Are you ready to become the ultimate cleric in the unforgiving world of Dark and Darker? This guide is your key to mastering the intricacies of playing as a cleric, whether you're working in a team or going it alone. We'll delve into cleric spells, the spell memory system, the best spell choices, skills, gear selection, and invaluable in-game tips for both team and solo play. Plus, we'll equip you with strategies to handle the menacing invisible rogues that lurk in the shadows.

 

• Team Play vs. Solo Play
• Strengths & Weaknesses
• Spells and Spell Memory System
• Spells to consider
• Skills and Perks
• Spell Setup
• Stat Priority
• Gear Selection
• BiS Gear
• Team Play Strategies
• Solo Play Strategies

 

 

↖ Team Play vs. Solo Play

First and foremost, it's essential to decide whether you want to play with friends or go solo. Clerics are incredibly valuable in group settings, so teaming up with others is highly recommended. However, if you're determined to play solo, it's crucial to understand that cleric gameplay differs significantly in solo mode, and other classes may be better suited for this style of play.

 

↖ Strengths & Weaknesses

Pros

Cons

Unique healing and resurrection abilities, no Sacrificial Altar needed. Mastery of buffs and protective spells. Strong PvP offensive spells/skills and effective in close combat when buffed. Beginner-friendly with healing capabilities. Great room-clearing skill with Holy Purification. Can wield shields. Access to Plate Armor and defensive perks. Excellent for Boss battles. High Magical Interaction Speed for rapid shrine and portal use.

Slow attack and interaction speed. Limited mobility, no movement skills. Few melee weapon choices and almost no ranged options. Limited spell casts, requires campfires or a Bard teammate for sustainability. Sluggish base spell casting speed.

 

↖ Spells and Spell Memory System

In the Dark and Darker alpha playtest, the introduction of the Spell Memory System has added complexity to the cleric class. Here's a breakdown of the system:

• You have two spell wheels: one on the right and one on the left.
• Spells have varying costs, which consume your spell memory.
• Spell memory can be expanded through increased knowledge or items.
• Spell capacity items can also boost your spell memory.
• Managing your spell memory is essential for efficient spellcasting.

 

↖ Spells to consider

• Holy Light: For healing allies, especially in group scenarios.
• Lesser Heal: To supplement Holy Light for extended fights.
• Protection: A preemptive heal that blocks 20 physical damage for 20 seconds.
• Divine Strike: Boosts a teammate's weapon damage by 10.
• Bind: Use to slow down enemies during chases or fights.
• Res: A powerful resurrection spell, best used in group play.

 

↖ Skills and Perks

Skills and perks depend on your playstyle. 

Level	Perk Name	Description	Use Case
Level 1	Advanced Healer	Enhances the effectiveness of healing spells, extending their reach.	General Healing
Level 5	Perseverance	Reduces incoming damage, especially useful against damage-over-time effects.	Defense Against DoT Effects
Level 10	Kindness (Team Play)	Grants health when healing teammates, making healing abilities more efficient.	Group Adventures
Level 15	Blunt Weapon Mastery	Enhances damage output with blunt weapons.	Frontline Cleric
Level 20	Brewmaster (Solo Play)	Allows enjoyment of ale without negative effects of inebriation.	Solo Play without Drawbacks
Level 25	Judgment (Solo Play)	Provides a significant damage boost, enhancing overall damage output.	Solo Play Damage Maximization
Late Game	Sanctuary	Suitable for healing and area damage to Undead enemies, valuable for challenging content like boss fights.	Late Game and Challenging Bosses

 

In group play, the following perks are recommended:

• Advanced Healer: Increases your base magical power by 5.
• Kindness: Heals yourself for 15% of the total heal amount when healing another target.
• Preservation: Reduces all types of incoming damage by 3.
• Requiem: Provides a bonus for the Res spell, useful in group play.

 

For solo play, consider the following perks:

• Advanced Healer: Increases your base magical power by 5.
• Kindness: Heals yourself for 15% of the total heal amount when healing another target.
• Blood Weapon Mastery: To enhance your weapon's damage.
• Brewmaster: Increase your strength by consuming ale.

