- Catacomb Ruins layout: Features multiple interconnected zones including Drain Passage and a town bridge area
- PvE skeleton enemies: Watch for crossbow skeletons that deal massive damage from range
- Weapon mechanics: Press R to flip weapons between slashing and piercing damage types
- Optimize visibility: Turn off volumetric fog in post-processing settings to see clearly in dark dungeons
- Extraction points: Find mine shafts and hidden exits to secure your loot before dying
Catacomb Ruins Map Overview
The Expedition Into Darkness catacombs map, officially known as the Catacomb Ruins, is a dark, atmospheric dungeon introduced during the alpha playtest. It features a medieval dreariness with impactful lighting, creating an immersive extraction-based PvE experience. Players start in the Drain Passage and must navigate through treacherous corridors, ancient ruins, and a bridge leading to a plagued town.
Video Highlights:
- Full walkthrough of the new Catacomb Ruins map layout
- Gameplay footage of the newly added PvE skeleton mobs
- Demonstration of weapon flipping mechanics for different damage types
- Encounter with the terrifying Evil Crab boss and flying sorcerer
- Exploration of the town area and blacksmith location
The map is designed to reward thorough exploration. Loose loot is scattered across nooks and crannies, making it worthwhile to check every corner and room. Certain areas contain spawn points that trigger mob patrols if you walk past them without blocking them off.
The developers have placed a strong emphasis on loose loot similar to extraction shooters. Check every shelf, box, and dark corner—items like honey extract, limestone, and weapon schematics are often hidden in unexpected places.
Key Locations and Navigation
Understanding the layout of the catacombs map is crucial for survival. The dungeon is divided into several distinct zones, each with its own threats and rewards.
| Location | Description | Threat Level | Key Loot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain Passage | Starting area when entering the map | Low | Basic supplies, loose loot |
| Catacomb Ruins | Main dungeon with narrow corridors | Medium | Armor pieces, weapons |
| Bridge Area | Connects catacombs to the town | High | Crossbow ambush point |
| Town | Burned village with multiple buildings | Very High | Schematics, crafting materials |
| Blacksmith | Locked area requiring a key | Unknown | Potential crafting station |
| Mine Shaft | Potential extraction point | Low | Safe exit route |
Certain walls and blocks in the dungeon can spawn mobs behind you if you walk past them without noticing. These act as traps that trigger horde-like encounters. Always check your surroundings and consider walling off these spawn points to prevent being flanked.
Drain Passage
- Starting zone
- Safe initial looting
- Connects to main ruins
- Low enemy density
Bridge Crossing
- High-risk transition
- Crossbow skeleton ambushes
- Connects to town area
- Prepare for heavy combat
Town Ruins
- End-game looting zone
- Multiple buildings to search
- Evil sorcerer encounter
- Rich loot containers
Enemy Types and Combat Strategies
The catacombs are populated by various skeleton enemies, each presenting unique combat challenges. Understanding their behavior patterns and damage types is essential for survival.
| Enemy Type | Attack Pattern | Damage Output | Counter Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melee Skeleton | Slow horizontal swings, bone clubs | Moderate | Parry or block, then counter |
| Crossbow Skeleton | Ranged bolts from distance | Very High (50% HP) | Close distance quickly, use cover |
| Bone Club Skeleton | Heavy overhead smash | High | Dodge laterally, punish recovery |
| Fallen Knight | Mixed melee combos | High | Break armor first, then attack |
| Evil Sorcerer | Ranged magic attacks | Very High | Interrupt casting, close gap fast |
| Evil Crab (Boss) | Spin attacks, tentacle strikes | Extreme | Block tentacles, dodge spin |
Crossbow skeletons can deal approximately 50% of your health in a single shot. Always prioritize eliminating them before engaging other enemies. Use terrain and walls as cover when advancing toward their position. Their tracking is inconsistent, but the windup animation gives you a brief window to dodge.
Skeletons in the catacombs exhibit a respawn mechanic similar to certain soul-like games. After being defeated, they may rise again unless you strike them while they are down. This adds tension to every encounter, as a seemingly cleared area can become dangerous again if you linger too long.
Skeletons have a distance-based aggro system. If you flee far enough, they will eventually drop pursuit and return to their original position. Use this to your advantage when overwhelmed, but be aware that they move slowly—kiting is a viable strategy for separating groups.
Weapon Mechanics and Damage Types
The combat system in Expedition Into Darkness features directional attacks and weapon flipping, allowing players to adapt their damage type on the fly. Mastering these mechanics is key to overcoming the various armor types found on catacomb enemies.
| Damage Type | Activation | Best Against | Weapon Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slashing | Default swing | Unarmored targets | Halberd blade swing |
| Piercing/Thrust | Alt modifier or overhead | Armored targets | Crow's beak thrust |
| Blunt | Overhead swing | Helmets, bone armor | Bone club, mace |
Understand Directional Attacks
Your basic attack performs a horizontal one-two swing. The control or alt modifier enables overhead strikes, while another input performs a thrust. Each direction has tactical applications against different enemy formations.
Master Weapon Flipping
Press R to flip your weapon around. A halberd can switch between its blade for slashing damage and its crow's beak for piercing damage. Enemies have different damage reductions based on the type of attack you use.
