The Chaos Wastes DLC for Vermintide 2 can provide quite the challenge for even the most skilled party of players. These constantly shifting wastelands can be a little tricky to beat as a failure on even one stop in the Expedition means starting the whole thing all over again.
On lower difficulties, this isn't as much of an issue as you can regain that ground relatively easily, but above Champion and beyond every step is a battle and an entire party wipe can come out of nowhere in seconds. It can get particularly grueling on some of the later levels, especially the mind-bending Citadel of Eternity as wave after wave of Skaven, Chaos Warriors, and Beastmen (only if you have the Winds of Magic DLC) continually charge. So to keep your party alive until the end of your journey, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind on your next adventure into the Chaos Wastes.
10 Don't Wander Off
Although it may seem pretty obvious, getting separated from the group is incredibly easy in the sprawling lands of the Chaos Wastes.
The most dangerous thing you can do in Vermintide 2 is to be by yourself, you're stronger together and the second you wander off you're going to get grabbed by a Life Leech, or Packmaster, or a Minotaur from the Winds of Magic DLC could ambush you. Whilst exploration is encouraged in the Expeditions as rewards often lie just off the beaten path, try to explore as a group or at least in pairs of two to protect each other.
9 Spend Your Pilgrim Coins Wisely
Pilgrim Coins are the new currency in the Chaos Wastes DLC and they're used to buy new gear, upgrade your current weapons, and purchase boons at shrines in the level or at resting spots.
This currency is temporary and it can be hard to come by. So whilst spending a large amount of it on a group of upgrades in one guy might seem like a good idea, you could miss out on more expensive but powerful rewards later. Try to think about what you want to build your character toward at the start of each Expedition and then save or spend your coins appropriately.
8 Think About Your Route
Each area in the Chaos Wastes comes with its own modifiers that alter it in some way to make it more interesting. The changes could be something like less special infected, but a higher number of hordes or it could be under the gaze of a Chaos God which adds another layer of difficulty.
Each stop also provides a reward in the form of a boon as an extra incentive to try and clear it. You can just jump from one level to the next, but if you want to give yourself an extra advantage planning a route that provides the most beneficial rewards to your party should be your priority.
7 Have A Particular Build In Mind
One of the most unique things about the DLC is that it allows you to organically build and change your character as you go along. This is managed by picking up particular buffs as you progress through an Expedition.
For example, if you're using a tank try to aim for something that strengthens your ability to hit back, take hits and draw all the aggro. Or if you're using a fast DPS build, picking up a regen boon means you can nip in, do damage and then run away whilst healing back up to full health. Try to think tactically about what kind of playstyle will suit you and your team best.
6 Pick Your Party
In the base game of Vermintide, the type of class and career you play isn't going to impact the gameplay too much. But in the Expeditions, having the right party loadout can make quite the difference.
For example, in the same way that Overwatch makes sure everyone on the team has a role to play try to pick your party with a particular setup in mind that will shore up any weaknesses that could potentially appear. Also, if you're unsure if a specific team layout is going to work try testing it out in a dry run in the base game.
5 Always Keep A Potion Handy
A fun feature of the Chaos Wastes DLC is the addition of some new Potion's. These tonics provide a range of interesting and unique effects such as Stealth, Unlimited Bombs, Life Steal, or a temporary bump in your power level.
These potions sit in their own slot in your inventory in the same way a Strength, Speed, or Concentration bottle would. It's recommended that you keep one of these handy at all times as they can provide quite a helping hand in a tight spot.
4 Be Careful When Buying Boons
The Divine Boon upgrade stones that are scattered throughout the Chaos Wastes can be quite fickle at times. On one run they could strengthen your hero, whilst on another, they could completely knee-cap you since their reward is random.
For example, a melee build like the Grail Knight could be given abilities that work for only ranged attacks or someone in a Tank build could end up with Boons for a Healer. Their relatively high cost also means that you could miss out on a helpful upgrade later, so take a second before you buy one and consider if another Buff is what you need right now.
3 Communication Is Key
Arguably playing with a group is the best way to get through Vermintide 2 as being able to communicate easily is the key to great teamwork. Letting your party members know where you are, what's happening, or if there's a particular upgrade that you've found that could be beneficial only increases your odds of surviving.
Whilst playing with randoms online is still a completely feasible way to beat the Chaos Wastes, it's still infinitely and unnecessarily harder as nobody tends to talk. Posting in the chat or using the tag option is the absolute minimum for surviving, but mic up or try to bring a friend if you can.
2 Don't Upgrade Your Weapons Too Early
When you first start out on your adventure your weapons are pretty weak with most having a power level of around 300, and you'll definitely want to upgrade this as you progress as things will only get harder.
Whilst your initial instinct upon seeing a weapon shrine is to fling all of your Pilgrim Coins into it for a minuscule bump, holding off for a level or two can provide a bigger jump for a lot less. Early on in the game, the majority of shrines will provide a 50 or 100 power level increase, but later levels can sometimes provide higher power levels for a fraction of the price. So save up those coins and hold off for the bigger toys.
1 Chests Of Trials Are Always Worth It
The Chests of Trials are a great feature of the DLC. These haunted boxes are optional challenges, but if you decide to take one on then get ready for a fight.
The mini-boss that appears will take the form of a Rat Ogre or other boss encounter from the base game or the Winds of Magic DLC, and whilst that may sound like a headache, what makes it worthwhile is the box provides a selection of free Boons if you win. These rewards range from rare to exotic with some providing quite the power bump. Plus each box that's beaten adds up to the rewards at the end and gets you closer to those higher-tier chests.