Introduction to the Complete Roadmap

This comprehensive progression roadmap guides you through every stage of Enshrouded, from your first steps to end-game content. Following this roadmap ensures efficient progression, optimal NPC unlocks, and proper gear scaling while experiencing all the game has to offer.

What This Roadmap Covers:

• Hour-by-hour progression timeline
• Priority objectives at each stage
• Optimal quest order
• NPC unlock sequence
• Gear progression milestones
• Skill point allocation strategy

Using This Guide:

• Follow stages in order for optimal experience
• Adjust pace based on your playstyle
• Mark completed milestones
• Return for reference

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Quick Reference: Progression Stages

Overview Timeline

🌱 Stage 1: First Steps (Hours 1-3)
   - Tutorial completion
   - Base establishment
   - First NPCs
   - Basic survival

🔰 Stage 2: Early Game (Hours 3-10)
   - Core systems unlock
   - All NPCs rescued
   - First bosses
   - Skill specialization

⚔️ Stage 3: Mid Game (Hours 10-25)
   - Advanced content
   - Legendary farming begins
   - Build optimization
   - Exploration expansion

🏆 Stage 4: Late Game (Hours 25-40)
   - End-game content
   - Perfect gear sets
   - All systems mastered
   - Optional challenges

🌟 Stage 5: End Game (Hours 40+)
   - Min-maxing
   - Legendary collection
   - Base perfection
   - Creative freedom

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Stage 1: First Steps (Hours 1-3)

Objectives Overview

• Complete tutorial
• Establish first base
• Rescue Blacksmith & Hunter
• Survive initial Shroud exposure
• Reach level 5

Hour 1: Tutorial & Basics

Immediate Actions:

1. Complete Tutorial Sequence

   • Follow intro questline
   • Learn basic controls
   • Understand Shroud mechanic
   • Full beginner guide

2. Gather Starting Resources

   • Wood (50+) - chop trees
   • Stone (50+) - ground rocks
   • Plant Fiber (30+) - bushes everywhere
   • Kill animals for food

3. Craft Essential Tools

   • Pickaxe - mining
   • Axe - faster woodcutting
   • Weapon - self-defense
   • Workbench - crafting station

First Death is Normal:

• Don’t worry about dying
• Learn from mistakes
• Gather gear after respawn
• Survival tips

Hour 2: Base Establishment

Choose Base Location:

Criteria for Good Base:

• Near Ancient Spire (fast travel)
• Flat building area
• Resource-rich surroundings
• Safe from Shroud
• Room to expand

First Base Essentials:

1. Crafting Stations

   • Workbench (priority #1)
   • Storage chests (3-5)
   • Campfire (cooking)
   • Bed (spawn point)

2. Storage Organization

   • Resource chest (wood/stone)
   • Equipment chest (weapons/armor)
   • Food chest (consumables)
   • Label with signs

3. Defensive Setup

   • Basic walls optional
   • Good lighting
   • Clear sightlines
   • Escape routes

Pro Tip: Don’t over-build initially - you’ll relocate later!

Hour 3: First NPCs

Priority NPC Order:

1. Rescue the Blacksmith (FIRST)

Why Blacksmith First:

• Unlocks weapon/armor crafting
• Essential for progression
• Relatively easy vault
• Close to starting area

Location: Follow main quest marker

What You Need:

• Level 3+ recommended
• Basic armor equipped
• 5-10 health potions
• Weapon with repairs

Rewards:

• Advanced crafting recipes
• Armor upgrades
• Weapon repair station

2. Rescue the Hunter (SECOND)

Why Hunter Second:

• Unlocks backpack expansion
• Drying Rack for materials
• Ranged weapon upgrades
• Points to salt mine location

What You Need:

• Level 4-5
• Better armor from Blacksmith
• Healing supplies
• Combat experience

Rewards:

• Small Backpack recipe ⭐
• Scout armor recipes
• Improved bow recipes
• Salt mine location

Immediately After Hunter:

• Craft Small Backpack ASAP
• Follow inventory guide
• Gather salt for Dried Fur
• Life-changing upgrade!

