The Escape the Darkwalker Challenge comes with the addition of new mechanics and gameplay which players may not be familiar with. This article will provide a brief overview and explain the key features of this Challenge.
Escape the Darkwalker
The goal in this Challenge is to remain alive as long as possible. Evade the Darkwalker which hunts you, while moving from Region to Region to stay ahead of the Toxic Fog which follows in the Darkwalker’s wake. Players can find Diary pages in each major Region near Green Campfires, piecing together some information about the invisible entity following them. Though in the end, no matter how far you run, the Darkwalker will devour you.
The Challenge
There is no defeating the Darkwalker, one way or another, you will die. Success is measured by the length of time it takes for this to happen. Players are encouraged to challenge themselves to push the limits of how long they can live, as well as accomplish the difficult task of collecting all 10 Diary pages in a single game.
You’ll find yourself rewarded with a brand new Feat and Badge for collecting Diary pages, as well as an additional Badge and Custom Survival modifier for surviving a set amount of play time.
The Darkwalker
After going unnoticed for a short time, the Darkwalker will set its sights on the Survivor, relentlessly chasing them until it catches its prey. This entity will move directly toward you at all times. Though it cannot be seen, the Darkwalker’s approach can be heard. If it draws near the Survivor, they will gain the “Anxiety” Affliction, which can progress to “Fear” at shorter distances. Immediate proximity to the Darkwalker can be enough to cause Condition loss as well.
Toxic Fog
When the Darkwalker follows the Survivor into a Region, it will start spreading a harmful Fog. Initially the Fog will only hinder your sight, but in high enough concentration, wildlife will begin to die, food will spoil, and eventually the Survivor will rapidly lose Condition. Regions saturate in real time and each at a different rate based on their size. Be aware that Toxic Fog will not disperse, and revisiting Regions at a later time will not reduce the Fog progression in that area.
Spray-Painted Glyphs
Glyphs can be used to combat the Darkwalker and Toxic Fog, but are limited by your supply of Glyph Spray Paint. Glyphs are only effective if they share the same location as the Survivor, so attempts to Lure the Darkwalker into a nearby interior, Cave, or adjacent Region won’t be effective. There are three Glyphs at your disposal, each with a different use:
Lure: Can be used to draw the Darkwalker to the marked location; switching its focus off of the Survivor for a set time frame, or until it reaches the symbol and destroys it.
Ward: So long as the Survivor remains within the protective limits of this Glyph, the Darkwalker is blind to them. This allows for a short period to rest and refuel before the Ward disperses and the chase resumes.
Dispel Fog: Once per game, the Survivor can force the encroaching Fog back with this powerful Glyph. Painting this symbol in a Region will cut the current Toxic Fog levels in half, buying you precious time to leave before it can thicken again.
Green Campfires
The location of strange Green Campfires have been marked on your map. These camps offer short respite to the Survivor, having been marked with a Warding effect and stocked with useful items. Diary pages can be found near these fires, and may lead to some understanding of the Darkwalker which hunts you.
Map Changes
For most of this Challenge, the presence of Toxic Fog will make mapping an area impossible. So unlike normal, Region exits, Green Campfires and the Survivor's position are shown on the Map. If you’d like to challenge yourself further, the Map location of the Survivor can be disabled through the Display Options Menu under “Show Player Position in Wintermute”.