Locusts: Symbolism, Destruction & Lore

Locusts represent symbols deeply rooted in ancient lore and modern storytelling. Locust swarms embody destruction and plague in religious texts and folklore. The Book of Exodus features locusts, they are a divine punishment. Their ravenous consumption links them to themes of famine. Dark and darker fantasy settings use locusts, they evoke themes of decay and despair. Across cultures, locusts symbolize the transient yet devastating power of nature. They highlight the precariousness of human existence.

Alright, adventurer, let’s talk about those creepy crawlies that make the dungeons of Dark and Darker a whole lot less fun: Locusts. You know, those buzzing, biting, and generally bothersome bugs that seem to pop up at the worst possible moments.

So, what are Locusts in the Dark and Darker universe? Simply put, they’re your garden-variety (if your garden is a monster-infested dungeon) nuisance enemy. Think of them as the rats of the crypt, but with wings and a serious attitude problem. They’re not the biggest threat you’ll face, but underestimate them at your own peril!

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Why Bother Learning About These Pesky Pests?

“Why should I waste my time learning about Locusts?” you might ask. “I’ve got Goblins and Skeletons to worry about!” Fair point, but trust me, understanding Locusts can be a game-changer. They appear so frequently in the dungeons that ignoring them is like ignoring a leaky faucet – annoying at first, but eventually it’ll flood your whole house (or, in this case, get you killed).

Think of it this way: mastering the art of Locust-slaying is like learning to ride a bike with no training wheels. It might seem scary at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be zipping through those dungeons like a pro. So, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to dive into the wonderful (and slightly terrifying) world of Locusts!

What’s on the Menu?

In this guide, we’re going to dissect everything you need to know about these chitinous critters, including:

How they group up and attack (swarm mentality, anyone?)
Where they like to hang out in the dungeon.
How to manage their aggro so you don’t end up swarmed.
How to dodge their attacks like a ninja.
The best gear to protect yourself.
Class-specific strategies to turn you into a Locust-slaying machine.

Get ready to become the ultimate Locust exterminator!

The Swarm Mentality: How Locusts Group and Attack

Let’s talk about why these little buggers are such a pain – it’s all about their teamwork, or rather, their swarmwork! You’ll rarely find a lone Locust chilling in a dungeon corner. No, they prefer to roll deep, and understanding this “swarm mentality” is key to not becoming Locust lunch.

Locust Swarm Size: Safety in Numbers (and Annoyance)

So, how many Locusts are we talking about? Generally, you can expect to encounter swarms ranging from 3 to 6 Locusts. Sounds manageable, right? Don’t get cocky! Their sheer numbers, combined with their surprisingly nippy attacks, can quickly turn a promising dungeon run into a desperate retreat.

Overwhelmed by the Horde: Why Numbers Matter

Imagine this: you’re creeping down a dimly lit corridor, feeling pretty good about your gear, when suddenly, BAM! Three, four, maybe even five of these chitinous critters come scuttling out of the shadows. Each one only does a little damage, but those little hits add up FAST. Before you know it, you’re surrounded, your health bar is dropping faster than your framerate in a goblin village, and you’re spamming potions like they’re going out of style. That’s the swarm effect in action, folks.

Swarm Combat: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Is it always bad to engage a swarm? Not necessarily! Here’s a quick pros and cons list:

Pros:
- Experience: More enemies, more experience points! If you’re grinding levels, swarms can be a decent source of XP.
- Loot: More enemies, more chances for loot…though Locusts aren’t exactly known for dropping legendary gear. Don’t expect much more than a few coins or a crusty bandage.
Cons:
- Damage: Getting swarmed means taking a lot of hits, which can quickly drain your health and resources.
- Risk: The risk of being overwhelmed is high, especially for solo players or those with poor gear.
- Time: Fighting a swarm can take time, leaving you vulnerable to other players or depleting your food supplies.

Swarm Avoidance: Tactic Time!

Alright, so sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. How do you avoid becoming a Locust buffet? Here are a few tried-and-true tactics:

Narrow Corridors: Locusts are less effective when they can’t surround you. Ducking into a narrow corridor limits their ability to swarm, allowing you to take them on one or two at a time.
Breaking Line of Sight: Those little buggers have beady eyes but aren’t particularly bright. Ducking behind a corner or object can cause them to lose track of you, giving you a chance to reposition or escape. Think of it like a medieval game of peek-a-boo…with deadly consequences.
Utilizing Choke Points: Similar to narrow corridors, choke points (like doorways or tight archways) funnel the Locusts into a single file, making them much easier to manage. Stand just inside the doorway and pick them off as they come through. It’s like setting up a tiny, buggy bottleneck.

