“Heavy Handed” (concept) : listed from the 1st position, this party consists of the Man-At-Arms, Leper, Hellion and Crusader, although the Shield-breaker would be an excellent alternative for the Crusader. This group has the potential to mow through nearly any low-to-mid level group.

If the Leper has a trinket that improves his ACC (Accuracy), then look out! The Shield-breaker fits in because she can fight from all 4 positions, with abilities that bounce her around each spot. This frees up the Leper and Hellion from the 4th spot, where they aren’t nearly as effective. “Dark Carnival” (tested): Abomination, Leper, Jester, Antiquarian. This was just me, trying to find 4 heroes that would fit a particular theme, and it surprisingly worked (in the Weald, with Level 0 and 1 characters). The Abomination can cause Bleed with his attacks, while taking some significant Physical damage the Leper, if he doesn’t swing and miss, also can dish out some serious damage the Jester can buff the party/attack and the Antiquarian… can collect gold? These are heroes that might fit in with a Circus theme, albeit a macabre one. “Dawnbreakers”: Crusader, Flagellant, Man-At-Arms, Vestal. I will say it until I see evidence against it: take a Vestal in your group, as often as possible.

She is the best healer in the game, can affect the torch light level, and can stun with magic or melee, while the Flagellant (another DLC character) gets better as he takes more damage and stress. This is the “Holy Party”, with 3 heroes being of Faith-based persuasions, and the Man-At-Arms being the “shield” to the Crusade “hammer”. “Shady Dealings”: Bounty Hunter, Highwayman, Grave Robber, Arbalest.

Darkest dungeon four antiquarian party