Dark And Darker: Analysis & Explanation Of The Damage Calculation Formula

Posted: Aug 17, 2023

Source: IGGM

Now that Dark and Darker is playable again, we’re once again able to test some remaining uncertainties about the game’s damage formula. With these mysteries unraveled, I’m finally confident in showing the game’s damage formula accurately:

((((Base Damage + Weapon/Magical Damage)* Power Bonus) + Additional Damage) * Location Bonus * Damage Reduction * Projectile Reduction) + True Damage

Dark And Darker: Analysis & Explanation Of The Damage Calculation Formula

Base Damage

We start with base damage, which is the value displayed on a weapon, skill, or spell. In addition to this, any weapon damage or magic damage on the equipment is also included.

However, there is one exception to this rule. For instances of physical damage that are not direct weapon attacks, weapon damage will not apply. This means that items like Achilles Strike, Rupture, Caltrops. will not benefit from the weapon damage bonuses on your gear. So you don’t need to waste more Dark and Darker Gold on these items.

After we add the base damage and the weapon or magic damage, we multiply this total by the strength bonus. Thereafter, you can add any “Additional” physical or magical damage.

Dark and Darker: Weapon Damage & Additional Damage

Here we see the crucial difference between weapon damage and additional damage. Additional damage will not benefit from strength bonus, however, it will apply to other forms of damage such as Rupture. Because it doesn’t benefit from strength bonuses, it also has a place in low-strength builds. Because negative strength bonuses do not affect additional damage.

Also, magic users cannot gain magic damage as enchantments on equipment. It only exists in Spellbook and Crystal Ball. Their only other source of magic damage is “Additional” type or “True” type. But neither type benefits from the strength bonus.

This means that while spellcasters usually have a large mana bonus, it doesn’t help as much as physics classes.

Universal Multipliers

We then move on to universal multipliers. First, we have positional bonuses, where the extra damage from headshots or damage from hitting limbs is negated. When hitting limbs, this multiplier is 50%. For Headshot, the default is 150%. But wearing most headgear will reduce this.

There are also perks that modify this multiplier, with Barbarian’s Executioner adding 10% and Ranger’s Sharpshooter adding 15%. We should note that these data are cumulative.

Next, we have damage reduction. This is usually a simple multiplication problem, but certain abilities can change that. For example, Armor Penetration on gear, Thrust, and Reckless Attack on gear are all multiplied by their reduction percentage.

Dark and Darker: Damage Reduction Modifiers Priority List

In terms of priority, Melt, Barricade, Taunt’s fixed bonuses all apply first. Then Weakpoint Attack’s special 50% multiplier, and finally Armor Penetration.

Finally, we have projectile reduction. The only way to get this stat is through plate armor, a fighter’s projectile resistance, or as an enchantment on equipment. This stat applies only to projectiles.

True Damage

Once we have these multiplied, we can complete the damage formula by adding the true damage. Any other calculations do not affect true damage. It doesn’t benefit from strength bonuses or headshot, nor is it reduced by damage reduction of any kind.

You can also think of Cleric’s Perseverance as a kind of “Negative True Damage.” Because it subtracts 3 at the end of any damage calculation. But it cannot reduce the damage below 1.

Dark and Darker: Ignited Crystal Sword Hit Damage Source Calculation

You now know your damage. Note that with multiple simultaneous sources of damage. You need to calculate each individual source separately. For example, hitting an enemy with an Ignited Crystal Sword counts 4 times. One for the physical part of the sword, one for the magic part, one for the initial ignited damage, and one for ignited damage.

Speaking of damage over time, these calculations happen at the start of DOT. The last result is simply divided by the number of seconds the DOT lasted. And DOTS also do benefit from a strength bonus and are affected by damage reduction. So we keep that in mind when considering whether to carry something like Poison Weapon or not.

In short, this is the end of the damage calculation formula and its explanation in Dark and Darker. Hopefully, this will give you a solid foundation when it comes to in-game damage calculations.

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Dark And Darker: A Complete Guide To Skeleton Warlord Boss!
Welcome to our complete Dark and Darker Skeleton Warlord boss fight guide.