Dungeon Habitat: Where to Find (and Avoid) Locusts

Alright, let’s talk real estate – Locust real estate, that is. Knowing where these buzzing blighters like to hang out is half the battle. It’s like knowing the best fishing spots, but instead of catching dinner, you’re trying not to become dinner. Understanding the usual haunts of locusts will help you determine where to be cautious. Keep in mind these are monsters and like all monsters they can be hard to predict and this guide is only a guide.

Common Locust Hangouts

Think damp, dark, and generally unpleasant places. Locusts aren’t exactly sunbathers. You’ll frequently find them:

In web-filled chambers: If you see more cobwebs than a Halloween decoration store, proceed with extreme caution.
Along dimly lit corridors: They love those shadowy areas where you can barely see your hand in front of your face. The darker and spookier, the better the chance of a swarm.
In overgrown, forgotten rooms: Think of areas that look like the dungeon’s equivalent of a storage unit – those are prime Locust territory. These are usually big rooms, the sort that have no loot in them and are easily forgettable and ignorable.
Near stagnant pools or damp floors: Moisture is their friend, so any area that feels particularly dank is worth a second look.

Environmental Cues: Warning Signs of a Locust Infestation

These aren’t always foolproof, but they’re good indicators that you’re entering a Locust zone:

Dense Cobwebs: We already mentioned it, but it’s worth repeating. Excessive webbing is a clear sign.
A musty or earthy smell: If the air smells less like dungeon and more like a forgotten basement, Locusts might be nearby.
The faint buzzing sound: Listen closely! Sometimes you can hear them before you see them. It’s like a tiny, horrifying orchestra tuning up.
Unusually dark areas: Spots where torches flicker and die quickly, leaving you in near-total darkness, are favored by these little guys.

Open Rooms vs. Narrow Passages: Adapting Your Strategy

The dungeon layout dramatically impacts how you’ll fight Locusts.

Open Rooms: These are death traps if you’re not careful. The Locusts can surround you quickly, turning you into a pincushion. Keep moving, use area-of-effect attacks, and try to lure them into a smaller area if possible.
Narrow Passages: These are your friends. Locusts struggle to swarm in tight spaces, making it easier to pick them off one by one. Use those choke points to your advantage.

Map Awareness: Predicting Locust Encounters

While I can’t exactly paste in a dynamic map here, pay attention to these types of areas on your dungeon maps:

Dead Ends: Locusts love dead ends because adventurers are easily trapped. Be careful when exploring the edges of the map.
Rooms with multiple entrances: These allow Locusts to flank you easily, so always have an escape route planned.
Areas marked with symbols suggesting pests or vermin: If the dungeon architects were kind enough to label the Locust zones, take the hint.

Remember, knowledge is power! By learning where these creepy crawlies like to set up shop, you’ll be much better prepared to face them head-on… or maybe just sneak past. Good luck, and try not to get swarmed!

Aggro Mechanics: Understanding Locust Detection and Targeting

Ever felt those creepy crawlies zeroing in on you the moment you stepped into that dusty room? Yeah, that’s the Locusts’ aggro at work. Think of it as their sixth sense for detecting juicy adventurers ripe for the picking! Knowing how this aggro system works is key to not becoming Locust lunch. Let’s dive into how these bugs spot you, so you can outsmart them!

Aggro Range: How Close is Too Close?

First off, let’s talk distances. Imagine the Locusts have a personal bubble – a no-go zone if you will. Get too close, and they’re gonna notice. Generally, their aggro range is about medium distance. That’s not super far. You can usually see them before they see you, but don’t get cocky! It’s definitely a good idea to play around with a couple of different test runs and get a good visual estimate.

Trigger Happy: Sight, Sound, and Proximity

So, what sets them off? It’s a trifecta of trouble:

Sight: Obvious, right? If they see you, they’re coming for you. Especially if you’re glistening in the light (more on that later).
Sound: Clang your sword against a wall, or maybe shout a battle cry? Think again! They’re sensitive to loud noises. Walking normally you should be okay but running will probably alert them
Proximity: Sometimes, just being in the same room is enough. They get a whiff of your adventurer scent and come scurrying.

