Into The Depths Progression System Guide

Understanding the Core Progression Loop

Into The Depths features a multi-layered progression system that blends colony management with Roguelite unlocks. Your primary goal is to establish a thriving settlement deep underground while pushing further into the caverns. Each expedition yields resources and knowledge that persist across runs, allowing you to gradually strengthen your colony.

The core loop consists of three phases: Surface Preparation, Descent Expedition, and Colony Management. During Surface Preparation, you gather initial supplies and choose your starting gear. The Descent Expedition takes you into the procedurally generated caverns where you collect rare materials. Finally, Colony Management involves using those materials to upgrade your base and unlock permanent bonuses.

Resource Tiers and Acquisition

Resources in Into The Depths are categorized into three tiers, each requiring different tools and strategies to acquire. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for efficient progression.

Tier 1 Resources - Basic materials like wood, stone, and surface minerals. These are abundant in the upper caverns and form the foundation of your early colony. You can collect them with minimal equipment, but storage space is limited until you build warehouses.

Tier 2 Resources - Refined materials such as iron ingots, treated lumber, and crystalline shards. These require processing buildings like furnaces and workshops. Unlocking Tier 2 production is often your first major progression milestone.

Tier 3 Resources - Rare deep-cavern materials including void crystals, ancient alloys, and living ore. These are found only in the deepest chambers and often guarded by hostile creatures. Tier 3 resources are essential for end-game upgrades and permanent unlocks.

Permanent Upgrades and Unlocks

The Roguelite aspect of Into The Depths is represented by the Ancestral Vault, a persistent upgrade system that carries over between runs. You earn Progression Points by completing achievements, discovering new cavern zones, and defeating elite enemies.

Key upgrade categories include:

• Colony Efficiency - Increases resource gathering speed, storage capacity, and building construction time. Early investment here dramatically reduces early-game friction.
• Survivor Training - Improves colonist health, damage output, and resistance to cavern hazards. Essential for deeper expeditions.
• Equipment R&D - Unlocks blueprints for advanced tools, weapons, and armor. This tree directly impacts your ability to harvest Tier 3 resources.

Each upgrade costs increasing amounts of Progression Points, so you must choose a specialization path. For example, a balanced approach spreads points across all three trees, while a focused strategy might rush Survivor Training for aggressive expansion.

Expedition Depth Tiers

The caverns are divided into five depth tiers, each with unique biomes, enemies, and resource concentrations. Your progression through these tiers is gated by both equipment quality and colonist experience.

Depth 1: Sunlit Caverns - Safe zone with basic resources. Ideal for establishing your first outpost and training new colonists. No hostile threats.

Depth 2: Fungal Groves - Introduces aggressive flora and minor cave creatures. Requires basic weapons and light armor. Rich in Tier 1 and some Tier 2 materials.

Depth 3: Crystal Depths - Dense crystal formations and larger predators. Requires full equipment upgrades and at least two experienced colonists. Primary source of Tier 2 resources.

Depth 4: Magma Core - Extreme heat and lava flows. Requires heat-resistant gear and advanced tools. Contains significant Tier 3 deposits but also powerful enemies.

Depth 5: The Abyss - Final zone with highest rewards and greatest dangers. Requires end-game equipment and a fully upgraded colony. Home to the game's toughest bosses and rarest materials.

Optimizing Your Progression Path

To maximize efficiency, follow this recommended progression sequence:

1. First Run - Focus on building a basic colony and reaching Depth 2. Gather as many Tier 1 resources as possible and unlock the first tier of Colony Efficiency upgrades.
2. Second Run - Prioritize Survivor Training to unlock better colonist stats. Push to Depth 3 and collect enough crystal shards to research the furnace upgrade.
3. Third Run - Invest in Equipment R&D for the Deep Miner's Pickaxe. This allows you to harvest void crystals from Depth 4, unlocking permanent storage upgrades.
4. Fourth Run and Beyond - Balance your progression points based on your playstyle. Aggressive players should continue Survivor Training, while builders can focus on Colony Efficiency for faster expansion.

1. Establish your surface base

   Build essential structures: workshop, warehouse, and barracks. Assign colonists to gathering roles.

2. Complete your first descent

   Reach Depth 2 and collect 50 units of iron ore. Return safely to unlock the furnace blueprint.

3. Upgrade equipment

   Smelt iron into ingots and craft basic weapons. Train two colonists to level 3 before attempting Depth 3.

4. Unlock permanent upgrades

   Spend Progression Points on the Ancestral Vault. Focus on one tree until you unlock its tier 2 bonus.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many new players fall into traps that slow their progression. Here are the most frequent errors and solutions:

Overextending too early - Attempting Depth 4 without proper gear leads to colonist death and lost resources. Always check your equipment tier before descending.

Ignoring storage capacity - Running out of storage space halts resource collection. Build warehouses early and upgrade them when you unlock better materials.

Neglecting colonist morale - Stressed colonists work slower and may abandon the colony. Build recreational structures and maintain adequate food supplies.

Skipping the tutorial upgrades - The initial Ancestral Vault upgrades may seem minor, but they compound over multiple runs. Always spend your first Progression Points on hauling speed and storage capacity.

For more detailed strategies, check our Beginner Guide and Resource Management articles.