Players have been experimenting with heroes and trinkets for quite a long time, but with the additions of Darkest Dungeon 2, there are more and more things to take into account. Whether it is combining trinkets to maximize the effectiveness of a hero, or finding just the right position for a Jester, players with enough experience in the first game will know that all it takes is a little stress and a slight push to topple it all.
On their quest to relinquish the madness from their realm, there are several heroes to help the players all the way to the mountain. But these are some of the most effective ones to master in Darkest Dungeon 2.
5 Plague Doctor
The Plague Doctor is a support class hero that uses alchemy to weaken enemies while granting buffs to their allies to aid in the battles. Players who are used to this class will find it relatively easy to make use of his skills and combine his buffs with other classes'. With the right skills and trinkets, a well positioned plague doctor will provide excellent support and prove vital for the survival of their team.
The plague doctor's primary weapon is blight, an ailment that deals damage over time, which is very important for tanky enemies that regenerate health. They can also cure debuffs and stun enemies, these will come in handy for battles that take many turns to complete. Although they are mobile, they are easily shuffled by an enemy skill, so be sure to consider the possible moves of your enemies while positioning them.
4 Highwayman
The agile rogue of any proper group, and one of the former "Usual Suspects", the Highwayman proves most useful when combined with versatile and sturdy units, such as man at arms and hellion. Aside from always watching the back for Reynauld the Crusader, he more than proved his worth as a dependable party member in the first game. The highwayman excels in dealing precise attacks both ranged and melee, all the while being able to move among the lines of his group.
What sets the highwayman apart from other ranged units is that he is able to strike the enemies from unexpected angles and scatter their lines, manipulating the combat positions. This war-torn veteran is an excellent party member, but players that want to see the real game changer will have to invest time and experience in positioning him in the best point and timing his actions for the best outcome.
3 Occultist
A dedicated student of forbidden arts long forgotten, the occultist truly embodies the unpredictability and the chaotic aspect of his studies. Drawing power from the dark arts, the occultist has access to a variety of eldritch spells that enable him to output outstanding damage as well as overpowering support spells that may restore a party member to full health.
The abilities of the occultist is not limited to healing and damaging spells too, he is also able to wreak havoc in the enemy lines by causing afflictions and repositioning them in any way he likes. When facing an abomination that infects the very soul of his allies, the occultist can remove debuffs and heal them, turning the tide of a grave battle in favor of the party.
2 Man-At-Arms
The guardian of the group, the Man-at Arms excels in supporting his comrades through a versatile set of skills, while protecting them from any attack that would devastate any other light armored unit. Clad in sturdy armor and wielding a dire weapon, this class possesses a wide range of defensive skills, such as stunning enemies, boosting his comrades' resolve and guarding them.
The Man-at-Arms is a dependable choice for any party that is home to fragile glass cannon characters, such as the Jester or the Occultist. This class can guard any ally, who is marked by some foul magic, or a wrong skill and absorb any damage in their stead. They are also a great choice for those who prefer a more tactical approach to the game. However, mastering their positioning and timing their moves is also crucial for the protection of their party.
1 Hellion
The Hellion is a fearless warrior that excels in dealing devastating damage to multiple enemies and breaking the position of enemy lines. She is known for her raw power and relentless aggression, wielding a great weapon, she proudly embraces the look of an angry lioness. Her skills include self-buffs, devastating cleave attacks, and stunning blows that disable a dangerous enemy at least for some turns, letting the group recover and reposition.
With her buffs that enhance her physical prowess and the ability to attack several targets at once, she deserves to be in the first two rows of any party that is dedicated to getting the job done at once and for all. Her effectiveness to output severe damage bursts and versatility requires a detailed study of timing and the combination of her unique trinkets and positioning.
Darkest Dungeon 2 is available now for PC