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Darkest Dungeon: keeping your heroes sane

Stress kills more parties than monsters. Five habits that keep a roster together.

6 min read · editorial desk · 3 August 2026

  1. I

    Bring light, and keep it high

    Low torchlight raises stress and enemy damage. Buy enough torches for the length of the expedition, and spend one before every major fight in the later regions.

  2. II

    Carry a stress healer

    The Jester's Inspiring Tune and the Houndmaster's Cry Howl remove stress mid-fight. One of the two should be in nearly every early party.

  3. III

    Camp with intent

    On medium and long expeditions, camping skills are your main stress relief. Plan the party so at least two heroes have strong stress-heal camp skills.

  4. IV

    Rotate the roster

    Never send the same four heroes twice in a row. Rest them in the tavern or abbey and build a bench of at least twelve.

  5. V

    Retreat is a strategy

    Leaving a dungeon early costs stress but saves lives. A living level-three hero is worth more than a finished quest.