In this guide, everything you need to know about the boss’ attacks, mechanics, locations, and more is provided. Without further ado, let’s see how to defeat Warlord.

Location

The location of this boss is fairly simple, as every boss on Inferno map has a chance to spawn there.

The major difference from Skeleton Warlord is that they can only spawn in non-High Roller game mode. This is because these bosses feel easier than others. Therefore, players who are new to Inferno map boss battles can easily enter!

Skeleton Warlord has some mechanics and abilities to note. But with a little preparation and research, this battle is pretty simple. A boss battle begins whenever the player enters one of the 8 entrances.

Attack

Next, let’s talk about each attack mechanism of Skeleton Warlord.
- Summon Skeleton Rogues: This is a skill used by Skeleton Warlord between phases to summon multiple Skeleton Rogues to attack you.
- Bone Prison: Skeleton Warlord will stand within his aura and after reaching 5 stacks of debuffs, he will trap you in a Bone Prison.
- Throwing Knives: This is a throwing enchanted knife that is regularly used to catch players from a distance. It deals with 25 points of physical damage.
- Soul Steal: Skeleton will use the souls of dead players to create a shield for itself, absorbing 250 points of damage.
- Realm of Domination: With this attack, Warlord can paralyze players within AOE range for 6 seconds.
- Teleport Attacks: This will cause Warlord to teleport behind a random player and attack with his sword.
Strategy

The first thing we should do when entering Skeleton Warlord boss fight is buff. Clerics and Bards pre-casting their protection and damage buffs are key to starting a fight. Meanwhile, it is also important to spend Dark and Darker Gold in advance to purchase Potion of Protection.

Once the battle begins, Warlord will summon his Skeleton Rogues and cast a shield on himself. You can find chains leading to bosses on these Rogues. To lower the shield, you need to kill Rogues. If we do not kill Rogues in time, the chain connected to the boss will break.

In the first phase, Clerics is best pushed directly to Warlord and use Holy Purification. Doing so will hit each Rogues, making it easier for the team to kill them.

Once Skeleton Warlord’s barrier is down, he will begin to initiate Onslaught. This is where Fighter with the shield becomes most important. They can block most of Warlord’s attacks by holding down block while raising their head slightly!

In the meantime, be aware of who Warlord is targeting and his tendency to teleport. So prepare accordingly. Have one player tank and the rest DPS.

After the damage phase ends, Warlord will return to the first phase and his barrier will rise, pushing Warlord into the second phase.

At this point, Warlord behaves exactly as it did during the first damage phase. Therefore, the method of dealing damage to the boss is the same as in the first damage phase. Rinse and repeat a few times and you’ll kill the boss!

Reward

If you and your party have defeated Skeleton Warlord, the dungeon’s loot is yours! Warlord will drop a total of 4 pieces of loot. Plus, there’s a treasure here! Treasures are unlimited loot points, as long as your inventory can hold them all!

Hopefully, this complete Skeleton Warlord boss battle guide will successfully help you get all the glory and loot in the dungeon!
Dark And Darker: How To Choose The Best Solo Class?

If you’re a dedicated solo player in Dark and Darker, you’re probably well aware of the importance of choosing the right profession for your adventure. Each class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and understanding them is key to maximizing your success as a solo player.

In this solo tier guide, we’ll break down each class, diving into their pros and cons and why you may or may not want to play them solo. We’re going to cover them in order from worst to best. Without further ado, let’s get started.

D Tier - Wizard

First, let’s talk about the advantages of Wizard. He can use spells such as Fireball and Chain Lightning to cause significant damage to enemies. Meanwhile, he is effective against Fighter builds with high physical damage reduction. Wizard provides useful buffs to the team, such as Invisibility and Haste.

But its shortcomings are also obvious. Wizard requires equipment to function, which can be challenging for beginners. And they deal with very little physical damage, making hand-to-hand combat difficult without equipment. Also, Wizards have some of the lowest health in the game, making them vulnerable.

C Tier - Ranger

Many solo players like Ranger because he has good mob removal capabilities and can move at a reasonable speed. In addition, his ability to use a variety of weapons also provides players with ideas for new builds.

