In the grim, war-torn world of Trench Crusade, death is not just an occupational hazard—it’s a core gameplay mechanic. This alternate-history crusade plunges you into a desperate war against demonic forces, and you will inevitably fall in battle. But what happens then? Unlike other games where death is a simple reset, Trench Crusade sends you straight to Hell.
This guide explains the game’s unique ‘Hell’ and ‘Heresy’ systems, what to expect when you die, and how you can even use damnation to your advantage.
Understanding Death: It’s Not the End, It’s a Detour
First things first: dying in Trench Crusade does not mean “Game Over.” There are no lives, and you cannot fail the game by dying too many times. Instead, every death is a one-way trip to a procedurally generated Hell dimension. This isn’t just a punishment; it’s an integral part of the gameplay loop, offering both risk and reward.
Think of it less as a failure state and more as a hellish detour that has profound consequences for your character’s journey.
Welcome to Hell: Your New (Temporary) Home
Upon death, you are instantly transported to Hell. This realm is a hostile, twisted reflection of the trenches you were just fighting in, swarming with demonic entities. Your objective here is twofold: survive and escape. While you won’t find the main level’s objectives here, you will find unique opportunities and dangers. The layout, enemies, and exit locations are randomized, ensuring every trip to the underworld is a fresh challenge.
The Heresy System Explained
The most crucial mechanic tied to death is Heresy. Heresy is a resource you gain every time you die and are sent to Hell. It represents your soul’s growing corruption and exposure to the demonic. While it may sound purely negative, Heresy is a double-edged sword. It functions as a special currency you can use to gain immense power, fundamentally altering your character and their abilities.
This creates a central conflict for your Crusader: will you strive for piety by avoiding death at all costs, or will you embrace damnation to unlock forbidden powers?
What Do You Lose When You Go to Hell?
Your trip to Hell isn’t free. There are immediate and significant consequences for dying.
Losing Your Earthly Possessions
Upon death, you drop most of your collected items at the spot where you fell. This includes:
- Unblessed Shillings: The standard currency used for upgrades.
- Consumable Items: Grenades, healing items, and other temporary aids.
- Keys and other mission-critical items.
The “Echo of Damnation”: Reclaiming Your Lost Goods
Your dropped possessions are contained within an “Echo of Damnation” (sometimes called an Echo of Self). This shimmering remnant of your former life appears on the main map where you died. To retrieve your lost goods, you must first escape Hell and then fight your way back to your Echo. Be careful—dying again before reclaiming your Echo will cause it to disappear permanently.
What Do You Gain in Hell?
While the penalty for death is steep, the potential rewards can be game-changing.
Gaining Heresy Points
As mentioned, every death grants you Heresy points. The amount you gain is a fixed value, making each death a consistent step towards greater corruption and power.
The Unholy Bargain: Spending Heresy on Powerful Boons
Within Hell, you will find unholy shrines and demonic entities offering Heretical Boons. These are powerful, permanent upgrades and abilities that cannot be obtained through normal means. These boons are purchased with your accumulated Heresy points.
| Boon Type | Description | Strategic Use |
| Offensive | Increases damage, adds life-steal, or grants demonic weapon attacks. | Perfect for aggressive playstyles that need more killing power. |
| Defensive | Boosts health, provides damage resistance, or summons demonic protectors. | Ideal for survival-focused builds or mitigating difficult encounters. |
| Utility | Increases movement speed, highlights secrets, or alters consumable effects. | Provides unique advantages that can change how you navigate the world. |
How to Escape Hell
You are not meant to stay in Hell forever. Your primary objective is to find the exit.
Checklist for Escaping Hell:
- [ ] Locate the Portal: Search the randomized map for a shimmering, ethereal gate. This is your exit back to the world of the living.
- [ ] Survive the Horde: Hell is crawling with demons. You can choose to fight them or simply evade them as you search for the exit. Fighting is risky but can be a good way to test your skills.
- [ ] Enter the Portal: Once you find the portal, interact with it to be transported back to the start of the level you died in.
