Beginner’s Guide

Underkeep is a classic-style dungeon crawler where grid movement, a four-hero party, and turn-based combat shape each expedition. The world is handcrafted, and the game asks players to explore, find items, solve puzzles, and manage stamina and mana. Use these basics to make a first run easier to follow.

Build a balanced party

Choose four adventurers whose strengths complement one another. Decide who should take the lead in dangerous fights, who can support the group, and which characters provide other useful actions. Read the current class and skill descriptions before spending points; do not rely on class advice from a different title.

Explore with a map plan

The in-game automap supports custom markers. Mark suspicious walls, locked doors, and unfinished business as soon as you find them. This keeps the party from repeating the same search when a puzzle or route requires a later return.

Spend resources deliberately

Underkeep’s battles are turn-based, so you can take time to consider movement and action order. Stamina and mana matter across an expedition. Save powerful actions for moments when they change the fight, and check the party before entering an unfamiliar section.

Keep an honest route log

Handcrafted areas may contain hidden passages and optional bosses, but exact names and rewards should come from the game itself. Record what you have confirmed, leave unknown map locations marked for later, and update your notes when a route opens. This creates a reliable personal guide without importing mechanics from another game with a similar name.

A steady first session is more useful than rushing toward the next exit. Move through the grid deliberately, read the available ability and equipment descriptions, and use map notes to preserve discoveries. When a route is blocked, explore nearby branches for clues or puzzles before assuming you need to return much later. Keep the four heroes’ roles in mind during turn-based fights, and adjust the group as you learn what each encounter asks of you. Exact class availability and balance may change, so check your installed version.

A steady first session is more useful than rushing toward the next exit. Move through the grid deliberately, read the available ability and equipment descriptions, and use map notes to preserve discoveries. When a route is blocked, explore nearby branches for clues or puzzles before assuming you need to return much later. Keep the four heroes’ roles in mind during turn-based fights, and adjust the group as you learn what each encounter asks of you. Exact class availability and balance may change, so check your installed version.