Learn to Parry
Parrying is a timed action that resets enemy attack animations and knocks them back. The timing window is forgiving, making it a reliable defensive tool. Successful parries create openings for counterattacks and add skill expression to PvE combat.
Manage Stamina
Blocking now functions as a timed action rather than a permanent hold. Watch your stamina bar in the center of the screen—blocking and swinging both consume stamina. Running out leaves you vulnerable to stagger.
Skeletons wear armor that can be physically damaged and broken during combat. Cracking a helmet or piercing a chest piece exposes the enemy to significantly more damage, rewarding aggressive and precise play.
Loot Table and Item Guide
The catacombs map features an abundance of loose loot and containers. Knowing what to prioritize can mean the difference between a profitable run and a costly death.
| Item Category | Examples | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armor | Nasal helmet, tabard, chest piece | Medium | Skeleton drops, boxes |
| Weapon Parts | Minimalist crossguard, woodhanded grip | High | Special marked boxes |
| Schematics | Crafting blueprints | Very High | Town buildings, locked areas |
| Consumables | Honey extract, bandages, plumes | Low-Medium | Loose loot, shelves |
| Materials | Limestone, rope, candlesticks | Low | Barrels, pots, ground |
| Special | Backpack with lantern | Very High | Rare spawn in dungeon |
Finding a backpack with a lantern dramatically improves your ability to navigate dark areas. This is especially valuable in the deeper sections of the catacombs where visibility is severely limited. Keep an eye out for this item in guarded areas.
Pre-Expedition Checklist:
- Bring a bow or ranged weapon for crossbow skeletons
- Carry bandages for emergency healing
- Equip a weapon with versatile damage types (halberd recommended)
- Turn off volumetric fog for better visibility
- Bring a backpack with lantern if available
- Coordinate with up to 4 teammates for difficult encounters
Boss Encounters and Special Threats
The catacombs map contains several high-threat encounters that can end a run abruptly if approached carelessly. Two notable special enemies have been identified during the alpha playtest.
Evil Crab of Destiny
- Multi-attack boss
- Tentacle strikes from range
- Spinning melee attack
- Nine eyes weak point
- Spawns in bridge area
- Friendly fire on skeletons
Flying Sorcerer
- Ranged magic caster
- Flies above the battlefield
- Devastating spell damage
- Found in town area
- Requires ranged counter
- Can annihilate solo players
The Evil Crab is a massive boss creature that uses tentacle attacks and a devastating spin move. It has nine eyes and can strike from considerable distance. Interestingly, the crab's attacks can also hit skeleton enemies, creating opportunities to use mobs as unintentional shields during the fight.
When encountering the Evil Crab, use the block mechanic to mitigate tentacle damage. Dodge the spin attack by waiting for the windup animation. The crab can also damage nearby skeletons with its attacks—position yourself so that skeleton mobs are between you and the crab to exploit friendly fire.
The Flying Sorcerer is encountered in the town area and is capable of dealing massive damage with ranged spells. Solo players are at significant risk when facing this enemy. Bringing a bow or other ranged weapon is strongly recommended to counter this threat effectively.
Settings Optimization and FAQ
Proper game settings can dramatically improve your experience in the catacombs. The dark environment combined with volumetric fog can make visibility nearly impossible without adjustments.
| Setting | Recommended Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Volumetric Fog | Off | Drastically improves torch visibility |
| Motion Blur | Off | Reduces disorientation during combat |
| Volumetric Fog Quality | Low | Fallback if disabling causes issues |
| Screen Space Lens Flares | Off | Removes artificial light interference |
| Bloom | Low | Prevents light source washout |
Disabling volumetric fog not only improves visibility but also increases frame rates. The torch light interacts poorly with volumetric fog, creating an opaque wall of light that obscures everything ahead. Turning it off transforms the experience from frustrating to atmospheric.
Q: What is the Expedition Into Darkness catacombs map called?
The catacombs map is officially named Catacomb Ruins. It was introduced during the alpha playtest alongside new PvE skeleton enemies and the Training Grounds area. Players start in the Drain Passage and progress through interconnected dungeon zones.
Q: How many players can explore the catacombs together?
Up to five players can form a party to explore the Catacomb Ruins. A three-person team has been confirmed to successfully clear the map, but larger groups provide better odds against boss encounters like the Evil Crab and Flying Sorcerer.
Q: Do skeleton enemies respawn in the catacombs?
Yes, skeletons have a respawn mechanic similar to soul-like games. After being defeated, they may rise again unless you strike them while they are on the ground. This mechanic adds persistent tension and discourages lingering in cleared areas.
Q: What is the most dangerous enemy on the catacombs map?
Crossbow skeletons are considered the most dangerous regular enemy due to their ability to deal approximately 50% of player health in a single shot. The Evil Crab boss and Flying Sorcerer are the most threatening special encounters, requiring specific strategies and ideally a ranged weapon to counter.
Q: Where are the extraction points in the Catacomb Ruins?
Known extraction points include a mine shaft located within the map. The exact extraction locations may vary between runs, so exploring thoroughly and identifying exits early is recommended. The town area at the end of the bridge also contains potential routes out.