Breaking Bad (Aggro): Stealth and Line of Sight

Alright, so you’ve got their attention. Now what? Good news: you can ditch them.

Stealth: If you’re sneaky enough (Rogues, I’m looking at you!), you can use stealth to disappear from their radar. Just make sure they haven’t already fully locked on.
Line of Sight: This is your best friend. Duck behind a corner, close a door, or anything to break that visual connection. They’ll get confused and wander off… for a little while.

Pulling the Strings: Individual and Small Group Tactics

Want to control the battlefield? Learn to pull Locusts strategically. Instead of charging into a room and waking everyone up, try these:

Patience is Key: Wait for one or two to wander closer to the doorway, then quickly engage.
Strategic Noise: A well-placed rock toss can lure a few away from the pack, allowing you to deal with them on your terms.

Mastering these aggro mechanics will turn you from Locust bait into a Locust hunter. Good luck down there!

Mobility and Attack Patterns: Predicting and Evading Locust Attacks

Let’s be real, those chittering Locusts aren’t exactly Olympic sprinters, but they’re also not snails. Getting a feel for their speed is key to not becoming a dungeon snack. We’ll break down how fast they move relative to you, so you can judge whether you’ve got time to chug that health potion or need to book it. Knowing their speed relative to your character can save you a lot of trouble, and maybe even your life!

Next up, attack range. You don’t want to be caught off guard by a sneaky Locust lunge! We’ll talk about how far they can reach and if there’s any telegraphing (a.k.a., any warning signs before they strike). Spotting those tells will let you dodge and weave like a pro, making them look silly as they swing and miss. Think of it as a dance… a deadly dance, but still a dance!

Speaking of dancing, let’s choreograph your steps. We’re diving into their most common attack patterns. Are they lunging? Swarming? Do they have a special move like a venomous spit or a ground pound? Knowing their routines will turn you into a Locust-predicting machine. Understanding their attack patterns helps you anticipate their moves, giving you the upper hand in combat.

Now, let’s get tactical. The dungeons aren’t just for monsters; they’re full of handy features! We’ll explore how to use terrain like corners and obstacles to mess with their mobility. Think of it as turning the dungeon into your own personal obstacle course, where you’re the only one who knows the shortcuts! Use corners and obstacles to your advantage to limit their mobility.

Finally, footwork! Should you strafe like a ninja, or backpedal like you’re running from your responsibilities? We’ll figure out the optimal movement for dodging those pesky attacks, so you can stay alive and keep those Locusts wishing they’d stayed home. Mastering these movement patterns will greatly increase your survivability against Locust swarms.

Damage Types: What Exactly Are We Up Against?

Alright, so you’ve bravely ventured into the depths, and those creepy-crawly Locusts are giving you the side-eye. Before you start swinging wildly, let’s break down what kind of ouch they’re packing. Knowing their damage type is half the battle! Are they slinging magic, or are they just biting with their creepy little mandibles? Understanding this is key to surviving.

Damage Type: The primary damage type dealt by Locusts is physical. Think bites, scratches, and general nasty swarm-inflicted pain. While they might not be casting spells, getting swarmed can feel like a magical form of agony!

Fortifying Your Defenses: Armor Up!

So, physical damage it is! Time to play dress-up with your character. Not all armor is created equal, folks. We want to prioritize protection against their chompers!

Armor Recommendations: Focus on armor with high physical armor ratings. Plate armor and chainmail are your friends here. Consider pieces with bonuses to armor rating or physical damage reduction. Keep an eye on your movement speed though, don’t want to be a slowpoke!
Stat Prioritization: Besides the raw armor value, look for stats like physical resistance or percentage-based damage reduction. A little bit of magic resistance won’t hurt, just in case, but physical is your priority.

Defensive Moves: Show Off Those Skills!

You’re not just a walking tank; you’ve got skills! Knowing when and how to use them can turn a deadly encounter into a stylish victory.

Blocking: If your class has a block skill, master it. Timing your blocks to absorb those Locust attacks can save you a ton of health. Practice makes perfect!
Dodging: Nimble classes, this is your moment! Learn the Locusts’ attack patterns and strafe or roll out of the way. It’s like a morbid dance, but with higher stakes.

Positioning Like a Pro: Don’t Be a Locust Buffet

Where you stand can be as important as what you’re wearing. Don’t just stand there like a stunned Ogre!

