- Expedition Into Darkness quests: Split between camp turn-ins and in-raid objectives across catacombs
- Library Key: Obtain by completing the Lost Knowledge quest chain from the Scholar
- Strings Attached: Requires finding and inspecting two specific rope anchor points in the catacombs
- Quest tracking: Press O during raids to view active tasks and their current progress
- Extraction: Always plan your escape route after completing rope or key objectives
Quest System Overview
The Expedition Into Darkness quest guide covers the core mission structure that drives progression in the game. Quests are divided into two main categories: camp-based objectives that require item turn-ins, and in-raid tasks that demand exploration of dangerous areas like the catacombs and masonry annex.
Video Highlights:
- How to obtain the Library Key through the Scholar's quest chain
- Step-by-step walkthrough for the Strings Attached rope quest
- Navigation tips for the catacombs and atrium areas
- Inventory management advice for quest-specific items
Understanding the quest system is essential for efficient progression. The Scholar and Squire serve as primary quest givers, each offering distinct reward tracks including reputation, keys, and crafting materials.
Press O during a raid to display your active tasks. This overlay shows current objectives, but note that some tasks listed may not be completable in your current map instance. Always verify which enemies and locations are available before committing to a quest route.
| Quest Type | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item Turn-in | Camp | Easy | Reputation, Keys |
| Exploration | In-Raid | Medium | Gear, Materials |
| Combat | In-Raid | Hard | Weapons, XP |
| Multi-Step | Both | Variable | Unique Items |
Lost Knowledge & Library Key Walkthrough
The Lost Knowledge quest is one of the most frequently searched objectives in Expedition Into Darkness. This quest chain unlocks the Library Key, a critical item for accessing restricted areas and additional content.
Quest Chain Breakdown
The Scholar offers the Lost Knowledge quest in multiple stages. Each stage requires specific items that can be collected during raids or obtained through co-op play with other players.
| Stage | Item Required | Quantity | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Knowledge 1 | Empty Tomes | 3 | Library Key |
| Lost Knowledge 2 | Glass Vials | 2 | Additional Library Key |
| Lost Knowledge 2 | Carrots | Variable | Reputation |
| Lost Knowledge 2 | Vermillion | Variable | Reputation |
Players who co-op with others can often collect quest items in advance. If a teammate mentions an upcoming quest, gather the required items during shared raids so you can complete the turn-in immediately upon accepting the quest.
Turning In Quest Items
Once you have the required items, return to camp and interact with the Scholar. The turn-in process is straightforward:
- Select the Scholar NPC in camp
- Accept the Lost Knowledge quest
- Hold the turn-in button to submit items
- Press complete to receive your Library Key and reputation rewards
After obtaining the Library Key, place it on your key ring for safekeeping. Having multiple keys is beneficial since certain areas require separate key access.
Strings Attached Quest Guide
Strings Attached is an in-raid quest that takes place in the catacombs. The quest description states that someone cut the guide ropes, and your task is to find the rope posts and fasten the lines back together.
Objective Locations
There are two primary anchor points you need to interact with during this quest. Unlike typical collection quests, you do not need to carry physical rope items. Instead, you inspect the anchor points to complete the objectives.
| Anchor Point | Location | Navigation Route |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony Rope | Atrium area | From Four Maidens Passage, head to atrium, stay right |
| Crane Rope | Near Masonry Annex | Accessible from atrium or Masonry Annex entrance |
When you reach the balcony rope area, you will see a prompt that says "Climb." Do not simply climb past it. Look above the climb prompt for a second interaction bubble that says "Take Rope." You must select this option to complete the objective.
Enter the Catacombs
Select the catacombs map from the raid menu. Choose your preferred enemy type. Flesh Kin enemies are present in this area, so prepare accordingly with appropriate weapons and gear.
Navigate to the Atrium
From the starting point, move through the Four Maidens Passage. Exit toward the atrium area. Eliminate any enemies blocking your path, but avoid unnecessary looting to save time.
Find the Balcony Rope
In the atrium, stay to the right side. Look for a rope hanging down from a balcony near a loot chest. Climb up and select the "Take Rope" interaction bubble, not just the climb prompt.
Locate the Crane Rope
Return to the atrium from the Four Maidens Passage. The crane rope anchor point is nearby. Interact with it to attach the rope and complete the second objective.
Extract and Turn In
Head back to the extraction point. After successfully extracting, return to camp and speak with the Squire to turn in the Strings Attached quest for your rewards.
Catacombs Navigation & Key Areas
Efficient navigation is crucial for completing quests in the catacombs. Understanding the layout and connecting passages saves valuable time during raids, especially when carrying quest items or avoiding combat.
