Weapon Overview — Melee & Ranged
Darkwood offers a variety of melee and ranged weapons. Each has unique stats, durability, and crafting requirements.
Melee Weapons
| Weapon | Damage | Speed | Durability | Crafting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shovel | 25 | Slow | High | Found (starting hideout) |
| Improved Shovel | 35 | Slow | Very High | Shovel + 2 Scrap Metal |
| Axe | 40 | Slow | High | Found (Forest House) |
| Board with Nails | 20 | Medium | Low | 3 Wood + 2 Nails |
| Pitchfork | 30 | Fast | Medium | Found (Farm) |
| Knife | 15 | Very Fast | Low | Found (Various) |
| Chainsaw | 60 | Very Slow | Low | Found (Sawmill) — requires fuel |
Ranged Weapons
| Weapon | Damage | Ammo | Range | Crafting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting Rifle | 80 | Bullets | Long | Found (Hunter's Cabin) |
| Double-Barrel Shotgun | 100 | Shells | Short | Found (Police Station) |
| Pistol | 40 | Bullets | Medium | Found (Various) |
| Molotov Cocktail | 50 (DoT) | N/A | Short | Bottle + Cloth + Alcohol |
| Glass Shard | 15 | N/A | Short | Broken Bottle |
💡 Pro Tip: The Improved Shovel is the best early-game weapon. It has high durability, good damage, and can break barricades. Upgrade your shovel as soon as you find scrap metal.
Best Builds — Loadout Strategies
The Survivalist — Balanced Loadout
Weapons: Improved Shovel + Pistol
Tools: Flashlight, Lockpick, Bandages (x3)
Throwables: Molotov Cocktail (x2)
Playstyle: Use the shovel for melee combat and barricade breaking. The pistol is for emergencies. This build is versatile and works in any situation.
Best For: Beginners and general exploration.
The Trapper — Defensive Loadout
Weapons: Axe + Hunting Rifle
Tools: Bear Traps (x4), Flashlight, Bandages (x2)
Throwables: Glass Shards (x3)
Playstyle: Place bear traps around your hideout before night. Use the rifle for long-range kills during the day. The axe handles close encounters.
Best For: Night defense and hideout fortification.
The Aggressor — High Damage Loadout
Weapons: Chainsaw + Double-Barrel Shotgun
Tools: Fuel Can (x2), Bandages (x5)
Throwables: Molotov Cocktail (x3)
Playstyle: The chainsaw destroys enemies quickly but consumes fuel. The shotgun is your backup. This build is resource-intensive but devastating.
Best For: Late-game clearing and boss fights.
Advanced Crafting Recipes
- Electric Trap: 3 Scrap Metal, 2 Wire, 1 Battery. Deals 40 damage to enemies that touch it. Requires generator power.
- Armor Vest: 4 Cloth, 2 Scrap Metal. Reduces incoming damage by 25%. Essential for late-game areas.
- First Aid Kit: 3 Bandages, 1 Alcohol. Heals 75 HP instantly. Better than carrying multiple bandages.
- Silencer: 1 Pipe, 1 Cloth. Attaches to pistol. Reduces noise, making it safer to use at night.
- Night Vision Goggles: 2 Lenses, 1 Battery, 1 Wire. Allows you to see in the dark without a flashlight.
- Reinforced Door: 6 Wood, 4 Scrap Metal, 3 Nails. A door that enemies cannot break through. Requires workbench.
For base building tips, see our Darkwood Beginner Guide.
Weapon Upgrades & Repairs
Weapons degrade with use. Here is how to maintain them:
- Repair at workbench: Costs scrap metal. The amount depends on the weapon's current durability.
- Upgrade damage: Some weapons can be upgraded at a workbench with additional materials. The Improved Shovel is an example.
- Chainsaw fuel: The chainsaw requires fuel to run. One fuel can provides 60 seconds of operation.
- Firearm maintenance: Guns do not degrade, but they require ammunition. Craft bullets at a workbench with scrap metal and gunpowder.
- Durability management: Switch between weapons to distribute durability loss. Do not rely on a single weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon in Darkwood?
The Chainsaw has the highest DPS but consumes fuel. The Improved Shovel is the best all-around weapon.
How do I get the Hunting Rifle?
Find it in the Hunter's Cabin in the Forest. The cabin is located in the northwestern area of the map.
What is the best loadout for night defense?
The Trapper loadout (Axe + Hunting Rifle + Bear Traps) is the best for surviving nights.
How do I craft bullets?
Build a workbench. Craft bullets using 2 Scrap Metal + 1 Gunpowder. Gunpowder is found in the Swamp.
What is the Armor Vest recipe?
4 Cloth + 2 Scrap Metal. Reduces incoming damage by 25%. Craft at a workbench.
How do I repair the Chainsaw?
Repair it at a workbench with scrap metal. It also requires fuel to operate.
What is the best early-game weapon?
The Improved Shovel. Upgrade your starting shovel with 2 scrap metal at a workbench.
Can I upgrade the Pistol?
Yes, you can add a Silencer to the Pistol. This reduces noise and makes it safer to use at night.