This page requires the browser to support (enable) javascript

Greetings, fellow gamers! With the release of Wipe #4 for Dark and Darker, the game has brought in new content and challenges, particularly with the introduction of the refurbished Ruins map. If you're new to the game or returning after a break, there's plenty of new content to explore, including new sub-bosses that will test your skills. In this guide, we'll walk through the different sub-bosses and provide strategies to help you conquer them with ease. Let’s dive into the action and start preparing for these epic battles!

The Spectral Knight: New Ruins Boss

One of the newest additions to the game is the Spectral Knight, the boss of the Ruins map. You can find the Spectral Knight in the Barbin module, which is located north of the middle module. There are staircases on both the north and south sides that lead down to the Bott Arena, where this ghostly adversary awaits.

Before we delve into the details of the fight, be aware of a Falling Rocks trap just beneath the archway leading into the Spectral Knight’s arena. While this trap may also exist in other parts of the Ruins map, this is a known location, so tread carefully.

For those new to the game and not familiar with this boss, a detailed guide on defeating the Spectral Knight will be covered in a future post. Now, let's shift our focus to the sub-bosses that populate the Ruins.

The Worm: Tactics and Strategy

The Worm is a sub-boss that players can encounter in the location called Square. To access its lair, you'll need to clear out the skeletons in the area. There are four statues in the square, and only one of them will have two hands. The hand with the lever will open a trapdoor, leading you down to face the Worm.

In earlier patches of the Ruins map, there was a 50/50 chance of either facing the Worm or a Golem. However, it seems that recently, the Worm appears more frequently.

Worm’s Attacks

1. Burrowing Attack: This is the Worm’s primary move. It burrows underground and chases you while submerged. The key to avoiding this attack is constant movement—as long as you're not stationary, the Worm won’t be able to land a hit. However, it's important to note that moving backward is slower than moving forward or sideways, so avoid holding the "S" key.

2. Lunge Attack: The Worm will occasionally lunge at you from a distance. This attack can be easily avoided by sidestepping or jumping to the side.

3. Area of Effect (AoE) Poison Attack: The Worm will unleash a poisonous cloud that deals damage over time (DoT) if you stand within the affected area. To mitigate damage, step out of the poison cloud as quickly as possible.

4. Low Sweep Attack: This sweeping attack can be both blocked and jumped over. It’s best to stay agile and avoid getting caught in the poison, as you may have trouble escaping both hazards at once.

Strategy for Defeating the Worm

To defeat the Worm, the strategy is to stay close enough to trigger its attacks, but not so close that you can’t dodge them. Slowly whittle away at its health while dodging its moves, and remember to avoid the burrowing attack at all costs.

While the Worm doesn’t drop particularly great loot, the area where it spawns contains valuable ore and a Lion’s Head chest, making it worthwhile to clear this mini-boss.

The Cockatrice: Simple Dodging, Limited Loot

The Cockatrice can be found in the Stables module, which is located in the bottom-right of the Ruins map. There may be other spawn locations, but this is the most consistent one found so far.

Cockatrice’s Attacks

1. Petrification Attack: The Cockatrice’s signature move is its petrifying scream, which can be easily avoided by looking away from it during the attack.

2. Running Peck: This attack involves the Cockatrice charging at you, attempting to peck you while in motion. It’s a straightforward attack and can be dodged by strafing to either side.

3. Jumping Kick Attack: This follow-up move is triggered after the running peck. Again, the key to avoiding damage is to strafe left or right, as jumping will limit your control over movement, making it harder to dodge.

4. Standing Peck: Similar to the previous attacks, this move can also be dodged with lateral movement. Stay mobile and avoid getting pinned down.

Strategy for Defeating the Cockatrice

Compared to other mini-bosses, the Cockatrice doesn’t present much of a challenge. Simply keep strafing around the creature, and it will rarely land a hit. Unfortunately, the loot it drops is quite underwhelming, especially when compared to the Worm or the Golem. Despite this, if you're passing through the Stables, it’s worth taking down for experience or if you're looking to clear the area.

The Golem: Valuable Ore, Powerful Foe

The Golem is one of the tougher sub-bosses you’ll face in the Ruins, spawning in the Tower Bridge module. This hulking enemy has multiple attacks, but with the right strategy, you can emerge victorious.

Golem’s Attacks

1. Left-Right Combo Attack: The Golem will swing its left arm, followed by a right arm strike. Since these attacks are mirrored from your perspective, be prepared to dodge accordingly.

2. Slam Attack: The Golem will lift its arms and bring them down in a slam that deals moderate damage and knocks you back slightly. While it's powerful, it’s much less punishing than the slam attack from the Troll.

3. Backhand Attack: The Golem’s final attack is a backhand swing with its right hand, coming from your left side. This can catch you off guard if you're not paying attention to its movements.

Strategy for Defeating the Golem

Interestingly, all of the Golem’s attacks (except for the slam) can be blocked. If you're a class with a shield or defensive abilities, blocking can significantly reduce the difficulty of this encounter.

What makes the Golem particularly rewarding is the ore it drops. From my experience, the first Golem dropped 10 Cobalt Ore, and the second dropped 5 Ruby Silver Ore. These valuable resources make the Golem an important target for those looking to gear up.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Ruins

The Ruins map in Dark and Darker offers a variety of sub-bosses, each with unique challenges and rewards. From the burrowing Worm to the towering Golem, each encounter requires a different strategy, but with proper preparation, you can emerge victorious. While some of the sub-bosses like the Cockatrice may not drop amazing loot, others like the Golem offer significant rewards that make them worth hunting.

For more guides and all the latest news about Dark and Darker, check out P2Pah. Cheap Dark and Darker Gold for sale here! Happy hunting, and good luck in the dungeons!