 

↖ Spell Setup

Your choice of spells can greatly impact your effectiveness as a cleric. Here's a recommended spell setup for a cleric in a team:

• Lesser Heal: A quick, small heal that you can primarily use on yourself during battles.
• Holy Light: A more substantial healing spell that can also be used to deal damage to Undead enemies in certain situations.
• Divine Strike: This spell boosts your weapon damage by 5, enhancing your offensive capabilities. Cast it on yourself to increase your damage output.
• Bless: Bless increases your strength, agility, and will, benefiting your overall performance. Cast it first for the added potency of your other buffs.
• Protection: This spell enhances your armor, providing additional survivability. Cast it after Bless for prolonged protection.
• Sanctuary (Late Game): If you reach a high enough level and have ample spell memory, consider replacing Bless with Sanctuary for more effective healing and AOE damage against Undead.

 

↖ Stat Priority

Stat distribution plays a crucial role in maximizing your cleric's potential. Prioritize the following stats for your gear:

• Will: Increases your spell power, buff and curse duration, base magic resistance, and the effectiveness of your healing spells and offensive abilities.
• Knowledge: Improves your spell capacity, spell casting speed, and item identification speed. It's essential for efficiently using your spells and managing your equipment.
• Strength (Optional): While not a primary focus, some strength can increase your maximum health and add a slight damage boost to your melee attacks.

 

↖ Gear Selection

Collecting gear is crucial for a cleric. Some key points to remember:

• Hoard gear that provides knowledge, spell capacity, or raw attributes.
• Spellbooks offer better casting quality, making them preferable to staves.
• Use healing potions and bandages to conserve spell charges.
• Purchase or collect gear from merchants, especially ones that offer knowledge.

 

↖ BiS Gear

When choosing gear for your cleric, look for items with Will and Knowledge as primary stats. Here are some specific gear recommendations:

• Gloves: Rawhide gloves with Will and Knowledge are the top choice for maximizing your cleric's potential.
• Pants: Consider padded leggings for extra Will and Knowledge, especially if you prioritize healing over tankiness. Plate pants are an alternative if you lean more towards a tank build.
• Spell Book: Seek a spell book with Will and Knowledge for improved spellcasting abilities.
• Necklace: Look for a necklace that provides Will and Knowledge, enhancing your spellcasting and overall performance.
• Morning Star and Shield: Prioritize weapon damage and strength on your morning star and shield. Magical stats don't significantly impact your combat effectiveness while wielding them.
• Boots: Light foot boots are generally recommended for their increased movement speed. Plate boots can be an option for a tankier build.
• Rings: Rings like the Ring of Pieces or Ring of Resolve, which offer Will, Knowledge, and Strength, are excellent choices for your cleric.

 

↖ Team Play Strategies

Playing as a cleric in a group offers numerous opportunities to support your teammates. Here are some tips for effective team play:

• Cast Protection: Preemptively shield your teammates before engagements.
• Divine Strike: Boost your teammates' damage output.
• Healing: Charge your heavy heal but use it strategically, avoiding missed casts.
• Blocking: In combat, use a sword and shield to block enemy attacks.

Additionally, be aware of invisible rogues, maintain safe distances, and communicate with your team to ensure everyone's survival.

 

↖ Solo Play Strategies

In solo play, adapt your approach:

• Consider a two-handed warhammer or one-handed mace with a shield.
• Use the Judgment spell to damage and slow down enemies.
• Disengage when necessary and use bandages or potions to recover.
• If you can, close doors and heal yourself with lesser heal.

It's important to practice your solo play strategies and adapt them based on your preferred playstyle.

 

Previous: Dark and Darker Bard Guide.

 

Conclusion:

With this guide, you're well-equipped to embrace the role of a cleric in your adventures. Whether you're healing your team, casting spells, or wielding a mace, you'll be a vital asset in the fight against darkness. Experiment with different playstyles and gear, and remember that adaptability is the key to success as a cleric. If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to leave a comment.