Players can abandon their runs at any point during an expedition in Darkest Dungeon 2. To perform this abandonment, fans must simply select the associated option from the pause menu or Inn, though they may want to know more about the feature before engaging with it. This guide is here to provide details on ending an expedition in Darkest Dungeon 2, and it will help players determine when they should be abandoning their runs early.
Darkest Dungeon 2: Abandon Expedition Early Explained
Abandoning an expedition early is functionally identical to dying, and players will be sent back to the start of their runs in both instances. Additionally, fans will maintain all the Candles that they earn and skills that they unlock during an expedition, regardless of if it ends by death or abandonment. Players will also find that Darkest Dungeon 2's Radiant Flame is affected by both outcomes, and indeed its effects will increase any time a run ends in failure.
With abandonment and death acting as equals, there is no real incentive for players to end their runs early. In fact, it is almost always better to press on for the chance to claim additional Candles and reach further Hero Shrines, even if it is believed that the expedition is doomed to fail. This is especially true if the Darkest Dungeon 2 player is anywhere near an Inn, as it is worth pursuing even a small chance of earning the bonus Candles that are granted upon reaching those resting locations.
That said, if a player finds themselves extremely frustrated by the state of a run, they should certainly feel free to abandon it at any time. Indeed, sometimes it is worth sacrificing a few additional Candles to start a fresh expedition without delay, as playing with Darkest Dungeon 2 heroes that are in shambles can be quite demoralizing. Furthermore, ending a run early makes it possible to visit the Altar of Hope more expediently.
For the uninitiated, Darkest Dungeon 2's Altar of Hope is where players can use their Candles to purchase unlocks and upgrades. Among those purchasables are new heroes, inn items, and cosmetics, and spending Candles wisely can dramatically increase a player's power level for future runs. Fans are thus advised to put some amount of effort toward planning their Altar of Hope strategies, as good pickups in the early-game can make it easier to start making real progress.
Darkest Dungeon 2 is available now for PC.