The Dark Citadel is the players’ main destination in Heroes of Hammerwatch 2, but even though its entrance sits right at the very first level of each run, entering it won’t be possible until much later in the game, which is a good thing considering how strong the monsters inside it are.
Fans of ARPGs should know the drill by now — before entering the Dark Citadel, they’ll have to level up and collect gear first. Moreover, since the citadel’s main entrance is locked, players will need to find a way to get it open first. Here’s how to do exactly that.
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How to Get to the Dark Citadel in Heroes of Hammerwatch 2
While the Dark Citadel is right in the starting area, players won’t be able to enter it until much later. The Dark Citadel is locked, and players will need to go around the Forest in order to enter it for the first time. If this is your first time playing the game, turn back and search for an alternate path deeper into the woods.
Players will reach the Dark Citadel after find and rescue the Architect, an NPC who can be found randomly during runs. He has a chance to appear while exploring the Crypt — the Architect will be in a large room filled with monsters, including obelisks that fire shards of ice. Explore every room when you reach the Crypt, and be ready for a fight.
Open the Overlay Map to see any useful chests, items, and resources while you’re out on a run. You can also see NPCs from here.
Opening Shortcuts
As you reach certain milestones in your journey, you’ll eventually unlock shortcuts that lead to later maps from much earlier in a run. For example, once you beat the Totem boss inside the Dark Caves, the barricade inside the Goblin Village in Forest Level 2 will disappear, opening up a way leading straight to Forest Level 3 and the Temple.
Likewise, the Dark Citadel’s front gate serves as a shortcut. Once you find the Architect, you won’t have to fight your way through the rest of the map anymore. More importantly, the Architect will let you alter your Dark Citadel runs in exchange for Gold and materials. Entering the Dark Citadel from the main entrance also unlocks the Sorcerer in Heroes of Hammerwatch 2.
What is the Dark Citadel?
Simply put, it’s an endgame area that, much like other roleplaying games, is filled with powerful monsters and very valuable loot. You can enter it either via the Dungeon (by going through the long Forest path) or by opening the citadel’s front gate once it’s unlocked.
As mentioned earlier, the Architect can modify the state of the Dark Citadel before the start of every run. You’ll get to pick from the following options:
- Far Sight – The entire map is revealed.
- Toppled Towers – All towers are destroyed.
- Weak Defenses – Levels have fewer enemies.
- Safe Corridors – All traps in corridors are disabled.
- Poor Training – Fewer elites will spawn in levels.
- Righteous Flames – You have a higher chance of finding a Pyre.
Take note that if you activate more than one modifier, the cost of the following ones will increase dramatically. Try not to go overboard, and pick one or two that work best for you.