- Library Key: Unlocked by completing the Lost Knowledge quest from the Scholar NPC in camp
- Required Items: Hand over 3 Empty Tomes to instantly receive your first key
- Follow-up Quest: Lost Knowledge II provides an additional Library Key
- Key Ring: Store the key on your key ring to free up valuable inventory space
- Quest Giver: Find the Scholar at the camp contracts board to begin
How to Get the Expedition Into Darkness Library Key
The Expedition Into Darkness library key is an essential progression item that unlocks restricted areas within the camp's library. To obtain this key, players must complete the Lost Knowledge questline offered by the Scholar NPC. This quest chain is straightforward and primarily requires you to collect specific items during your dungeon raids.
Video Highlights:
- Accept the Lost Knowledge quest from the Scholar at camp
- Hand over 3 Empty Tomes to receive the Library Key
- Store the key on your key ring to save inventory space
- Complete Lost Knowledge II for an additional key
- Press O in-game to track your active tasks during raids
The Scholar acts as the primary quest giver for this chain. When you speak to the Scholar, accept the quest labeled Lost Knowledge. The objective is simple: deliver three Empty Tomes. If you have been looting consistently during your dungeon runs, you may already have these items stored in your inventory or stash.
If you are missing Empty Tomes, coordinate with your co-op partners. Party members often discuss upcoming quest requirements, allowing you to pre-farm the necessary items before officially accepting the quest. This saves you from running additional raids just for tomes.
Once you have the three Empty Tomes, return to the Scholar at camp. Open the quest interface, hold the turn-in button, and hit complete. You will immediately receive the Library Key along with reputation gains for the Scholar faction.
Lost Knowledge Quest Chain Breakdown
The Library Key questline features multiple stages. Each stage demands different crafting or lootable materials, encouraging players to explore various raid locations thoroughly.
| Quest Name | Required Items | Reward | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Knowledge I | 3 Empty Tomes | Library Key, Scholar Reputation | Easy |
| Lost Knowledge II | Glass Vials, Carrots, Vermillion | Additional Library Key | Moderate |
| Strings Attached | Inspect 2 rope anchor points | Bolts, Squire Reputation | Easy |
Before turning in items like Glass Vials or Carrots, double-check that you actually have them in your current inventory. Sometimes, quest items may be stored in your stash rather than your character's immediate inventory. Sell unnecessary gear before accepting the quest to ensure you have enough room to hold the required materials.
For the Lost Knowledge II quest, the Scholar requests a more varied set of items. You will need to gather Glass Vials, Carrots, and a resource called Vermillion. These items are scattered across different raid maps. Completing this second stage rewards you with another Library Key, which is highly valuable for accessing deeper sections of the library or replacing a lost key.
Empty Tomes
- Found in dungeon chests
- Common drop in Catacombs
- Needed for Quest I
Glass Vials
- Looted from shelves and crates
- Also used in crafting
- Needed for Quest II
Vermillion
- Rare material drop
- Found in specific biomes
- Needed for Quest II
Step-by-Step Library Key Acquisition
Follow these steps to efficiently secure your Library Key without wasting unnecessary raid attempts.
Collect Empty Tomes
Enter any raid location, such as the Catacombs or Masonry Annex. Focus on looting bookshelves, chests, and side rooms. Empty Tomes are relatively common drops, so a single thorough raid should yield the three you need.
Return to Camp
After extracting from the raid, return to your camp. Take a moment to organize your inventory. Sell off excess loot to vendors to free up space, and deposit your gold.
Accept Lost Knowledge
Locate the Scholar NPC near the contracts area. Interact with the Scholar and accept the quest titled Lost Knowledge. Read the requirements to confirm you have the items ready.
Turn In and Claim Your Key
With the quest active and the Empty Tomes in your inventory, hold the turn-in button. Hit complete to finalize the transaction. The Library Key will be added to your inventory immediately.
Store on Key Ring
Open your inventory, locate the Library Key in your letters or main bag, and drag it to your key ring. This prevents accidental loss and conserves valuable inventory slots for future raids.
