Into The Depths Weapons Guide - Best Gear & Loadouts

Weapon Overview & Categories

Surviving the treacherous depths of Into The Depths requires more than just sturdy walls and a steady food supply — you need the right arsenal. Weapons in this Roguelite colony sim fall into four primary categories: Melee, Ranged, Explosive, and Special. Each category serves a distinct purpose, from close-quarters cave clearing to long-range elite elimination. Your choice of weapon directly impacts your colony's ability to fend off the horrors lurking in the dark.

Melee weapons are your bread and butter, offering reliable damage without consuming ammunition. Ranged weapons provide safety through distance but require careful resource management. Explosives excel at crowd control and destroying obstacles, while special weapons offer unique effects like poison or lightning. Understanding these categories is the first step toward building an unstoppable loadout.

Melee Weapons: Stats & Upgrades

Melee weapons in Into The Depths are defined by three core stats: Damage, Speed, and Durability. The starting Rusty Pickaxe deals 8 damage per hit but swings slowly. As you progress, you'll unlock the Iron Shortsword (12 damage, faster swing) and the Crystal Greatsword (25 damage, moderate speed). Each weapon can be upgraded at the Forge using ores and gems found in deeper biomes.

Upgrade paths vary by weapon type. The Bone Cleaver, for example, can be enhanced with Sharpening Stones to increase critical hit chance, while the Obsidian Dagger focuses on attack speed and poison application. Prioritize upgrading weapons used by your primary explorers — a well-upgraded melee weapon can mean the difference between a successful raid and a colony wipe.

Ranged Weapons: Ammo & Efficiency

Ranged weapons introduce a resource management layer to combat. The Slingshot uses pebbles (infinite, low damage), while the Crossbow consumes Bolts (crafted from wood and iron). The Repeater Rifle is a late-game powerhouse that uses Gunpowder and Lead, offering high damage per shot but requiring significant infrastructure to produce ammunition.

Efficiency is key when choosing ranged weapons. The Hunting Bow offers a good balance of damage and ammo cost, making it ideal for sustained expeditions. For colony defense, the Ballista (a stationary weapon) provides area denial with cheap ammunition. Always stockpile ammo before venturing into unknown caverns — running out mid-combat is a common cause of colony collapse.

Explosive & Special Weapons

Explosives shine when dealing with large groups of enemies or sealed passages. The Dynamite Stick deals area damage and can break through weak rock walls, while the Frag Grenade is best for clearing enemy clusters. The C4 Charge requires a detonator but offers massive single-target damage, perfect for elite enemies.

Special weapons add tactical depth to your arsenal. The Poison Dart Launcher applies a damage-over-time effect, excellent for kiting tough foes. The Lightning Rod deals chain damage to multiple enemies in water, making it invaluable in flooded caverns. The Flame Thrower ignites enemies and provides light, helping you see in the darkest depths while dealing consistent damage.

Weapon	Type	Damage	Ammo	Special Effect
Dynamite	Explosive	40	N/A	Breaks walls
Frag Grenade	Explosive	30	N/A	Area of effect
Poison Dart	Special	5	Darts	Poison (10 sec)
Lightning Rod	Special	15	Battery	Chain lightning
Flame Thrower	Special	10	Fuel	Ignites enemies

Best Loadouts for Each Biome

Different biomes in Into The Depths demand different weapon strategies. In the Crystal Caverns, enemies are resistant to piercing damage, so blunt melee weapons like the War Hammer are preferred. The Fungal Tunnels feature poison-resistant foes, making the Flame Thrower or explosive weapons your best bet.

For the Magma Depths, heat-resistant enemies require high-damage single hits — the Crystal Greatsword or Repeater Rifle excel here. In the Abyssal Trenches, enemies move fast and in large numbers; the Obsidian Dagger combined with Frag Grenades provides the speed and area control needed. Always tailor your loadout to the biome's enemy types and environmental hazards.

Weapon Crafting & Progression

Crafting weapons requires specific resources and a Forge upgrade. The Basic Forge allows crafting of Iron-tier weapons, while the Advanced Forge unlocks Crystal and Obsidian gear. Special weapons often require rare materials from elite enemies or boss drops. The Repeater Rifle, for instance, needs a Mechanic's Bench and rare gears found in the Abyssal Trenches.

Progression follows a natural curve: start with the Rusty Pickaxe, upgrade to Iron Shortsword and Hunting Bow, then specialize based on your playstyle. The /en/guides/crafting-guide/ provides a full breakdown of recipes and material locations. For colony defense, prioritize unlocking the Ballista and Dynamite — they provide excellent value for resource investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best starting weapon in Into The Depths? The Rusty Pickaxe is your only option initially, but upgrade to the Iron Shortsword as soon as possible. It offers the best balance for early exploration.

How do I upgrade weapons? Use the Forge in your colony. Each weapon has a unique upgrade tree requiring specific ores and gems. Check the /en/guides/upgrades-guide/ for detailed paths.

Can I repair weapons? Yes, most weapons can be repaired at the Forge using the same materials used in crafting. Durability loss is permanent if not repaired promptly.

Are there unique weapons from bosses? Yes, each boss drops a unique weapon blueprint. The Cavern King drops the Crownsplitter, a powerful mace with stun effects. See the /en/guides/boss-guide/ for drop tables.

What weapon is best for colony defense? The Ballista is unmatched for stationary defense, while the Flame Thrower excels against swarm attacks. Combine both for optimal coverage.