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Stage 2: Early Game (Hours 3-10)

Objectives Overview

• Rescue all remaining NPCs
• Unlock core game systems
• Respec if needed
• Reach level 10-12
• First boss encounters

Hours 3-5: System Mastery

Core Systems to Learn:

1. Shroud Management

• How to survive longer
• Upgrade Flame Altar with Sparks
• Time your expeditions
• Emergency exits

2. Skills & Build

• Best skills to unlock
• Class tier list review
• Focus one damage type
• Don’t spread points thin

3. Equipment Progression

• Craft Blacksmith armor
• Upgrade weapons
• Repair system
• Keep gear current

4. Grappling Hook

• Unlock ASAP
• Game-changing mobility
• Required for many locations
• Practice using it

Hours 5-8: Remaining NPCs

NPC Priority Order:

3. The Alchemist (THIRD)

Why Alchemist:

• Potions and consumables
• Food buff upgrades
• Quest for boss unlock
• Useful abilities

Preparation:

• Level 6-8 recommended
• Upgraded armor
• Grappling hook helpful

After Unlock:

• Craft better potions
• Upgrade food buffs
• Start Alchemist questline

4. The Carpenter (FOURTH)

Why Carpenter:

• Building upgrades
• Improved Grappling Hook recipe
• Furniture and deco
• Base improvements

Preparation:

• Level 8-10
• Good combat gear
• Healing supplies

After Unlock:

• Craft Improved Grappling Hook
• Upgrade base aesthetics
• Better building materials

5. The Farmer (FIFTH)

Why Farmer Last of Core:

• Farming capabilities
• Capybara taming
• Advanced cooking
• Sustainable resources

Preparation:

• Level 10+
• Complete quest guide
• Grappling hook required
• Double Jump helpful

Quest: Growing Stronger Together walkthrough

After Unlock:

• Start farming crops
• Tame capybaras
• Self-sustaining food
• No more gathering hunts

Hours 8-10: First Boss & Build Check

Ancient Spire Quests

Main Quest Progression:

• The Ancient Spire quest
• Ancient Spire Low Meadows
• Puzzle-solving focus
• Moderate combat

Rewards:

• Significant XP
• Good loot
• Story progression
• Flame Altar upgrades

Build Review Checkpoint

At Hour 10, Ask Yourself:

• Is my damage good?
• Do I die too easily?
• Am I using the right skills?
• Should I respec?

Common Issues:

• Spread points too thin → Respec
• Wrong class focus → Review tier list
• Outdated gear → Craft upgrades
• Low damage → Follow best skills

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Stage 3: Mid Game (Hours 10-25)

Objectives Overview

• Defeat major bosses
• Start legendary farming
• Optimize build
• Explore all biomes
• Reach level 20-25

Hours 10-15: Boss Encounters

Scavenger Gorger Matron

When to Attempt:

• Level 12-15
• Epic armor equipped
• Fireball spell crafted (recommended)
• 10-15 health potions

Full Strategy:

• Complete boss guide
• Use palisade cover tactic
• Avoid poison breath stun
• Patient approach

Rewards:

• Epic weapon drop
• Scavenger Matron Head (Flame upgrade)
• Improved Grappling Hook recipe
• Major progression milestone

After Victory:

• Strengthen Flame to Level 3
• Craft Improved Grappling Hook
• Celebrate first major boss!

Other Boss Encounters

As You Progress:

• World bosses appear
• Elite enemies
• Dungeon bosses
• Farm for gear

Hours 15-20: Legendary Farming Begins

Start Farming Legendaries:

Best Methods:

• Complete farming guide
• Elixir Wells routes
• Boss kill farming
• Chest respawn system

Farming Route Setup:

1. Scout 3-5 Elixir Wells

   • Mark on map
   • Memorize chest locations
   • Test guardian difficulty

2. Create Efficient Route

   • Logical geographic path
   • Start → Well 1 → 2 → 3 → Base
   • Reload game
   • Repeat

3. Optimize Time

   • 20-30 min per full route
   • 3-5 runs per session
   • Legendaries will drop
   • Be patient with RNG

What to Farm:

