Dark and Darker: How to Complete the Test Run Quest

Quests in Dark and Darker are more than just optional tasks, they are essential stepping stones for character growth, reputation, and loot collection. One of the more beginner-friendly but still rewarding quests is called "Test Run." While it doesn't demand surviving a deadly dungeon run, it does require players to gather rare plants scattered across dangerous locations.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about completing the Test Run quest, including where to find the required plants, how to prepare for gathering, the rewards you'll earn.

Quest Overview

Tasks:

Fetch Phantom Flower (any rarity) x1

Fetch Wardweed (any rarity) x1

Fetch Lifeleaf (any rarity) x1

The structure of this quest is simple: find three specific plants and deliver them. The challenge lies in locating them in the midst of hostile environments filled with monsters and rival adventurers. Fortunately, since the quest accepts plants of any rarity, you don't have to worry about farming the rarest versions, you only need one of each.

Step 1: Preparing for the Hunt

Gathering may sound straightforward, but in Dark and Darker, nothing is truly safe. Even resource nodes are guarded by enemies or placed in zones where other players may ambush you. Preparation will drastically increase your chances of success.

Essential Preparations:

Light but Effective Gear: Since this isn't a combat-heavy quest, you don't need your best loadout. Equip affordable but decent armor and weapons to fend off smaller threats. Saving your best Dark and Darker Items for more combat-oriented quests is a smart move.

Consumables: Carry bandages, potions, and torches. The plants are often located in darker or less-traveled areas. Spending Dark and Darker Gold on healing supplies beforehand ensures you can recover from unexpected fights.

Backpack Space: Make sure you leave enough inventory slots open for the three plants. Nothing's worse than finding a quest item only to discover you can't carry it.

Step 2: Where to Find the Quest Items

Phantom Flower

Phantom Flowers are often located in shadowy corners of crypts or caverns. They emit a faint glow, making them easier to spot in darker areas. Watch out for enemy mobs nearby, they're often positioned to protect resource nodes.

Wardweed

Wardweed typically grows in damp or swampy sections of dungeons. It blends into the environment, so keeping a torch handy will help you distinguish it from background textures. Wardweed is often guarded by packs of small creatures, so clear them carefully.

Lifeleaf

As its name suggests, Lifeleaf is found in areas rich with natural or magical energy, often near ruins or sacred spots within the dungeon. Expect stronger monsters near Lifeleaf nodes, making this plant the hardest of the three to safely gather.

Pro Tip: If you're in a party, assign roles, one player can gather while others provide protection. This reduces the risk of being interrupted while picking plants.

Step 3: Surviving the Run

Once you've gathered all three plants, your goal is simple: survive long enough to complete the quest hand-in. Many players make the mistake of pushing deeper into dungeons after completing their objectives, hoping to loot more Dark and Darker Items. While this can pay off, it also increases your chances of dying and losing everything.

Here are some survival tips:

Exit Early: Once you've got Phantom Flower, Wardweed, and Lifeleaf, prioritize finding an escape portal.

Avoid Greed: Don't chase high-value loot if your health and supplies are low. You'll have plenty of time for farming after the quest is secured.

Watch for Players: Human opponents are often a bigger threat than monsters. Stay cautious and avoid unnecessary fights.

Rewards Breakdown

Completing Test Run is well worth the effort. Here's what you'll get:

75 Unique Gold Coin: A generous reward for a gathering quest. These unique coins can be stockpiled or traded for valuable upgrades. Converting them into Dark and Darker Gold effectively fuels future runs.

2 Random Uncommon Armor: This is the real prize. Armor upgrades are vital in Dark and Darker, and even if the pieces you get don't match your class, you can sell or trade them. Many players rely on quests like this to steadily build their collection of useful Dark and Darker Items.

150 Experience: A substantial XP boost, helping you level faster and unlock more abilities.

Tips for Success

Scout First Runs: Use early dungeon attempts to learn spawn points for the plants.

Travel Light: Equip only what you need to reduce risk if you die.

Farm Efficiently: Combine gathering runs with loot farming to maximize returns.

Keep Gold Flowing: Always reinvest your Dark and Darker Gold into consumables and minor upgrades, you'll get more value from consistent survival than flashy gear.

Final Thoughts

The Test Run quest may not seem as flashy as slaying a boss or exploring a deadly crypt, but it's an important step for adventurers in Dark and Darker. By collecting Phantom Flower, Wardweed, and Lifeleaf, you'll not only earn valuable rewards like Dark and Darker Gold and uncommon armor, but you'll also sharpen your survival skills in dangerous environments.

Every quest is an opportunity to grow stronger, collect more Dark and Darker Items, and prepare for the bigger challenges ahead. Approach the Test Run quest with patience, caution, and preparation, and you'll complete it successfully, emerging richer, tougher, and better equipped for whatever comes next.