But Rangers have low health, which makes them vulnerable in combat. And they need Arrow or Bolt management. This means you need to invest more Dark and Darker Gold and time in this class. Also, he is vulnerable to fighter builds with high physical damage reduction.

C Tier - Bard

Bard excels in team play, providing powerful buffs to teammates. And they get to wear high-quality gear.

In comparison, Bard’s attack power is relatively weak and cannot be used as the main damage dealer. The limited weapon selection makes it less versatile in combat. So in solo games, Bard as a support can often get you into trouble.

B Tier - Rogue

Rogue’s movement speed and interaction speed are the fastest of all classes, allowing for fast and flexible gameplay. Also, they can perform magical and physical attacks, making them more adaptable in combat.

Rogue can use Invisibility skill to ambush and escape. This is an immense advantage for solo players. Meanwhile, they can detect traps, speed up map exploration and avoid fatal surprises.

It’s just that Rogue’s health is low, so it’s easy to die from powerful direct attacks. And except for Rapier, Rogue weapons have limited range.

B Tier - Cleric

As for Cleric, his self-healing is valuable for solo players. And they can wear heavy armor for extra protection. In teamwork, Cleric also provides powerful buffs to heal and resurrect allies.

But his slower attack and interaction speed affect his abilities. And he has limited ranged attack options, relying mostly on spells. As a result, many of Cleric’s abilities are designed for teamwork rather than use in single-player games.

A Tier - Barbarian

Barbarian has the highest base health in the game. This is a great option for newbies who need extra durability.

In addition, Barbarian also has powerful melee damage. Even with basic weapons, Barbarian deals with significant melee damage, allowing it to destroy enemy creatures.

So, aided by its higher base health and melee damage, it’s relatively easy to upgrade and grind for better gear as a solo player.

We should note that Barbarian’s slow movement speed makes chasing enemies difficult. Also, he lacks ranged attack options. If you can’t close the gap quickly, you’re vulnerable to ranged attackers.

S Tier - Fighter

Fighter’s high physical damage reduction is very attractive for solo players. Even after the recent nerfs, Fighter can be used to create high physical damage reduction builds.

Moreover, they can use any weapon in the game, including ranged weapons like Bows and Crossbows. In addition, Fighter’s Second Wind can help him restore a large amount of health, although it is a onetime ability.

It’s just that the effectiveness of a fighter’s abilities depends heavily on successful blocking and parrying. This may be challenging for some players. In addition, although Fighter’s physical defense is high, it is weak against magic attacks.

S Tier - Warlock

Finally, for Warlock, his high damage output is definitely the best choice for solo players. Especially high-damage spells like Hellfire, which can clear out enemies quickly. With lifesteal and proper equipment, Warlock can cast unlimited spells.

And his Phantom ability and Corrupted Strike can provide solo players with surprising mobility and extra damage.

But their shortcomings still deserve attention. Warlocks often need good equipment to reach their full potential. Their physical damage is lower when unequipped. Also, they don’t have the highest health, so correct positioning is crucial.

Final Thoughts

In Dark and Darker, the class you choose will affect your single-player experience. While each class has its pros and cons, solo players should consider their preferred play style and adaptability.

Therefore, Fighter and Warlock are often the first choice for solo adventurers, as they can provide excellent damage output and survivability. However, even lower level professions can be picked up quickly. However, experiment and find the class that best suits your play style. Good luck with your raid!
Dark And Darker: How To Farm Mystical Gem In High Roller Goblin Cave?

I believe many players embark on a thrilling adventure in the world of Dark and Darker just to explore the mysterious realm of Mystical Gem. Mystical Gem contains countless treasures and secrets in the game. In this guide, we’ll unravel the journey to get Mystical Gem, reveal its connection to the hidden room within High Roller Goblin Cave, and provide unique insights into exploring this new realm.

How To Find Mystical Gem?

A recent update to Mystical Gem added rare and valuable items in Dark and Darker. To get this gem, you need to pay attention to the following aspects.

First, you need to pay close attention to Dark and Darker’s official communication channels. Developers frequently provide information about updates, patches, and new projects. Here, they will add High Roller elite enemies. Kill them for a chance to drop a Mystical Gem.