• Legendary weapons
• Epic/Legendary armor
• Crafting materials
• Experience and skill points

Hours 20-25: Build Optimization

Perfect Your Build:

1. Skill Tree Refinement

• Remove wasted points via respec
• Focus meta skills
• Maximize damage type
• Survival essentials only

2. Gear Min-Maxing

• Best-in-slot equipment
• Matching stats to build
• Legendary set bonuses
• Weapon specialization

3. Combat Mastery

• Learn all attack patterns
• Efficient farming techniques
• One-shot trash mobs
• Quick boss kills

4. Quality of Life

• Glider upgrades
• Improved Grappling Hook
• Fast travel network
• Storage organization

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Stage 4: Late Game (Hours 25-40)

Objectives Overview

• Complete all content
• Perfect gear collection
• Master all systems
• Explore thoroughly
• Reach level 30+

Hours 25-30: Content Completion

Complete All Quests:

• Finish NPC questlines
• All Ancient Vaults
• World discoveries
• Hidden locations

Resource Collection:

• All rare materials
• Gentian
• Paper Reeds
• Cooked Rice
• Every resource type

Farming Mastery:

• Optimized routes perfected
• Quick clear times
• Legendary drop rates
• Resource efficiency

Hours 30-35: Perfect Gear Sets

Goal: Full legendary equipment

Farming Focus:

• Specific gear pieces
• Stat optimization
• Set completions
• Weapon variety

Multiple Builds:

• Melee build gear
• Ranged build gear
• Magic build gear
• Hybrid options
• Respec between them

Hours 35-40: System Mastery

Master Everything:

Combat:

• All boss patterns memorized
• Efficient kill strategies
• No-damage runs
• Challenge self-imposed

Crafting:

• All recipes unlocked
• Material stockpiles
• Quick crafting knowledge
• Self-sufficient

Exploration:

• Every location found
• All secrets discovered
• Map completion
• Achievement hunting

Base Building:

• Aesthetic perfection
• Functional design
• All crafting stations
• Personal touches

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Stage 5: End Game (Hours 40+)

Objectives Overview

• Personal goals
• Creative freedom
• Collection completion
• Helping others

End Game Activities

1. Collection Completion

• All legendary items
• Full equipment sets
• Recipe completion
• Achievement 100%

2. Perfect Builds

• Min-maxed stats
• Optimal skill trees
• Best gear combinations
• Different playstyles

3. Creative Base Building

• Massive structures
• Functional layouts
• Aesthetic designs
• Community sharing

4. Challenge Runs

• Self-imposed rules
• Speed runs
• No-damage challenges
• Creative restrictions

5. Multiplayer

• Help new players
• Co-op challenges
• Trading (if enabled)
• Community engagement

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Priority Checklist by Hour

Hours 0-5: Foundation

• Complete tutorial
• Build first base
• Rescue Blacksmith
• Rescue Hunter
• Craft Small Backpack
• Reach level 5

Hours 5-10: Systems

• Rescue Alchemist
• Rescue Carpenter
• Rescue Farmer
• Craft Grappling Hook
• Complete Ancient Spire quests
• Reach level 10

Hours 10-15: Power Spike

• Defeat Scavenger Matron
• Strengthen Flame Level 3
• Craft Improved Grappling Hook
• Start legendary farming
• Optimize skill build
• Reach level 15

Hours 15-25: Optimization

• Farm 3-5 Elixir Wells route
• Collect first legendary items
• Perfect skill allocation
• Upgrade all gliders
• Complete major questlines
• Reach level 25

Hours 25-40: Completion

• Full legendary gear set
• All NPCs max level
• All recipes unlocked
• Map fully explored
• All achievements
• Level 30+

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Common Progression Mistakes

Mistake 1: Wrong NPC Order

❌ Rescuing Farmer before Hunter ✅ Correct: Blacksmith → Hunter → Others

Why: Hunter unlocks crucial backpack expansion early.

Mistake 2: Spreading Skill Points

❌ Investing in multiple damage types ✅ Correct: Focus one build, respec if needed

Why: Specialized builds are much stronger.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Backpack

❌ Playing with starter backpack forever ✅ Correct: Craft Small Backpack immediately

Why: Life-changing quality of life improvement.

