Quick Links
Among the nine classes that you can play inDark and Darker, the Warlock is among the strongest options that you can choose. With a versatile skill set that can make you formidable in close and long-range combat, this class is one of the most popular choices among players.
Not only is this class consistently powerful, but it is quite beginner-friendly as well. Regardless, if you wish to use the Warlock both the early as well as in the late game, you need a strong build setup. So, here’s a complete guide on how to build the Warlock class in Dark and Darker.
Warlock - Class Overview
Being somewhat similar tothe Wizard classin Dark and Darker, the Warlock relies ondark spells to deal significant damageanduses cursesto inflictDamage-over-time (DoT)effects as well.
This class is not onlypowerful in the solo queue but also astrong addition to any duo or trioas well. Depending on your party, you can tweak the Warlock’s skill set to make him aclose-range tank or a long-range DPS for your team.
Warlock Solo Performance
The Warlock isone of the strongest classes to play Solo in Dark and Darker. Using top-tier skills in your arsenal, you can clear any dungeon with ease if you keep your distance. Even in PvP scenarios, theWarlock is a formidable foethat can summon Hydras and inflict long-range curses while also excelling in close combat.
With the right skill set and perks, theWarlock can easily take down close-ranged classeslike the Fighter or the Barbarian. But, against long-range classes like the Wizard or the Ranger, you need to be abit more careful not to get hitwhile summoning hydras and inflicting curses to deal damage.
Warlock Starter Build
If you’re playing the Warlock as a beginner, you can choose your play style depending on your strengths.If you’re good at PvP and close combat, you can choose curses and debuff skills, whereas if you’re confident in long-range,you can choose ranged spells and summoning spells instead.
The only thing you should keep in check when playing the Warlock class is yourHealth Bar. Every time you cast a spell, a certain amount of HP is reduced. TheHP sacrifice is dependent on the tier of the spellsthat you use and ranges between acost of 2-8 HP.
Rather than focus on high-cost spells from the get-go, you should start with curse spells, especially’Curse of Pain' and ‘Bolt of Darkness.‘As for your perks,‘Curse Mastery’ and ‘Shadow Touch’are great choices for starters.
Also, you can enhance your Warlock’s DPS and sustainability in the early game by prioritizing the following stats on your gear:
Boosts survivability from both melee and spellcasting builds.
Magic Power
Increases damage dealt from every spell in your build, also increases scaling effect from skills.
All Attribute Bonus
Provides a well-rounded boost to all stats, making it the best overall perk.
Additional Magic Damage
Increases the damage of all your spells, especially from the ‘Blow of Corruption’ ability.
The above-recommended stats are apart from thebasic Knowledge and Will stat bonuses. If your gear has Knowledge or Will stats, then only look for additional stat bonuses.
Best Perks For Warlock
Most of the Warlock’s perks are geared towardbolstering his damage output, while a few of them also make himbetter at taking hits from monsters and players. But, more often than not, you will get better value from perks that focus onmaking your curses more useful than only tanking hits.
To help you make the correct choices, here is the list of all the best perks that you can use with the Warlock.
Reason
Antimagic
Your Magic Damage Reduction is increased additively by 25% against damage that has one of the following elements: Fire, Ice, Lightning, Earth, Light, Dark, Evil, Air, or Spirit.
Provides additional survivability for the Warlock, making it much better at playing a tank position for your team and not getting ambushed by Rogues or Wizards.
Curse Mastery
Your curses use a new status effect, which is altered to have 30% longer base durations. 10.4s for Curse of Pain, 13s for Curse of Weakness, 15.6s for Power of Sacrifice. This allows a Curse without Curse Mastery to be active on a target at the same time as a Curse that uses Curse Mastery.
A must-have on any Warlock if you want to deal good damage from most of the spells in your arsenal. Almost all the Warlock’s damage comes from curses.
Immortal Lament
Casting spells will not take you below 1 health.
An alternative option for beginners running Torture Mastery to ensure you don’t get killed by casting spells.
Increases your damage output and spell memory capacity.
Torture Mastery
When the Curse of Pain or Power of Sacrifice is active on a target, any instance of Magical DoT from the Curse of Pain or Power of Sacrifice dealt to the target will heal the Warlock for 2 Magical Healing. This healing is increased by the Magical Healing stat and the Warlock’s Magic Power Bonus. Triples the health cost of spells.
Another must-have perk for Warlocks, especially in late-game builds. It allows you to heal by using any curse spell.
Vampirism
Grants a 1.2x multiplier to all outgoing Magical Healing. This multiplier is separate from the Magic Power Bonus. Effects healing gained from ‘Life Drain.’
A great synergic perk that you should use along with Torture Mastery. Makes you almost immortal. Almost.
The damage types that are not affected includeDivine, Curse, and Neutral Magic.
When using this perk, the’Curse of Pain’spell does the same overall damage, but it spreads the damage out over more hits, making each hit weaker.
On the other hand, the’Power of Sacrifice’spell keeps the damage per hit the same but increases both the number of hits and the total damage done.
Warlock - Best Spells To Use
The Warlock’s spells mostly revolve around using curses that are more inclined towardDoT effects rather than raw damage. you may alsosummon a Hydra or shoot bolts like a Wizard, though these spells are better for solo play than when playing with a party.
To ensure that you get the most spell value, here are some of themust-have spells in Dark and Darker when running the Warlock class:
Summon Hydra
6
Summon a Hydra that fires fireballs at hostile targets. The Hydra also detects hidden targets. The Hydra has 150 HP, and its fireballs deal 10 Magical Fire Damage. The Hydra lasts 10 seconds.
8
Curse of Pain
2
Instantly deals 10 Magical Curse/Evil Damage to the target and curses them with Agony debuff.
Bolt of Darkness
1
Fires a projectile bolt that inflicts 20 Dark Magical Damage to the target. Other projectiles can shoot down the bolt.
Life Drain
4
Channel for up to 6 seconds, concentrating your mind to deal 3 Magical Evil Damage to the target per second for 6 seconds and convert 100% of it into the caster’s life force. The spell is canceled if the Warlock moves.
3
Power of Sacrifice
Curses the target with sacrifice, taking 3 Magical Curse Damage per second but increasing Strength and Vigor by +15 over 12 seconds.
Max Level Warlock Build
When youreach level 20 with the Warlockand unlock every perk slot, you can use the build below for this class.
Spell Memory
In the late game, having asingle ‘Spell Memory’ is more than enoughto have multiple high-tier spells. On your other ability, having’Phantomize’ helps you escape sticky situationsand regroup with your team.
Best Equipment For Warlock
If you’re looking for equipment for your Warlock, you can buy most beginner items from theFortune Teller and Leather Smith. Once you reach the mid to late game, you should try to use aKnowledge and Will heavy build with Spellbooks.
If you prefer playingdefensively, equipping aone-handed shieldinstead of a crystal ball will be better for you. Also, try to equip pendants and rings that either provideextra knowledge or willstat bonuses.