But we should note that this does not mean that you will definitely get Mystical Gem just by killing them. It just has a certain chance of falling. So, you need to keep engaging in battles and keep farming until you are lucky enough to get Mystical Gem.

When this Mystical Gem successfully drops, approach it and pick it up. Don’t let your guard down and be careful at all times to avoid other players taking away your Mystical Gem.

How To Use Mystical Gem?

The real magic of Mystical Gem lies in its uses. It will help you discover a hidden secret and gain access to a special area.

First, before we can use Mystical Gem, we need to find the secret room. This secret room is located in the lower left corner of High Roller Goblin Cave. You can see its location on the mini-map on your screen.

After you find the secret room, you’ll notice that there are slots where you can place Mystical Gem. We can insert gems after you interact with the socket.

After inserting the gem, a secret passage will open. It gives you access to previously hidden areas. Go through the newly opened door to explore further.

Within this hidden area, you may find an abundance of Dark and Darker Gold and loot. Search around carefully and collect the rewards that await you. Don’t forget to always be prepared to face enemies or puzzle challenges while exploring.

Tips & Tricks

Finally, I’ll also tell you some tips and strategies to help you maximize the utility of your Mystical Gem.

Because Mystical Gem has a low chance of dropping, be prepared for farming. You need to prepare enough resources, potions, and equipment in advance to take part in the battle and knock down the cave elites as many times as necessary.

Once you enter a hidden room, you may notice that the loot is of better quality. Carrying a Potion of Luck may double your loot gains.

If you plan on spending time farming or exploring the hidden areas here, make sure you have plenty of healing items and potions. Because the enemies in this area tend to be very challenging. You may also encounter powerful enemies like a Wizard. Therefore, I recommend you evaluate your odds before engaging and always have an escape plan.

Of course, every attempt will be different. You need to learn from each experience to help you refine your strategy and make future attempts more successful.

Overall, I hope this guide gave you a clear idea of how to get and use Mystical Gem. This gem adds an exciting layer of mystery to the player's journey of discovery. It also provides us with valuable rewards and the opportunity to discover hidden secrets. Please be prepared for a variety of challenges and surprises as you embark on this mission. Good luck!
Dark And Darker: Full Tank Cleric Build Guide - Is Divine Protection Worth Trying?

Welcome to the world of Dark and Darker, where dangerous dungeons, powerful enemies, and epic adventures await you. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of a full-tank Cleric build. This is a favorable option for those looking to bolster their defense and emerge victorious in the face of adversity.

In the meantime, we’ll explore an oft-overlooked ability, Divine Protection. We’ll reveal its potential and why it’s worth considering in your Cleric build. So, let’s embark on this journey of discovery and power to uncover the secrets of full-tank Cleric builds and the mysterious Divine Protection.

How To Build Your Tank Cleric?

To build an effective Cleric tank, you need to prioritize defensive equipment and abilities. Here we break down the items and abilities you should consider.

First, you can purchase a Heater Shield as your primary defense item. Don’t be afraid to waste Dark and Darker Gold as it provides substantial protection and is a must-have for any tanking Cleric.

Next, you need to equip the best helmet to maximize your defense. Then prioritize using Plate Armor to improve your overall tanking capabilities.

Perseverance increases your ability to withstand enemy attacks, making it a must-have option for tank builds. Over time, Holy Aura provides passive healing to improve your durability.

Finally, and the focus of this guide, Divine Protection increases your physical damage reduction by 30% for four seconds. This can be a game changer when facing powerful enemies.

Divine Protection

Divine Protection is a unique ability that significantly increases your survivability in combat. Here I’ll go into more detail about this underrated skill.

First, Divine Protection increases your PDR by 30%, which means you take 30% less physical damage from enemy attacks. And the effect lasts for four seconds, giving you a brief but crucial window of increased defense.

But it has to be said that Divine Protection has a 90-second cooldown. This makes it the least popular ability in Cleric. Because it has a long cooldown and a short duration.

Why Is Divine Protection Worth Choosing?

While Divine Protection may not be the most popular choice among Clerics, it has its advantages, especially in tank builds.

First, most opponents will not think that Cleric has Divine Protection. This element of surprise can repel attackers who underestimate your tank’s abilities.

