To keep your team in a good condition, we will explain how to build relationships in Darkest Dungeon 2. Relationships in Darkest Dungeon 2 are of significant importance since if built correctly, the Heroes will receive buffs, improving their ability to fight and deal with stress. The bad side of the mechanic is that if you do not maintain it properly, it will negatively affect the entire team and the game will become tougher to play.
Fortunately, there are many ways to maintain good relationships between heroes and get the most out of their synergy. Nevertheless, you need to follow certain rules to avoid accidentally worsening the relationship between the characters and ruining your expedition.
How to build affinity between party members in Darkest Dungeon 2
Each hero has an Affinity scale, and at the beginning of the battle, it has a neutral value. Later, depending on your actions, the scale will begin to reflect the level of the relationship, which determines whether your team will be strengthened or penalised. In order to keep the relationship in good shape, you need to be able to distinguish between the moods of the characters. Gold pips mean that the affinity is in good condition, and Blue pips mean that the affinity level is low.
Here's what they can be like:
- Unfriendly
- Envious
- Hateful
- Resentful
- Suspicious
- Tumultuous
- Amorous
- Hopeful
- Inseparable
- Respectful
In order for the team to be in good relationships, you need to make choices that allies will like the most. Thus, be sure to pay attention to who you are restoring. Try to buff, reduce stress, guard, or heal the heroes with the lowest stats. They will be sure that they are supported and their level of affinity will increase.
It is also worth using items that will increase the level of affinity:
- Boxing Gloves
- Candles and Chocolate
- Dartboard
- Playing Cards
- Pipeweed
- Roast Pig
- Songbook of Amorous Ballads
- Songbook of Touching Dirges
- The Wine
- Whiskey Barrel
- Whiskey Bottle
Another important factor that can negatively affect the level of affinity is stress. It is important that this indicator does not reach level 10, because the Meltdown will appear. Because of this, their health will decrease and their attitude towards others may become negative.
Also, to maintain affinity, you need to make decisions that will not disappoint teammates, namely ignoring allies who need help the most, making choices that allies do not like, and moving a hero with high stress.
If you follow our advice and keep an eye on the affinity scale, your allies will be in a good mood and your expeditions will end successfully. For good relationships, you just need to make the right decisions!
And if you're looking to learn even more about the game, feel free to read our article, where we discuss the best team composition in Darkest Dungeon 2. For more on the game, feel free to read our guide on how to equip Trinkets in Darkest Dungeon 2. Also, we've got an article on whether Darkest Dungeon 2 is coming to PS5, Xbox, and Switch.