KeeperRL: Tips & Strategy Guide for Beginners

Welcome to my beginner’s guide to KeeperRL, an excellent, in-depth strategy game that combines dungeon building with intense tactical combat.

Since it can get overwhelming really fast, I am here to share with you the top tips and strategies you should be aware of early on in KeeperRL. So let’s jump right in!

Knight or Wizard?

When you start a new game, you’re presented with a choice between playing as a Knight or a Mage.

While expert players tend to choose the latter because it offers a lot more, for beginners it’s actually best to go with the Knight.

It is a lot easier to manage initially as it has some pretty straightforward skills. Once you play a couple of times as a Knight, you can try the wizard.

Related reading: A similar game is Dwarf Fortress. I recommend reading about the game: how to make a tavern or how to build a temple in the game.

Building Your Dungeon

The first step in KeeperRL is to establish your dungeon. Start by digging into mountains to create a space for it.

Keep in mind that digging into granite does not yield resources, so you’ll need to find these elsewhere.

You’ll also need to manage your resources carefully. These include gold, wood, stone, iron, and so on.

Early on, setting up a storage zone for wood and other resources is crucial for keeping your dungeon organized and progressing faster.

Prioritize Task Management

Speaking of building, one of the first things I learned is the importance of task management.

KeeperRL allows you to prioritize tasks for your imps. Need those beds made ASAP? Just hit the prioritize button, and watch your imps spring into action. It’s a must do if you want to ensure that your dungeon runs smoothly!

If you enjoy playing RPGs, make sure to check out our previous article sharing the Best RPGs with Romance Options.

Expanding and Defending

As your dungeon grows, so does the attention it attracts. You’ll need to be prepared for attacks from various enemies. To defend your dungeon effectively:

Fortify entrances: Create choke points that funnel enemies into traps or areas where you can easily attack them.
Use natural barriers: Utilize mountains and other natural features to limit the directions from which enemies can approach.
Train your minions: Ensure you have a capable force of defenders by training them in your dungeon’s training rooms.

As your dungeon grows, so should your defenses. Expanding into the mountain not only provides more room but also more protection. And remember, the deeper you go, the richer the resources (but also, the greater the danger).

Understand Your Minions

Not all minions are created equal. Some are better at crafting, while others excel in combat.

By getting to know their strengths and weaknesses, you can assign tasks more effectively and form a well-rounded defense force.

Exploring the World

Exploration is key in KeeperRL. You’ll find resources, allies, and enemies scattered across the map.

Be cautious when venturing into unknown territories, as dangers lurk everywhere. Use scouts to safely explore new areas before sending in your main forces.

Re-rolling the map to your liking and strategically choosing your biome can significantly impact your game.

While this will become more obvious as you have more experience, the main things to look for early on are being close to your allies, or close to lesser villains for easy points.

Finally, have in mind that hollow spots on the map can hide valuable resources or serve as natural traps for unwary invaders. And don’t forget about using darkness to your advantage; enemies are less effective at night.

Raiding and Combat

Raiding enemy encampments can provide you with valuable resources and weaken potential threats.

However, it’s essential to assess the strength of your opponents before attacking. Utilize stealth, strategic positioning, and the strengths of your minions to succeed in combat.

Also, equipment matters – a lot. Ensuring your warriors are well-equipped can mean the difference between life and death in a raid. Don’t just craft blindly (although early on you will probably do so); equip your minions with the gear that best suits their roles.

Magic is Your Friend

Last but certainly not least, don’t underestimate the power of magic. Sorcery can turn the tide of battle, unlock new building options, and bolster your defenses. Invest in magic early, and watch your dungeon thrive.

As I said, once you get a bit more experienced, it’s a good idea to switch over to the Wizard and try a new approach.

Final Thoughts

KeeperRL is a complex game that rewards strategic planning and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies, and learn from each attempt.

Every failure is a step towards mastering the game. And worry not – everybody sucks during their first few plays!

I hope this guide helps you get better at KeeperRL. If you have some additional tips of your own, don’t hesitate to let us all know by sharing your comments below.

If you want to keep reading, I recommend checking out the article sharing the Best RPGs with Job Systems.

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Calin Ciabai

Common Sense Gamer’s founder and current Editor in Chief. Having a bachelor’s degree in journalism since 2007, Calin’s entire career revolves around writing about video games – something he’s been doing since 2008.