Low light raises enemy damage and ambush chance but improves loot. Managing torch level is a risk dial you control.
Why this matters
Dark runs pay more and hit harder. Knowing when to drop or raise the torch keeps the risk profitable.
Step-by-step
- Start runs at high torch for safety.
- Drop the torch when the party is confident.
- Raise the torch before boss fights.
- Watch ambush chance as light drops.
- Bring more torches for long dark runs.
- Use light-based trinkets to widen the safe zone.
- Retreat from dark rooms with heavy enemies.
Tips
- High torch for bosses, low torch for loot
- Ambush chance climbs as light drops
- Torch trinkets stretch your supply
- Dark runs pay better — when they pay
Common mistakes
- Running dark through boss fights
- Letting the torch hit zero unprepared
- Ignoring the ambush warning
- Dark runs with a stressed party
Practical notes
A low torch raises ambush and surprise chance, so scout and position before each room. A surprised party eats the first hit. Keep one hero able to act on turn one. A ready stun denies the ambush follow-up. Keep torch above the ambush threshold unless you hunt Shamblers. A lit hall avoids the surprise.
A surprised party eats the opening hit and can lose a hero before acting. Keep one hero able to act on turn one, and use a stun to deny the ambush follow-up. Keep torch above the danger threshold unless you are deliberately hunting Shamblers for their loot. Read the torch and provision rules and when to retreat before pushing a low-light dungeon.