Is there a gameplay related purpose for the backtracking penalty?
Related to this question, and on the Darkest Dungeon Wiki link here, it mentions that there is a stress penalty for backtracking (walking from right to left, using the 'A' key), and I'm trying to figure out if there is an aspect of the game that makes this penalty worthwhile. In other words, is there some benefit to getting partially through a hallway but not entering the room at the end of the hallway, so that turning around warrants a penalty? One obvious answer is that you could avoid a battle in that room, but you would also be avoiding any treasure that exists as well.
Just trying to understand the mechanics of the game. There are lots of guides with tips and tricks, and understanding how the game works is a big step in being successful (or not failing as much.)
Best Answer
Backtracking builds up stress very quickly. The only time I've found it worthwhile is if I run into a rubble blockage in the first quarter of the corridor and don't have a shovel and there is another alternate route to my destination.
To be safe, you should be prepared for a fight in any room that isn't scouted. If you don't think you can handle a fight, GTF out. Character death is a large monetary loss (you've lost all the money from training and equipment upgrades) which is frequently larger than the cost of abandoning the dungeon and paying for stress relief.
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