Dragonhold Extract Checklist

Use this page as a repeatable checklist before Dragonhold extraction runs. Exis Games built the loop around extract anytime tension — these boxes turn wiki advice from How to Extract and Loot Guide into habits that survive adrenaline. Copy sections into your notes app, stream overlay, or Discord pin if you lead co-op groups.

Pre-departure checklist (hub island)

• Mission goal named — Anchor progress, boss, crafting mats, or relic chase from Relics.
• Hand of Fate read aloud — Party understands modifiers (easy / hard / insane / special spawns per developer blogs).
• Build check — Weapons, armor, consumables aligned with Gear Priority.
• Dragon readiness — Stamina abilities reviewed via Flight Controls.
• Co-op loot rules set — Need/greed, role priority, shot-caller named (Co-op Guide).
• Extract caller assigned — One voice allowed to say “extract now” without debate.
• Voice comm tested — Push-to-talk works; no open-mic chaos during Director spikes.

Transit to Azarkeen checklist

• Aerial scout plan — Ridge approach and extract beacon located mentally before ground commit.
• Party stick plan — Ground players know who enters ruins first (Expedition Zones).
• Abort tier chosen — “Leave after main objective” vs “Push optional camps” agreed.
• Inventory mostly empty — Bag space reserved for target loot type, not day-one junk.

Mid-run checklist (every major fight)

• Health and potions — Above personal danger threshold?
• Bag value — Worth current zone risk per Loot Guide?
• Director pressure — Extra spawns or mini-boss audio cues noticed?
• Co-op positions — Sky rider covering ground looters?
• Dismount discipline — Ground fights only in cleared pockets (Ground Combat).
• No inventory sorting in hot zones — Sort at hub, not in camps.

Pre-extract push checklist (optional depth)

Only open this section if party explicitly chose greedy push:

• Timer set — Hard leave time even if chests remain.
• Extract path cleared — No uncleared elites between team and beacon.
• Relic secured protocol — If relic dropped, immediate extract per pre-agreement.
• One more chest rule — Exactly one optional chest, then out (solo players: enforce personally).

Extract now — abort signals

Call extract immediately if any box triggers:

• Downed rider without safe revive window.
• Potions below next boss threshold.
• Bag full of high-value loot already.
• Fate modifier spike — “Insane” pressure or cursed spawn wave.
• Split party beyond comm range.
• Host lag or disconnect warning in co-op — secure loot before drop.
• Main mission reward secured — Anchor Stone or objective complete (How to Rebuild the Castle).

Post-extract hub checklist

• Equip upgrades immediately — Know new power before next departure.
• Deposit crafting mats — Toward Crafting Stations plan.
• Review what killed run quality — Death, near-wipe, or clean extract?
• Update personal notes — Which Fate cards to avoid chaining twice.
• Patch check — Skim Updates if Steam updated mid-session.

Solo player short checklist

Minimal version when playing alone:

• Fate read.
• Goal + empty bag space.
• Extract after main upgrade or mat target met.
• Leave when potions low or bag full — no “one more camp” unless boss chase.

See How to Play Solo for pacing context.

Co-op captain short checklist

• Loot rules pinned in Discord.
• Extract caller identified.
• Air/ground roles assigned per zone type.
• Abort signals rehearsed once per session.

Why checklists matter in Dragonhold

The AI Director punishes hesitation and inventory greed. Hand of Fate modifiers change risk nightly. Checklists do not reduce tension — they stop stupid losses so tension stays fun. Pair this tool with Extraction Mission Loop theory once habits feel automatic.

Re-run these lists after major patches; extraction rules and spawn pacing evolve during Early Access.