Next, Divine Protection can turn the tide of a battle by decimating incoming damage. It effectively gives you a four-second window of invulnerability to physical attacks.

Plus, in player-versus-player encounters, Divine Protection allows your damage output to outlast your opponents. This gives you the upper hand.

Finally, when combined with Protection from Evil, it can remove harmful status effects such as bleeds or poisons. This will further improve your survivability.

Substitution Ability

While Divine Protection has its advantages, there are other capabilities you can choose from.

For example, Judgment increases your damage output. This can be helpful if you want to contribute more to your team’s offense. In addition, Holy Shield is also a good skill choice. It provides a protective barrier that enhances your defenses.

Ending

In the world of Dark and Darker, a fully tanked Cleric with Divine Protection can become a force to be reckoned with. While this build may not be the most popular choice, it offers unique advantages that make it unstoppable in both PVE and PVP scenarios.

You can try the full tank Cleric to see if it suits your play style and improves your survivability in dungeons. Remember, versatility is key, and the best Cleric builds can adapt to different situations. May it fill your Dark and Darker journey with victory and rich loot!
Dark And Darker: How To Farm Old Rusty Key In Ruins Map?

If you’ve been around Dark and Dark Trading Guild for any length of time, you’ve probably come across an item called Old Rusty Key. You may be wondering what exactly this Old Rusty Key is and what its purpose is.

What’s more, you may have seen it priced as high as 1000 Dark and Darker Gold. Of course, an item of such high value must be worth pursuing. So, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about how to get an Old Rusty Key in Dark and Darker, what it does, and how to use it.

How To Farm Old Rusty Key?

The only way we can get Old Rusty Key is to defeat the mini-boss on Ruins map, Giant Worm. This enemy is a bit obscure, and if you don’t have an obvious target, you may find it difficult to find it.

In every corner of the central courtyard, you’ll see a cloaked statue. All statues except one will lose their right hands. Identify this special statue and interact with its hands. This will activate the trapdoor, allowing you to enter the underground corridor. Here, you’ll meet a Giant Worm.

You need to put in some effort to protect your Old Rusty Key. Giant Worm is the most powerful opponent you will encounter on Ruins map. Its combination of poison attacks and burrowing mobility can pose a significant challenge if you’re not prepared.

But after you defeat this mini-boss, you may not get Old Rusty Key immediately. Because its drop rate is pitifully low. This means you may need to farm constantly to increase your chances of an Old Rusty Key dropping.

What Does Old Rusty Key Do?

After you finally get your hands on the elusive Old Rusty Key, you’ll also need to avoid other players from killing you and robbing you of your hard-earned prize. Next, it’s time to talk about what Old Rusty Key does.

The purpose of Old Rusty Key is to open this Rusty Iron Door. You can easily find his specific location on Ruins map, which is under the bridge in the southwest of the courtyard. There are a lot of Dark and Darker Gold and treasures behind the door, which can be looted by unlimited times. The only limit to your loot is the size of your inventory.

Even better, you also have a chance to get legendary equipment here. Although Old Rusty Key may look unremarkable. But its purpose is to bring you some good gear.

Also Read: An Exploration Guide For Dark And Darker High Roller Goblin Cave Map

But unfortunately, since the first Early Access Wipe on August 28, this Rusty Iron Door has been replaced by a standard unlockable iron door. Not only that, but the powerful treasure chamber it once held was gone.

While rumors of alternative usage points for Old Rusty Key are circulating among some players, these claims are vague and unconfirmed. And now killing Giant Worm will still generate Old Rusty Key. It just doesn’t currently have a matching lock.

How To Use Old Rusty Key?

Since Old Rusty Key currently has no obvious purpose, and takes up two valuable blocks in your inventory. Therefore, many players may consider dumping it somewhere on the map. But this Key is still worth trying to extract.

Despite its lack of features, Old Rusty Key still maintains some value among the player base. Some people hope that Rusty Iron Door will return in a future update. It’s not entirely impossible, as the developer Ironmace stated on their Discord that they are still trying to improve balance on Ruins map.

Of course, you can sell your Old Rusty Key right now. It might also be a better idea than letting it gather dust in your pantry. But it may be more valuable in the long run.

