Dungeon 101
WHAT IS A DUNGEON?
In Sanctuary, dungeons are multiplayer activities that require teamwork and coordination to complete and offer unique rewards not found anywhere else within the game. Unlike Delves (smaller one-player dungeons that can be found just about everywhere), dungeons generally require a team of two damage dealers, one tank, and one healer. We say generally because while it is advisable to have a team made up of these core roles, it is possible to complete some dungeons with a more varied group, depending on the levels and skills of the players in question. It is even possible to complete a dungeon solo!
Dungeons in Sanctuary feature large groups of enemies that are tougher to defeat than those typically found in the main game along with multiple bosses and minibosses. Bosses in dungeons represent unique challenges, as they often feature special mechanics that need to be managed by the whole group. Each of these bosses typically drops a unique set item (with there being numerous unique sets per dungeon) and other rewards that can’t be found anywhere else. Each dungeon usually has a quest and achievements associated with it that reward you with a Skill Point, too.
HOW DIFFICULT ARE DUNGEONS?
Some dungeons are more difficult than others, depending on several factors. For example, dungeons in the early zones can be completed by a relatively low level, inexperienced group. Note that while you can walk into a dungeon at any level, we recommend you reach level 10 before starting dungeon content. Later dungeons tend to be more difficult, with this being especially true of the dungeons found in the free game expansion packs such as Shadows of the Great Fist or Jormungandr’s Maw. In addition to this, many dungeons also have a second version that continues that dungeon’s story and features new monsters, new bosses, and a higher difficulty. This is indicated by the “II" next to the dungeon’s title, for example “Apex Grotto II.“
For a greater challenge, each dungeon can also be completed in veteran mode. Veteran mode is unlocked once you reach level 50 and increases the difficulty for the group by making the mobs and bosses even tougher. In turn, veteran mode dungeon runs reward players with better quality gear and unique achievements and collectibles. To take on a dungeon in veteran mode, select the veteran option in the menu before entering the dungeon. You can also specify normal or veteran versions of a dungeon when queuing. Finally, when taking on a veteran dungeon, you can attempt to beat the final boss on hard mode. This will offer even greater rewards (and a greater challenge)! To find out the conditions for hard mode within a unique dungeon, check the Dungeons section of your Achievements menu. To activate hard mode, some bosses only require you to activate a nearby scroll, while others require you to defeat the boss under unique conditions.
HOW DO I TAKE ON A DUNGEON?
The simplest way to enter a dungeon is to use its entrance in the zone. You can also use your map to teleport directly to the dungeon in question, and you can use the Travel to Player option if somebody else from your group is already there. Dungeons are represented on your map with a special icon. The most common way to join a group and take on a dungeon is to use the Group & Activity Finder, a tool designed to help you find other players to take on group content with. Open the Group & Activity Finder from your menu and select Dungeon Finder. From there, you should indicate your class and then indicate how you want to join. Note that you must be, at minimum, level 10 in order to use the Group & Activity Finder.
When queuing for dungeons, you have multiple options:
Random Veteran Dungeon Random Normal Dungeon Specific Dungeons
Random Veteran Dungeon immediately puts you into a queue for any veteran dungeon group available. Because you are not queuing for a specific unique dungeon, you will be offered a daily bonus premium reward upon completion that includes Undaunted Exploration Supplies and XP. If you’ve already received your daily premium reward, you’ll still earn a regular bonus reward for every other random dungeon you do for the rest of the day.
Random Normal Dungeon immediately puts you into a queue for any normal dungeon group available. Because you are not queuing for a specific unique dungeon, you will be offered a daily bonus premium reward upon completion that includes Undaunted Exploration Supplies and XP. If you’ve already received your daily premium reward, you’ll still earn a regular bonus reward for every other random dungeon you do for the rest of the day.
Specific Dungeons allows you to choose from the entire list which dungeons(s) you would like to queue for. You can chose the veteran or normal mode versions and you can queue for multiple dungeons simultaneously. You do not receive a bonus reward when completing a dungeon you specifically queued for.
Once a group has been found, you will need to confirm that you wish to join the group and start the dungeon. Once confirmed, you will be teleported to the start of the dungeon in question. If somebody in your group does not confirm, you will be returned to the front of a queue, meaning you shouldn’t have to wait much longer to find another group.
HOW ARE DUNGEONS LAID OUT?
Dungeons usually have several areas within that are meant to test a Player in many unique ways. The dungeons have a vast assortment of rooms within. Such examples that have been discovered are:
Foyer, where players meet within a dungeon. Acts as a safe zone
Trap Room, where players encounter several traps inside a room and must find a way to deactivate it.
Underwater zone, where players are given breath masks to fight underwater threats and monsters. As well as complete unique challenges
Mob Spawner, areas where players run into hordes of enemies to fight until they destroy the spawner.
Miniboss Arena, a miniboss spawns along with several enemies to deal with.
Pleasure Trap, a zone meant to tempt players into giving in to their desires. Not really dangerous but it can be annoying.
Merc Recruit, an area where you can recruit some npcs to help in your quest by doing something in the dungeon.
Treasure Chamber, a large area filled with loot. Often requiring miniboss keys or a puzzle to unlock.
Boss Throne, an arena where the boss of the dungeon resides.