By following these steps, you secure your first Library Key and gain reputation with the Scholar. This reputation unlock may lead to further questlines and better vendor options at camp.
Managing Your Key Ring and Inventory
Proper inventory management is crucial in Expedition Into Darkness. The game provides a key ring mechanic specifically designed to hold important keys like the Library Key, Jailer Keys, and other dungeon access items.
| Item Type | Storage Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Library Key | Key Ring | Unlocks library areas |
| Jailer Key | Key Ring | Opens prison cells |
| Quest Items | Main Inventory | Required for active quests |
| Loot/Gear | Main Inventory or Stash | Selling or equipping |
| Gold | Pouch/Bank | Currency for vendors |
Press O during a raid to bring up your active tasks list. This overlay shows your current quest objectives. However, note that the list currently displays all active quests, including those that cannot be completed in your current map. Developers are considering updates to filter these tasks by location for better clarity.
When you have multiple keys, such as two Jailer Keys and a Library Key, the key ring becomes indispensable. Keeping these items off your main inventory bar means you can stay in a raid longer without needing to extract due to being over-encumbered. Always sort your keys immediately after returning to camp.
Library Key Preparation Checklist:
- Farm 3 Empty Tomes during Catacomb raids
- Clear inventory space before returning to camp
- Accept Lost Knowledge from the Scholar
- Turn in tomes and claim the Library Key
- Place the key on your key ring
Related Quests and Faction Reputation
Obtaining the Library Key ties directly into the broader faction reputation system. By completing quests for the Scholar and the Squire, you build standing with these NPCs, which can unlock additional contracts, gear, and story elements.
Strings Attached Quest
While working on your Library Key, you may also want to tackle the Strings Attached quest from the Squire. This quest takes place in the Catacombs and involves inspecting cut guide ropes at two specific anchor points.
| Rope Anchor | Location | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony Rope | Atrium area, hanging off a balcony near a chest | Climb up and take the rope |
| Crane Rope | Near the Masonry Annex entrance | Attach the rope to the crane |
When searching for the Balcony Rope, stay to the right after entering the Atrium from the Four Maidens Passage. Look for a rope hanging down near a lootable chest. The prompt will say "climb," but you need to look higher for the "take rope" interaction bubble.
After inspecting both rope points, extract from the raid and return to the Squire at camp. Hand in the quest to receive your rewards, which include bolts and Squire reputation. The Squire may not always offer a follow-up quest immediately, so check back after completing other objectives.
Scholar Faction
- Provides Library Key quests
- Rewards reputation points
- Focuses on knowledge and lore items
- Located at the contracts board
Squire Faction
- Provides dungeon navigation quests
- Rewards bolts and gear
- Focuses on raider support
- Located near the co-op area
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Expedition Into Darkness Library Key used for?
The Library Key unlocks restricted areas within the camp's library. It is obtained by completing the Lost Knowledge quest from the Scholar NPC and is essential for accessing additional lore, quests, and potentially hidden items.
Q: Can I get more than one Library Key?
Yes. After completing Lost Knowledge I by handing in 3 Empty Tomes, you can proceed to Lost Knowledge II. This follow-up quest requires Glass Vials, Carrots, and Vermillion, and rewards you with an additional Library Key upon completion.
Q: Where do I find Empty Tomes for the Lost Knowledge quest?
Empty Tomes are lootable items found in chests, on bookshelves, and in side rooms during dungeon raids. The Catacombs and Masonry Annex are reliable farming locations. A single thorough raid typically yields enough tomes to complete the quest.
Q: What should I do if my inventory is full when turning in the quest?
Before accepting or turning in any quest, visit the vendor at camp to sell excess gear and loot. You can also store non-essential items in your stash. Always place keys on your key ring to maximize available inventory space.
The developers of Expedition Into Darkness are actively seeking player feedback. If you have suggestions about the quest interface, such as adding a dedicated quest tab or filtering active tasks by current map, consider leaving constructive comments on community channels and official forums.