Mistake 4: Not Using Grappling Hook

❌ Avoiding grappling hook crafting ✅ Correct: Unlock and master early

Why: Essential mobility tool for progression.

Mistake 5: Rushing Content

❌ Attempting bosses under-leveled ✅ Correct: Follow recommended levels

Why: Frustrating deaths waste time.

Mistake 6: Poor Storage

❌ Dumping everything in one chest ✅ Correct: Organized categorized storage

Why: Save hours searching for items.

Mistake 7: Neglecting Food Buffs

❌ Only eating when starving ✅ Correct: Active buff management

Why: Significant stat improvements.

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Efficient Leveling Tips

Best XP Sources (by Stage)

Early Game:

• Main quest completion
• NPC rescues
• Exploration discoveries
• Crafting new items

Mid Game:

• Boss kills
• Elixir Well guardians
• Quest completion
• Dungeon clears

Late Game:

• Repeated boss farming
• Guardian routes
• Legendary farming (bonus XP)
• Challenge content

XP Optimization

Maximize Gains:

• Complete quests efficiently
• Don’t skip guardians
• Clear Elixir Wells fully
• Explore thoroughly
• Craft new recipes

Avoid Waste:

• Don’t die needlessly
• Plan expeditions
• Efficient travel routes
• Batch activities

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Resource Priorities by Stage

Stage 1 (Hours 0-3)

Priority Resources:

• Wood (constant need)
• Stone (building)
• Plant Fiber (crafting)
• Food (survival)
• Basic ores (weapons)

Stage 2 (Hours 3-10)

Priority Resources:

• Salt (backpack, Dried Fur)
• Better ores (upgrades)
• Animal Fur (crafting)
• Torn Cloth (backpack)
• Healing materials

Stage 3 (Hours 10-25)

Priority Resources:

• Advanced ores (legendary gear)
• Sparks (Flame upgrades)
• Rare crafting mats
• Food buff ingredients
• Mana/health potions

Stage 4+ (Hours 25+)

Priority Resources:

• Legendary crafting components
• End-game materials
• Perfection items
• Bulk farming needs

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Skill Point Allocation Strategy

First 10 Levels

Focus:

• Core damage skills (5-7 points)
• Essential survival (2-3 points)
• Movement basics (1-2 points)
• Avoid utility initially

Levels 10-20

Expansion:

• Max primary damage (8-10 points)
• Secondary damage options (3-5 points)
• Better survival (2-3 points)
• Quality of life (1-2 points)

Levels 20-30

Optimization:

• Perfect damage synergies
• Defensive essentials
• Utility for efficiency
• Respec if needed

Level 30+

Experimentation:

• Try new builds
• Alternative playstyles
• Luxury skills
• Creative options

Remember: Respec only costs 1 wood - don’t hesitate to fix mistakes!

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Conclusion

This complete progression roadmap provides a structured path through Enshrouded from first steps to mastery. Following this timeline ensures efficient progression while experiencing all content at the appropriate difficulty.

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Follow NPC rescue order (Blacksmith → Hunter crucial)
• ✅ Craft Small Backpack immediately
• ✅ Focus skills, don’t spread thin
• ✅ Unlock Grappling Hook early
• ✅ Start legendary farming at Hour 15
• ✅ Use Respec freely (1 wood cost)
• ✅ Progress at your own pace

Personalize Your Journey:

• This roadmap is a guide, not a rule
• Adjust pace to your playstyle
• Explore freely when inspired
• Skip content you don’t enjoy
• Focus on what’s fun for you

Happy adventuring through Enshrouded!

Related Guides

Essential Early Game

• Complete Beginner’s Guide
• How to Survive the Shroud
• How to Expand Inventory

Build & Combat

• Best Skills to Unlock
• Class Tier List
• How to Respec

Progression Content

• Farmer Summoning Guide
• Scavenger Matron Boss
• Ancient Spire Quest

End Game

• Legendary Items Farming
• All Food Buffs Guide
• Repair & Upgrade Weapons

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