Advancing in Heroes of Hammerwatch 2 can often feel like an uphill challenge. However, your perseverance will reward you, as the more you progress, the more enjoyable the experience becomes. A particularly intriguing aspect is the Shadow Curse; while it might seem like just another hurdle, it actually comes with some benefits.
This mechanic encourages you to think creatively about your character build. You won’t encounter it until you’ve invested several hours into the game, so for those confused by the ominous dark blob you keep encountering, here’s a guide on Shadow Curse in Heroes of Hammerwatch 2 and tips on how to lift it.
What is Shadow Curse?
You won’t need to worry about Shadow Curse until you’re about halfway through the game, typically when you first enter the Dungeons. Essentially, the curse is a debuff that affects certain items from a specific merchant that resembles a floating dark orb.
This debuff shows up in your stats as Shadow Curse, lowering your armor. If you’re already feeling fragile or using a glass cannon build, this can lead to complications.
To acquire the Shadow Curse, all you need to do is buy an item from the dark swirling merchant. However, this is entirely optional. The curse stacks, and each item has a different value based on your level. The more stacks of Shadow Curse you have, the more armor you lose, which means you’ll take higher damage from enemies.
How to Remove Shadow Curse
If you find yourself cursed, don’t panic! There are simple ways to lift it. First, you’ll need access to the Courts and then search for a Pyre Room.
Look for purple candles scattered throughout the room. If you have a modifier that reveals the Dark Citadel map, you’ll find one easily. Approach the Pyre and interact with it. This will ignite the mound and randomly remove a portion of your Shadow Curse stacks.
Keep in mind, there’s no guarantee you’ll fully remove the curse, especially if you have a lot of stacks. However, if you approach with fewer Shadow Curse stacks, the chances are in your favor.
Typically, Pyres remove half of your stacks and at least eight. If you have fewer than eight, you’ll clear every time you use a Pyre.
Pyres spawn one mound per level in random locations, and there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter one in every run. However, if you unlock the Architect and pay him a small fee, it ensures at least one Pyre per run.
The Benefits of Shadow Curse
If you’re questioning why anyone would want to retain their Shadow Curse until the end of their run, here’s an interesting fact: this pesky debuff can actually provide significant benefits. Certain builds or weapons can increase your power dramatically.
This occurs in two ways. First, some weapons gain strength based on your Shadow Curse level, meaning more curse leads to higher damage. Second, some classes thrive without relying on armor, such as Rangers, Rogues, Wizards, and Warlocks.
Players who can maintain distance from enemies can benefit significantly from increased power, while those who engage directly in melee will have to consider their approach more carefully. So, it becomes a question: Is it better to remove the curse now or accept the armor loss for the damage advantage?
This is an engaging mechanic worth exploring, as it can often lead to favorable outcomes in the long run.