Primary Landmarks
Four Maidens Passage
- Central hub connecting multiple areas
- Links to atrium and extraction
- Moderate enemy density
- Good regrouping point
Atrium
- Open area with multiple exits
- Contains balcony rope anchor
- Crane rope accessible nearby
- Watch for trap hazards
Masonry Annex
- Alternative route to rope anchors
- Connects to catacombs entrance
- Separate from crane rope point
- Useful for flanking maneuvers
The Masonry Annex rope anchor is distinct from the crane rope. Many players confuse these two points. The Masonry Annex serves as an alternate entry route, while the crane rope is located closer to the atrium side of the map.
Hazard Awareness
During navigation, remain vigilant for environmental hazards. Trap hammers and similar devices are scattered throughout the catacombs. These traps can deal significant damage if triggered accidentally. Always check your surroundings before rushing through passages.
| Hazard Type | Location | Damage Risk | Countermeasure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trap Hammer | Atrium area | High | Visual spotting, slow approach |
| Enemy Ambush | Narrow passages | Medium | Clear rooms systematically |
| Pit Falls | Near cistern | Variable | Watch footing near edges |
Quest Preparation & Rewards
Proper preparation before embarking on quests significantly improves your success rate. This section covers essential pre-raid steps and the rewards you can expect from completing key quest lines.
Pre-Raid Checklist
Before Entering the Catacombs:
- Verify quest items are in your inventory (Empty Tomes, Glass Vials, etc.)
- Place Library Key on key ring if already obtained
- Clear inventory space for quest rewards and loot
- Check active quest log by pressing O during raid
- Equip appropriate weapons for Flesh Kin enemies
- Stock healing items and supplies for extended raids
Before starting a quest raid, sell unnecessary items at camp to free up inventory slots. Quest items, valuable loot, and essential gear should take priority. Running out of space mid-raid forces difficult decisions about what to keep and what to abandon.
Reward Comparison
| Quest | Reputation | Items | Difficulty | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Knowledge 1 | Scholar Rep | Library Key | Easy | Any |
| Lost Knowledge 2 | Scholar Rep | Library Key, Materials | Easy | Any |
| Strings Attached | Squire Rep | Bolts, Gear | Medium | Mid-tier |
| Nine Lives | Variable | Unique | Hard | High-tier |
Additional Quest Notes
The Nine Lives quest, which involves filling water dishes in multiple locations including the lower prison, stone masonry, and near the leaflet post, is notably more difficult than the Library Key or Strings Attached quests. The water bowl near the leaflet post is particularly hard to locate. Consider teaming up with co-op partners who have completed this quest for guided assistance.
Advanced Tips & FAQ
Mastering Expedition Into Darkness quests requires more than just following waypoints. These advanced strategies will help you optimize your raid efficiency and complete objectives with minimal setbacks.
Stack multiple quests that share the same raid location. For example, if both Strings Attached and a combat quest require catacomb exploration, activate both before entering. Complete all objectives in a single run to maximize your time investment.
Combat Tips for Catacomb Enemies
When navigating through Flesh Kin populated areas, prioritize enemies that block your critical path. Avoid engaging every enemy unless they guard essential loot or quest objectives. A strong weapon significantly reduces time spent in combat encounters, allowing more time for exploration and quest completion.
| Situation | Recommended Action | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Single enemy blocking path | Engage and eliminate | Low |
| Group of enemies ahead | Use doorway chokepoints | Medium |
| Enemy near quest objective | Clear before interacting | High |
| Optional enemies with loot | Skip if inventory full | Variable |
Q: How do I get the Library Key in Expedition Into Darkness?
The Library Key is obtained by completing the Lost Knowledge quest from the Scholar NPC in camp. You need to collect and turn in three Empty Tomes for the first stage. A second Library Key can be obtained by completing Lost Knowledge 2, which requires Glass Vials, Carrots, and Vermillion.
Q: Do I need to bring rope for the Strings Attached quest?
No, you do not need to carry physical rope items. The quest requires you to inspect and interact with two anchor points in the catacombs: the balcony rope and the crane rope. Simply find each location and use the interaction prompt to complete the objectives.
Q: Where is the balcony rope located in the catacombs?
The balcony rope is in the atrium area. From the Four Maidens Passage, enter the atrium and stay to the right. Look for a rope hanging from a balcony near a loot chest. Climb up and select the Take Rope interaction to complete this objective.
Q: Can I complete multiple quests in a single raid?
Yes, quest stacking is highly recommended. Activate all quests that share the same map location before entering a raid. For example, you can complete Strings Attached alongside combat or exploration quests in the catacombs to maximize efficiency.
Q: What happens if I die during a quest raid?
Dying during a raid typically results in losing carried items that are not secured. Quest progress for interaction-based objectives may reset. Always extract safely after completing quest objectives rather than risking death for additional loot.