That’s everything you need to know about Old Rusty Key in Dark and Darker right now. Hope it will be helpful to you.
Dark And Darker: How To Create The Best PVP Build? - Barbarian Build Guide

Currently, I’ve tested every class in Dark and Darker and leveled them all up to at least level 15 to unlock all their perks. I find Barbarian to be absolutely dominant in PVP, especially in solo play. But that’s not how people usually play Barbarian.

Most people playing Barbarian use big, bulky two-handed weapons. This slows them down and makes it easy for enemies to dodge damage. However, with this build, I can use the little Horseman’s Axe to do massive damage to enemies. Meanwhile, it still has good movement speed. So let’s talk about the build.

Barbarian Perks

The first is Axe Specialization. This causes axe attacks to add an extra 5 points of weapon damage to your damage. If you’re using a small, fast Horseman’s Axe, you’ll benefit most from this perk through faster access. Because it has a bigger damage increase percentage and you attack faster.

Next up is Savage, which increases your physical damage bonus by 10% when you’re not wearing any chest armor. We weren’t wearing breastplates, which also helped us move faster. So we might also have a 10% higher physical damage bonus.

The 10% physical damage bonus is equivalent to the damage you would get if you added 10 more points of strength. Our stamina is 40%, but when I wear Ox Pendant with +2 strength, my stamina can go up to 42%.

Next, we need to add 10% more HP. Barbarian has high health due to its high strength. Because for every point of strength you gain, you gain two points of maximum health. So 10% more health will definitely have a noticeable impact on Barbarian, especially when stacked with more power.

Finally, we have Morale Boost. Barbarians don’t have powerful healing abilities, so this will help you regain a bit of health after fighting players.

Morale Boost can also help you fend off third parties trying to kill you when you’ve been injured in a previous battle. With our current health, we instantly regain 22 health after defeating a player, which is better than most potions or bandages.

Barbarian Abilities

These are all set in stone when it comes to abilities. We’re running Rage to add 15% strength and 15% movement speed buffs for 8 seconds. This is an incredible damage and speed buff. It can help you win battles and catch retreating players.

Barbarian Achilles Strike

The second ability is Achilles Strike. This is a weapon buff that causes your next attack to deal with additional physical damage. It also slows down enemies and deals massive damage to them while moving for two seconds. Note that Achilles Strike is wasted if you hit a wall or shield with your weapon, so be sure to land this one.

Achilles Strike Fists

By the way, Achilles Strike also works on your fists. So if someone is running away, you can use X to retract your axe and activate rage for the damage and movement speed bonus. Then activate Achilles Strike and slam the retreating player.

Barbarian Cheap Gear

Now let’s talk about gear. The most important thing you need is Horseman’s Axe. You can buy the cheapest gray Horseman’s Axe from Weaponsmith. By the way, you can dual-wield Horseman’s Axe and Hatchet and alternate left-click and right-click for more damage.

To be honest, Horseman’s Axe is pretty good on its own. And Barbarian provided the boots for free from the beginning.

For cheap treatments, I like to grab two of the cheaper Healing Potions from Alchemist. Then buy a cheap Bandage from a Surgeon.

Barbarian Medium Gear

If you want better gear, some Leather Gloves and Leggings are a must. Leather Gloves can be obtained from Leathersmith. It gives you 1 point of agility with no movement penalty and only costs 5 Dark and Darker Gold. This helps you swing faster and move faster.

If Leathersmith sells thick Leather Leggings, you need to get them to increase your strength by 1. If not, you can also go to Tailor and spend 8 Gold to get a pair of baggy pants and add 1 point of Agility.

Barbarian Expensive Gear

As you win games and become more confident, you may want to risk more Dark and Darker Gold in your builds. One of the first tasks is to improve your weapons. You can buy the green Horseman’s Axe from Barbarian Trading Post for only 50 gold. You can also get Ox Pendant from a Utility Trade Post to increase your power.

Of course, be aware of the enhancements or modifiers that add weapon damage to the gear you can use. Don’t forget, you can also get more expensive Healing Potions or Bandages from Alchemist and Surgeon.

Anyway, that concludes this guide on the best classes for PVP and their builds. Hopefully, this will help you create even better PVP builds. Good luck.