The Darkest Dungeon: A Guide to Crimson Court's Activation and Frustrations

When it comes to activating the Crimson Court in Darkest Dungeon, there is a common misconception that it should be turned on from the start of the game. However, this approach may not be the most effective way to play through the DLC. In fact, I would recommend waiting until around mid-game before activating the Crimson Court.

One of the main reasons for this is the upgrade cost and level restrictions that come with the DLC. While the combat difficulty remains the same throughout the game, including in Radiant and Normal modes, the upgrade costs and level requirements can be quite steep. This means that players may find themselves struggling to progress through the game without having enough trinkets and upgrades.

Additionally, the Crimson Court's activation is tied to invitations, which are time-gated. This can be frustrating for players who want to dive straight into the DLC content. It's also worth noting that the Crimson Curse, a central mechanic of the Crimson Court, can be quite challenging to manage. While it's not impossible to overcome, it can be a source of frustration and annoyance.

In my experience, starting a new game with the Crimson Court activated from the start led to a frustrating experience. The Crimson Curse forced me to venture into new locations, but I was unable to do so until I received invitations, which were time-gated. This created a sense of stagnation and made it difficult for me to progress through the game.

Overall, I would recommend waiting until around mid-game before activating the Crimson Court. This will give you enough trinkets and upgrades to make progress through the game without feeling overwhelmed by the upgrade costs and level requirements. It's also worth noting that the Crimson Curse is not impossible to manage, but it can be a source of frustration for some players.

By waiting until mid-game to activate the Crimson Court, you'll be able to experience the DLC content in a more balanced and enjoyable way. You'll have enough resources to overcome the challenges presented by the upgrade costs and level requirements, and you'll be able to manage the Crimson Curse without feeling overwhelmed.

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