Dark and Darker: How to Complete the Oaken Up Quest
Quest Overview
The objective of the Oaken Up Quest is clear:
Task:
Interact with the Oak Chest in the Ice Cavern dungeon 10 times in a single session.
Unlike many quests that allow progress across multiple runs, this one must be completed in one continuous dungeon session. If you extract, die, or disconnect before hitting all ten interactions, your progress resets. That makes route planning and survival the real challenges here.
Understanding the Ice Cavern Dungeon
The Ice Cavern is one of the more punishing environments in Dark and Darker. Visibility is often limited, movement can be awkward, and enemy density is higher than in beginner-friendly areas. Oak Chests tend to spawn in semi-hidden or high-risk zones, meaning players must balance exploration with threat management.
Before entering, make sure you are comfortable navigating icy terrain and dealing with ambushes. Knowing common chest spawn locations can save time and reduce unnecessary backtracking, which is especially important when aiming to complete ten interactions in one run.
What Is an Oak Chest
Oak Chests are special loot containers scattered throughout the Ice Cavern. They often contain higher-quality loot compared to basic containers and may yield useful Dark and Darker Items, including weapons, gear, or crafting materials.
For this quest, the contents of the chest don't matter, only the interaction does. You can open the same Oak Chest multiple times if the dungeon layout allows it, but most players will naturally encounter different chests while moving through the map.
Tips to Complete the Quest Efficiently
1. Prioritize Survival Over Combat
You don't need to clear every room. Fighting slows you down and increases the risk of dying before completing the quest. Avoid unnecessary engagements, especially against elite monsters or other players.
2. Choose the Right Class
Classes with mobility or stealth, such as Rogue or Ranger, have an easier time navigating the Ice Cavern. However, any class can complete the quest with proper pacing and awareness.
3. Bring Utility Items
Healing supplies, movement-enhancing consumables, and light sources are more valuable than high-damage gear here. The goal is consistency, not domination.
4. Plan Your Route Early
As soon as you enter the dungeon, focus on moving toward known Oak Chest spawn areas. If you stumble across one early, interact with it immediately, even if enemies are nearby, then reposition.
5. Avoid Extraction Too Early
Once you reach eight or nine interactions, it can be tempting to rush toward an exit. Make sure you hit all ten interactions before extracting, or the entire run will be wasted.
Is the Quest Worth Doing
Yes, especially for players who enjoy efficient dungeon runs. The quest doesn't require boss kills or rare drops, only patience and awareness. The guaranteed Gold and weapons make it a reliable way to build resources without relying on luck-heavy mechanics.
Additionally, players who regularly farm Dark and Darker Items will appreciate the extra value gained from opening Oak Chests, as they often contain sellable loot even outside the quest requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Oaken Up Quest is a great example of how Dark and Darker rewards smart play over brute force. While the task of interacting with ten Oak Chests in one Ice Cavern session may sound tedious, it encourages players to learn dungeon layouts, manage risk, and move with purpose.
With proper preparation and a calm approach, this quest can be completed consistently and profitably. Whether you're farming Dark and Darker Gold, upgrading your arsenal, or simply progressing through questlines, Oaken Up is a challenge worth tackling.
Good luck in the Ice Cavern, and don't get greedy on that tenth chest.