Embark on a journey through the treacherous world of Darkest Dungeon, a unique RPG that delves deep into the fragile psyche of its heroic characters. Unlike traditional role-playing games, Darkest Dungeon explores the mental toll of conflict on its protagonists, revealing the raw reality of their struggles with sanity.

As players navigate the game's dungeons, their characters accumulate stress from the myriad challenges they face. When stress levels hit 100, afflictions plague the heroes, affecting their performance and potentially leading to fatal heart attacks. Players must manage these afflictions by seeking solace in the town's church or tavern. In Darkest Dungeon, the harsh truth unfolds - not all heroes return home. Here are the most severe afflictions players encounter.

9 Rapturous

Exclusive to the Flagellant Class

The first DLC for Darkest Dungeon introduces the Flagellant, a frontline healer immune to afflictions except Rapturous. This affliction triggers frequent erratic actions with an 8.3% chance of party stress, self-attacking, or attacking allies, posing a significant challenge in battles.

8 Refracted

Exclusive to Color of Madness DLC

Refracted is a unique affliction from the Darkest Dungeon's Color of Madness DLC. Characters exposed to the Farmstead in this DLC may suffer Refracted, leading to behaviors like refusing healing or camp activities, challenging player strategy.

7 Fearful

Increased Act-out Risk, Harmless to Allies

Amidst the dungeon's terrors, heroes may succumb to Fearful affliction, leading to actions like party stress or backward movement. While not directly harmful to allies, this affliction reduces combat effectiveness by causing missed turns and lower damage output.

6 Hopeless

Lesser Self-infliction Odds

When facing the dungeon's horrors, heroes can spiral into Hopeless states, occasionally attacking themselves. This affliction poses risks to the party as it may lead to refusal to retreat or accept healing, creating precarious situations for the entire group.

5 Paranoid

Reduced Damage Output, Ally Misjudgment

Trapped in the dungeon's shadows, heroes may develop Paranoid traits, mistrusting even allies. While gaining dodging abilities, the affliction lowers damage potential, with a risk of attacking allies. This behavior, coupled with act-outs, can disrupt group dynamics significantly.

4 Masochistic

Increased Self-harm Tendencies

The intensity of combat and perilous adventures can drive heroes to become Masochistic, endangering themselves. With a penchant for self-attack and marking, these heroes pose a threat to the party's stability, complicating combat scenarios and interactions with dungeon curios.

3 Irrational

Heightened Act-out Risk

Under relentless stress, heroes may develop Irrational traits, risking self-harm and irrational decisions. With significant act-out probabilities, including self-attack and refusal to retreat or heal, this affliction challenges player control and strategic planning.

2 Selfish

Stress Inducer and Loot Greed

In dire circumstances, heroes can exhibit Selfish behaviors, amplifying party stress and risking loot theft. With a tendency for self-serving actions like passing turns or using random skills, these heroes strain group dynamics and jeopardize mission success.

1 Abusive

Aggressive and Stress-inducing Behavior

When pushed to their limits, heroes may turn Abusive, inflicting stress and attacking allies. With heightened damage potential and a propensity for intra-party aggression, these afflicted heroes pose a significant threat to the group's cohesion and effectiveness.