Navigating the dark, atmospheric corridors of this French indie gem requires more than just quick reflexes; it demands a keen eye for environmental puzzles and a mastery of unique movement mechanics. In this exoria dungeon walkthrough, we will guide you through the initial descent, the acquisition of the grappling hook, and the climactic battle against Soldier No. 42. Whether you are struggling with the non-traditional control scheme or finding it difficult to bypass the explosive wall puzzles, this guide ensures you won't miss a single Fragment of Augmentation. As of 2026, the game remains a standout free-to-play title on Steam, offering a challenging experience that rewards exploration. This exoria dungeon walkthrough covers everything from basic combat to advanced parkour techniques needed to survive the depths.
Getting Started: Controls and Mechanics
Exoria utilizes a control scheme that may feel unconventional to players accustomed to standard WASD movement. The game is primarily optimized for controllers, but keyboard players must adapt to using the arrow keys for movement. Understanding your mobility options is the first step in any successful dungeon run.
| Action | Keyboard Input | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Arrow Keys | Primary navigation; WASD is not supported by default. |
| Attack | Shift / Left Click | Standard sword slashes; moves the character forward slightly. |
| Circular Attack | Specialized Key | A wide-area sweep to clear surrounding enemies. |
| Dodge Roll | Alt | Provides brief invulnerability frames to avoid heavy hits. |
| Grappling Hook | Right Click | Used on specific anchor points to traverse gaps. |
💡 Tip: Be careful when attacking near ledges. Every sword swing moves your character forward, which can easily lead to accidental falls in the high-altitude sections of the dungeon.
Initial Dungeon Progression
The opening section of the dungeon serves as a combat tutorial. You will encounter stone-like enemies that emerge from the environment. These foes are slow, but they serve to teach you the importance of the dodge roll. After clearing the first room, look for the Fragment of Augmentation. These glowing items are essential for increasing your maximum health and combat effectiveness.
As you progress, you will find large chains blocking your path. To open the subsequent doors, you must physically strike these chains with your sword. If you find yourself at a dead end, always look up; the level design in Exoria is highly vertical.
The Grappling Hook Acquisition
About mid-way through the first major area, you will find yourself unable to jump across large chasms. Unlike many action RPGs, Exoria does not feature a dedicated jump button. Instead, you must locate the grappling hook.
- Locate the Open Gate: After clearing the basement area with the sliding boxes, return to the main hub. A previously locked gate will now be open.
- Interact with the Pedestal: The grappling hook is found on a stone altar.
- Master the Momentum: When using the hook (Right Click), hold the forward arrow key to increase your travel distance. This is required for the long-distance parkour sections that follow.
Advanced Puzzle Solving
The exoria dungeon walkthrough wouldn't be complete without explaining the environmental interactions. The game frequently uses physics-based puzzles involving heavy boxes and explosive enemies.
| Puzzle Element | Interaction Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Boxes | Grapple/Push | Can be used to damage enemies or trigger floor switches. |
| Explosive Soldiers | Kill/Grapple | These enemies glow red and explode on death. Position them near cracked walls. |
| Shield Bearers | Shield Bash | You must break their posture with repeated heavy strikes before they take damage. |
| Chained Gates | Melee Attack | Breaking the anchor point of a chain usually unlocks a door in a different part of the room. |
Boss Guide: Soldier No. 42
The culmination of the first major dungeon is the encounter with Soldier No. 42. This boss is a significant step up in difficulty compared to standard mobs, featuring a large health pool and a punishing shield.
Phase 1: Breaking the Guard
Soldier 42 will start the fight with his shield raised. Do not spam attacks while he is standing, as he will counter-attack for massive damage. Wait for him to perform a heavy overhead swing. This move has a long recovery time, allowing you to get 2-3 hits in.
Phase 2: The Grounded State
The most effective way to deal damage is to wait for the boss to trip or become staggered. When Soldier 42 falls to the ground, he takes increased damage. Use your circular attack here to maximize DPS.
Phase 3: Healing and Attrition
There are destructible pots around the arena containing green healing orbs. However, be warned that some players have reported glitches where these pots do not drop health. Only rely on them as a last resort. If you are low on health, keep your distance; the boss is relatively slow, allowing you to kite him while waiting for an opening.
Warning: After defeating Soldier 42, you will find a new sword. Picking it up triggers a transformation sequence that effectively ends the current dungeon chapter. Ensure you have collected all Fragments of Augmentation before interacting with the blade.
Path of Shadow vs. Light
In the later stages of the 2026 version of Exoria, players are presented with a thematic choice: The Path of Shadow or the Path of Light. This choice influences your skill tree and the "Legendary Skills" you can unlock.
- Path of Shadow: Focuses on darkness-based abilities and high-crit katana strikes. It is favored by players who prefer a "glass cannon" playstyle.
- Path of Light: Offers better defensive capabilities and "corrupt-light" mechanics that can turn enemy projectiles against them.
For those looking to optimize their build, visiting the Library (unlocked at Level 10) is mandatory. Here, you can use the ores mined from the cave sections to upgrade your Katana to Level 3 and beyond. You can find more information about the latest patches and community mods on the official Exoria Steam page.
Enemy Bestiary and Strategy
| Enemy Name | Danger Level | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Grunt | Low | Dodge roll behind them and use standard slashes. |
| Shield Soldier | Medium | Use the grappling hook to pull them toward you, then strike. |
| Bomb Crawler | High | Hit them once and run away immediately to let them explode. |
| Soldier 42 (Boss) | Very High | Only attack during recovery frames or when he is knocked down. |
FAQ
Q: Where do I find the grappling hook in the exoria dungeon walkthrough?
A: The grappling hook is located in the central hub area after you have completed the basement box puzzle. Look for an open gate that leads to a stone pedestal. It is mapped to the Right Click button on your mouse.
Q: Why can't I use WASD to move my character?
A: Exoria was designed with controller support as the priority. For keyboard users in 2026, the default movement keys are the Arrows. Currently, there is no in-game menu to rebind these keys if you do not speak French, though some community mods may offer a workaround.
Q: Is there fall damage in Exoria?
A: There is no traditional fall damage for minor drops. However, falling into a bottomless pit or off the main floating islands will result in an immediate death and a restart from the last checkpoint.
Q: How do I break the cracked walls?
A: You must lure an explosive enemy (the ones that glow red) near the wall and kill them. The resulting explosion will destroy the environment and reveal hidden paths or Fragments of Augmentation.