Top Inn Enhancements in Darkest Dungeon 2

The Kingdoms mode in Darkest Dungeon II provides numerous upgrades to your Inns, which are crucial for achieving success in the game. There are five upgrade trees, each offering several options, allowing for extensive customization of your gameplay experience. However, due to the challenging nature of this mode, your choices are somewhat limited at the beginning of Darkest Dungeon II Kingdoms, whether you’re aware of it or not.

A key strategy is recognizing that you can only invest in one Advanced tree for each Inn, so it’s important to specialize. For instance, a Physician Inn that focuses on healing Fatigue will be essential for maintaining a smooth flow during battles. The choice of specialization is significant; Physician and Mastery Trainer Inns work best when located centrally or near the final boss.

Optimal Inn Upgrades and Timing in Darkest Dungeon II

Barracks and Mastery Trainer Upgrades Are Crucial Early On

At the onset, it’s critical to establish multiple Inns with Barracks units to protect them from incoming Sieges. Losing too many Inns can end your campaign, and even a few losses can make your journey significantly more difficult, as Inns serve as vital resources. Prioritize obtaining Partisan Training for as many Inns as possible early on; this will give you a distinct advantage during Escalation 1 (the first 15 days).

As you progress to Escalation 2, while Partisan Training remains effective, you might want to shift to Veteran Specialization to ensure your team’s success. Veteran Specialization becomes essential in Escalation 3 to reach the final boss.

The next focus should be on Mastery Training. Opt for either Specialist Instructor or Gymnasium with just 10 Inn materials, and do this early before you accumulate Mastery points from battles. If you’ve structured your team composition well in Darkest Dungeon II Kingdoms, you shouldn’t need to spend too many points on acquiring new skills. Therefore, consider prioritizing Gymnasium for a while, making exceptions for critical new abilities that significantly enhance your team’s power.

In the midgame (Escalation 2), establish a Physician Inn in a central position that incorporates Journeyman Physician and potentially progresses to Physician’s Stipend. This setup will help alleviate Fatigue, ensuring your team stays comfortable during combat. Additionally, around this time, the Trainer’s Text node in the Mastery Training tree will also serve you well.

At higher difficulty levels, the Apprentice Wainwright node is useful, though it may not be necessary at lower levels. Make sure to choose Journeyman Wainwright after securing your first Trophy, which usually happens in Escalation 3 but can occur earlier. The Cage Mounts node may be worth considering if you get a free pet, but it should remain a lower priority.

The Provisioner tree becomes increasingly beneficial during midgame as you accumulate more currency. However, be sure to hold off on it until most of your Inns are adequately defended. I recommend focusing on lasting rewards like trinkets and Stagecoach items, although combat, Inn, and food items also serve as good alternatives. Additionally, Whiskey can help if you’re facing relationship issues.

When you enter the late game (Escalation 3), besides the previously mentioned Veteran Specialization and Physician’s Stipend, you should explore the entire Physician tree. Don’t overlook Sterile Storage, as healing items can be incredibly advantageous in Kingdoms, especially at higher difficulty levels. Ensure that the Inn for this upgrade is located close to the final boss and/or Alpha den, ideally near the center of the map as well.

Top Capstone Upgrades in Darkest Dungeon II

Timing Is Everything—Choose Wisely for Great Rewards

Capstone upgrades are located on the middle-right side of the Inn Upgrades menu, represented by a lock symbol. They come with a high cost of 40 Inn materials each, so it’s best to delay acquiring them until later in the game. However, selecting the right ones can provide significant benefits.

• Ordnance Supply (Barracks) – A solid upgrade for your Peasant Militia late in the game when you need the extra support.
• Grand Bazaar (Provisioner) – By the time you have enough resources, you may find that you no longer need this option.
• Training Grounds (Mastery Trainer) – Similar to Grand Bazaar, it may not be a priority by the time you can afford it.
• Stables (Wainwright) – Useful in the late game for countering Flame Drain, particularly in tougher difficulties.
• Trauma Centre (Physician) – The standout option, perfect for significant encounters like the Alpha den or final boss. Once unlocked, it helps ensure your heroes remain in peak condition for major fights while also granting beneficial quirks.

With this knowledge, you’re now better prepared to tackle Kingdoms in Darkest Dungeon II. Remember, prioritize Barracks and Mastery Trainer early; the rest will generally fall into place.

Source: RandyPotato/YouTube