The Long-Term Effects of Heresy
Accumulating Heresy has consequences that go far beyond just buying boons. It visibly and mechanically changes your Crusader.
- Visual Corruption: As your Heresy level increases, your character’s appearance will change. You might sprout small horns, develop glowing red eyes, or have your armor become twisted and corrupted.
- Unlocking Heretical Abilities: High levels of Heresy are a prerequisite for some of the most powerful and reality-bending boons.
- Altered NPC Interactions: Be warned: your growing damnation will not go unnoticed. Pious NPCs may refuse to speak with you, charge you more for goods, or even become hostile. Conversely, you may find new allies among the damned and heretical.
Strategic Damnation: Should You Ever Go to Hell on Purpose?
Absolutely. If you’re aiming for a powerful Heresy-based build, dying strategically can be a valid tactic. You might allow yourself to die to a weak enemy at the start of a level to gain Heresy points, then escape Hell and proceed to spend them on a powerful boon that makes the rest of the level easier. This high-risk, high-reward strategy defines the core appeal of the Heresy system.
Tips for Surviving Your Trip to the Underworld
- Keep Moving: Don’t get bogged down fighting every demon. Evasion is often the key to survival.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: The demons in Hell have unique attack patterns. Learning them will make your escape much easier.
- Prioritize Finding the Exit: Don’t linger unless you are actively seeking a Heretical Boon shrine. The longer you stay, the higher the chance of making a mistake.
- Remember Your Goal: Your mission is to escape and reclaim your Echo of Damnation. Don’t lose sight of that.
FAQ: Your Questions About Hell in Trench Crusade Answered
Can you avoid going to Hell completely? Theoretically, yes. If you complete the game without ever dying, you can maintain a “pious” run. However, this is incredibly difficult and means you will miss out on all the Heretical Boons.
What happens if you die in Hell? Dying in Hell simply respawns you at the entrance of Hell, with no further penalty. You don’t lose anything, but you also don’t gain more Heresy.
How does co-op affect trips to Hell? In co-op, if one player dies, they are sent to Hell. The other player remains in the main level and can attempt to “rescue” their fallen comrade by finding special ritual sites. Alternatively, the dead player can escape Hell on their own and rejoin the session.
Can you reduce your Heresy level? Information from the developers suggests that there will be ways to cleanse your soul through acts of piety, such as donating to the church or completing specific holy quests. However, this will likely be a costly and difficult process. (For the latest information, always check the official Trench Crusade Wiki or Steam forums.)
Is it better to be a Saint or a Sinner? Neither. The game is designed to support both playstyles. A pious build will rely on standard upgrades and skill, while a heretical build will use forbidden powers to crush its enemies. It’s all about your preferred way to play.
Takeaway
Death in Trench Crusade is a fundamental mechanic, not a punishment. It sends you to Hell, where you lose your current items but gain Heresy. This Heresy can be used to purchase powerful, game-altering boons that corrupt your character over time. This creates a compelling loop of risk and reward where you must constantly balance your desire for power against the cost of your very soul.
Conclusion
The Hell and Heresy system in Trench Crusade is a brilliant fusion of gameplay and narrative. It turns the common frustration of dying into a compelling strategic choice. Whether you decide to walk the path of the righteous, fighting tooth and nail to preserve your purity, or choose to dive headfirst into damnation for ultimate power, your journey through this war-torn world will be uniquely your own. So go forth, Crusader—and don’t be too afraid to die. Hell is waiting.
Support these people
https://www.nycprinting.info/powering-success-in-a-new-york-minute-the-benefits-of-digital-printing-in-new-city-nyc/
https://www.magicalprinting.men/writing/dominating-the-concrete-jungle-the-unseen-power-of-large-format-printing-in-pleasantville-nyc/
https://www.maxxiprintingservice.trade/publications/the-enduring-allure-of-analogue-unveiling-the-unique-benefits-of-offset-printing-in-port-washington-north-nyc/