Avoid Being Surrounded: This is crucial! Locusts are at their deadliest when they can surround you. Back yourself into a corner, hallway, or against a wall to limit their attack angles. Control the battlefield!
Maintain Distance (If Possible): Ranged classes, use your advantage. Kite the Locusts, keeping them at a distance where you can deal damage without getting swarmed. “Hit and run” should be your new motto.

Remember, knowledge is power. Knowing their damage type, gearing up appropriately, and utilizing smart positioning and defensive skills can turn those pesky Locusts from a terrifying threat into a manageable nuisance. Now get out there and show ’em who’s boss!

Class-Specific Strategies: Tailoring Tactics to Your Playstyle

Alright, adventurers, let’s talk shop about how to really make those Locusts regret ever crawling out of their grubby little holes. Because let’s face it, every class has its own special sauce when it comes to monster-mashing. So, whether you’re a beefy Fighter, a sneaky Rogue, or a spell-slinging Wizard, we’ve got a game plan for you.

Fighter: The Locust Lawn Mower

Skills: Let’s be real, you’re the tank. Skills like Second Wind are your bread and butter for staying in the fight. And don’t forget Iron Will – nothing says “Locusts, get off my lawn!” like resisting their attempts to disrupt your carnage.
Weapon Choices: Go big or go home, right? High-damage melee weapons are your friend here. Axes, swords, even that giant maul you found – anything that turns Locusts into a fine paste.
Tanking 101: Your job is to be the Locust magnet. Draw their aggro, keep them focused on you, and let your squishier buddies do their thing. Think of it as a public service, really.

Rogue: The Shadowy Exterminator

Skills: Ah, the art of hit-and-run. Hide is your best friend for repositioning or avoiding fights altogether. And when you need to burst down a Locust, Rupture is your go-to for big damage.
Flanking and Assassination: You’re the ninja of the dungeon. Use your superior mobility to get behind the swarm and pick off Locusts one by one. A well-placed dagger in the back? Chef’s kiss.
Stealth is Key: Not every fight is worth fighting. Use your stealth skills to bypass Locusts entirely. Why risk it when you can sneak around and save your resources?

Wizard: The Magical Pest Control

Spells: Embrace the power of AOE (Area of Effect). Magic Missile is reliable, but for swarms, Fireball is a game-changer. Watch them scatter (or, well, burn).
Positioning: You’re a glass cannon, so stay back! Find a safe spot where you can nuke Locusts without becoming Locust chow.
Mana Management: You’re only as good as your mana pool. Use mana potions wisely, and don’t go overboard with those high-cost spells. A wizard with no mana is just a guy with a pointy hat.

Cleric: The Holy Healer and Buffer

Skills: Bless is your go-to skill that boosts the damage of your teammates significantly. It makes dealing with Locusts much easier and quicker. Divine Strike is also a powerful skill.
Positioning: Stay at the back of the party where you are safe.
Staying Alive: You need to stay alive. If you die, so does the party’s chance of survival.

Barbarian: The Roaring Destroyer

Skills: Being in the frontline calls for a bit more survivability. War Cry will definitely help with that.
Weapon Choices: Using a Double Axe makes the clear speed against hordes of locusts pretty fast.
Charge!: CHARGE!

Ranger: The Eagle-Eyed Hunter

Skills: Using Multishot is a great way to clear out groups of Locusts.
Positioning: You should stay behind the tank where it is safe for you to continuously attack without being in harms way.
Traps: Setting up traps can also prove useful in a lot of situations against Locusts.

Remember, these are just starting points. Experiment with different skills, weapons, and tactics to find what works best for your playstyle. And don’t be afraid to mix and match with your teammates for maximum Locust-squishing efficiency!

Risk vs. Reward: When to Bug Out or Bug In!

Alright, adventurers, let’s talk brass tacks: are these creepy-crawly Locusts worth the trouble? Are they just annoying or are they actually a hidden treasure chest disguised as a swarm of legs and mandibles? Knowing when to throw down and when to vamoose is crucial for surviving the dungeon’s depths and keeping your precious loot safe (and your sanity intact!).

Loot Drops: What’s on the Menu?

So, what do these little buggers actually drop? Let’s be honest, you’re not fighting them for the sheer joy of it (unless you’re really bored). Generally, you’re looking at pretty basic stuff. We’re talking about things like common crafting materials, maybe a chipped weapon if you’re lucky, and often, a whole lot of nothing. Don’t expect legendary gear to come raining down after squashing a few (dozen) of these guys!

