There is only one way out of the enclosing darkness of the dungeons in Dark and Darker: find an extraction portal. Dark and Darker showcases more hardcore mechanics when it comes to their take on the extraction shooter genre, which has been inspired by other games such as Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown.
Compared to other games, in which you can extract at points that are predetermined in the early stages of the match, allowing players to leave at any time they wish, Dark and Darker requires players to push into the center of the action.
How to Extract in Dark and Darker
Regardless of whether you are there first or last, your only way of extracting is to find portals. Unlike other games, you have the option of leaving the dungeon or delving deeper into the dark in search of better rewards. Unless you want to test your luck or have good gear, it would be wise to extract instead of delving deeper.
Blue Portals are Your Safest Way Out
Blue Portals are your safe haven in Dark and Darker, but they have been weakened for groups in recent playtests. In the past, Blue Portals used to spawn in groups of three, allowing an entire Dark and Darker party to extract together. Now, however, Blue Portals spawn separately and slowly as the ring starts to enter its final stages.
However, once the ring gets extremely small, more blue portals will begin to appear. Therefore, if you are in a group, there is a slim chance that everyone won’t be able to extract unless all party members can find a blue portal.
This raises the dilemma of having your teammates leave as soon as they find one, which guarantees their safety but lessens your numbers when fighting other players who are also looking for Blue portals. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but know that there are risks when you extract early or late in Dark and Darker if you are in a squad.
Related Article: In-Depth Dark and Darker Beginners Guide
Red Portals Lead to Even Greater Rewards with More Risk
Red Portals are when Dark and Darker’s difficulty is turned up drastically. Unlike Blue Portals, Red Portals do spawn in sets of three, and taking these hellish gateways will take one deeper into the dungeon.
Once you enter a Red Portal, you will have a short break for briefing before loading into a new area. Going deeper into Dark and Darker’s dungeons will put you in a place similar to hell, the Inferno. While this is not the conventional, safe extraction point most are familiar with in the genre of extraction shooters, it will allow you to extract from the dungeon in Dark and Darker.
The benefit of going into this hellish landscape is the chance of finding better loot with higher stats than the previous dungeon. In exchange, you will have to face Dark and Darker’s deadliest enemies, such as the Demon Dog.
In addition, the Red Portal also gives you a chance to fight some of the game’s end bosses, including the Lich and the Ghost King; these are extremely hard bosses that drop extremely powerful or unique gear that can sell for thousands of gold.
Once the ring begins to close in on the Inferno, Blue Portals will start to spawn, providing you with your final opportunity to escape the dungeon. There is no third level, according to recent playtests. However, fans theorize that this might be a possibility in the future.
Conclusion on Extracting in Dark and Darker
That’s our short guide for extracting in Dark and Darker. We love the unique take on the looter genre, and we can’t wait for the game’s full release. Changes to the extraction system build tension and struggle at the end of every run, giving Dark and Darker a more rewarding feeling when you make it back to the tavern.
If you enjoyed our short guide and want to learn more about Dark and Darker, check out our guide for how to block more efficiently. If you’re looking for some tips and tricks, look no further than our guide on how to get better at Dark and Darker.
Good hunting for now!
