Attack Control from the skill tree, upgrade to a two-handed sword for significantly higher damage output.
Q: How do I unlock the ranged crosshair for my bow?
The Ranged Crosshair is a skill tree unlock. You earn skill points by gaining experience from completing expeditions, killing enemies, and finishing quests from contacts like the Squire. Allocate a point into the Ranged Crosshair node to enable aiming reticles for all bow types.
Q: Can I pick up weapons from dead enemies?
In the current build, weapons dropped by enemies cannot always be picked up directly. Some weapons and armor found on the ground can be looted, but enemy-equipped gear often disappears. Focus on looting chests, barrels, and cupboards for reliable weapon drops, and purchase upgrades from vendors like the Fletcher and Purveyor.
Q: How does weapon customization work in Expedition Into Darkness?
Right-click any weapon in your stash and select Configure to open the customization menu. You can swap blades, handles, and grips using components found in dungeons or purchased from vendors. Different blade types affect damage and attack patterns, while handles influence swing speed and stamina cost.