XP Gains: Are They Level Up Material?

Experience points are the name of the game when you’re trying to get stronger. When it comes to Locusts, it’s not necessarily level-up material. The XP earned per Locust is typically quite low. You’re going to need a MASSIVE swarm to even make a dent in your XP bar, especially at higher levels.

The Price You Pay: Health, Time, and Sanity

Now for the downsides. Every fight costs something, even if you win. Health potions are precious, bandages take time to apply (time that other players or monsters could use to sneak up on you!), and let’s be real, fighting a swarm of insects is just plain stressful. Add to that the time it takes to clear the swarm, which could be spent searching for better loot or escaping the dungeon.

Engage! When Locusts Mean Loot and Levels

Okay, so when should you fight these little guys? Here’s the breakdown:

Need XP? If you’re a low-level character or desperately need to grind some levels. Even if the XP per Locust isn’t great, the sheer number of them can add up.
Material Hunting? Need crafting ingredients? Locusts may drop the components you require.
Convenient Swarm? If a swarm is standing between you and the exit or a treasure chest. Taking them out might be the path of least resistance.
Confident and Cocky? If you’re well-geared, have a strong party, and feel like showing those bugs who’s boss. Just don’t get overconfident!

Run Away! When Locusts Aren’t Worth the Hassle

Sometimes, discretion is the better part of valor. When should you make like a tree and leave?

Low Health? If you’re already injured and low on resources, don’t risk it. Locusts can quickly overwhelm you, and death means losing everything.
Tight on Time? If the circle is closing in or you’re trying to make it to an extraction point. Locusts are just a time sink.
Undergeared or Alone? If you’re rocking basic gear or flying solo, swarms can be incredibly dangerous. Not worth the risk, friend.
Better Things to Do? See a juicy-looking chest nearby? Hear other players approaching? Don’t waste time with bugs. Go get that sweet, sweet loot!

Environment Exploitation: Turning the Dungeon into Your Locust Trap

Okay, so you’re not exactly Rambo, and the idea of facing a biblical plague of bugs in a dimly lit dungeon probably makes your palms sweat. Fear not, adventurer! The dungeon itself can be your greatest ally in this buggy brawl. Forget fighting fair; let’s get dirty and use the environment to our advantage. Think of it as home-field advantage, but instead of cheering fans, you have groaning skeletons and potentially LOTS of angry locusts.

Corridors of (Limited) Doom: Squeeze ‘Em

Locusts might think they’re tough in a swarm, but narrow corridors are their kryptonite. These creepy crawlies rely on overwhelming you with numbers, but a tight hallway turns their strength into a weakness. Suddenly, that massive swarm becomes a disorganized queue waiting to get whacked. It’s like a Black Friday sale, but instead of TVs, you’re selling pain. Use those bottlenecks to your advantage; focus your attacks on the front line and watch the swarm crumble.

Doorways: Chokepoints of Champions

Doorways aren’t just for dramatically entering a room. They’re perfect chokepoints to funnel those buzzy baddies into a manageable stream. Stand just inside the doorway, let them come to you, and unleash your fury. It’s like setting up a tollbooth, except the toll is paid in locust lives. Just be mindful that too much incoming aggression will be very dangerous, prepare to quickly dash backwards in advance when fighting.

Traps: (Sometimes) It’s Not a Trap For YOU

Alright, let’s be honest: Dark and Darker traps are usually there to ruin your day. But, if you’re feeling crafty, can you lead the locusts into them? Imagine luring a swarm onto a pressure plate that triggers a volley of arrows or a crushing ceiling. It’s the ultimate “oops, wrong turn” moment for them.

Light and Shadow: Buggy Night Vision

Pay attention to the lighting in the dungeon. While the specific effects might vary (depending on game updates, of course!), it is generally a good rule of thumb that in the dark, visibility decreases for both you and the enemies. This can affect how far away Locusts can spot you and start chasing. In some cases, darker areas might give you a slight edge in avoiding them, or setting up an ambush. Alternatively, perhaps the light gives you better visibility for kiting them. Knowing this edge and understanding how these sneaky fellas act under certain lighting and shadows conditions is key.

So, next time you see a swarm of locusts in a movie or a dream, you’ll know it’s not just about bugs. It’s a symbol of something deeper, something darker, maybe even something personal. Keep an eye out, and you might just discover what the locusts are trying to tell you.