Red Hook Studio's Darkest Dungeon is a brutal roguelike RPG with a steep learning curve. Trying to figure out which items neutralize which curios and what attacks your heroes should use requires a lot of trial and error -- or checking the wiki if you'd rather. It's not a game that holds your hand, but it's rewarding when you figure it out.

Status effects such as Bleed are one such mechanic. With the ability to bypass Protection to deal direct damage, Bleed doesn't seem like much at first. However, Bleed damage stacks and isn't affected by high Protection stats like regular attacks are. Once you realize that, these skills become essential for your heroes.

RELATED: Darkest Dungeon: How to Use the Crusader Class

Hellion triggering a bleed trap

Bleed damage can be inflicted through traps or ill-investigated curios, although you'll most likely get Bleed damage from enemies. Places like the Warrens and the Crimson Courtyard are where you'll most likely encounter foes that can inflict this status effect, but you can encounter foes that can inflict Bleed anywhere. Cultists, Brigands and Ghouls roam all dungeons, and once you open the Crimson Courtyard, you'll have a chance to encounter Sycophants and Chevaliers, who also inflict massive Bleed damage as well as risking infecting your hero with the Crimson Curse.

Fortunately, you don't have to deal with Bleed damage for long if you get it. Bandages can heal your afflicted hero at the start of their turn, and nearly every hero has the Wound Care camping skill. The Arbalest can also cure Bleed with her camping skill Field Dressing, and the Plague Doctor and the Flagellant can heal themselves of Bleed damage as well.

Where Bleed becomes a real problem is on the battlefield, but your heroes can save the day if you're inflicted in combat. The Hellion's Adrenaline Rush clears both Bleed and Blight, while the Flagellant's Suffer transfers someone else's Bleed to himself. The Graverobber's Toxic Trickery heals Bleed as well, but it's only good for one use per battle. Much like with Blight, your best bet for healing Bleed is the Plague Doctor's Battlefield Medicine. Not only does she heal someone else's Bleed damage, but she can also heal herself at the same time if she's afflicted.

RELATED: Darkest Dungeon: How to Use the Leper Class

Flagellant attacking brigands

While Bleed is annoying when used against you, when you use it against someone else, it is a different story. Bleed stacks and can combine with Blight damage while bypassing Protection stats, making it crucial to felling some dangerous foes. It's not very effective in places such as the Cove and the Ruins, but that's where Bleed debuffs come into play. The Highwayman and the Flagellant each come with moves that reduce a foe's Bleed resistance, making it easier to pile on the pain.

In fact, the Flagellant is incredibly effective when it comes to inflicting maximum Bleed damage. They have three skills that inflict Bleed damage on opponents, two of which also reduce the foe's Bleed resistance, while the third is heals them. The Flagellant also deals out the strongest Bleed damage of any hero, ranging from four to nine points of Bleed damage. Coupled with his high Bleed resist, and the Flagellant is the strongest Bleeder of the game.

That's not to say that other heroes are incapable of such damage. The Houndmaster's Hound's Harry can deal Bleed damage to all four opponent slots, while the Jester's Harvest can hit the two middle opponents for more Bleed damage. The Highwayman's Open Vein not only deals Bleed damage but also lowers Bleed resist. The Plague Doctor and the Bounty Hunter have dedicated Bleed moves, and the Hellion can inflict serious Bleed damage. It's very easy to construct a dedicated Bleed team to fell even the greatest of foes. Bleed is definitely a skill set essential for your heroes in Dark Dungeon. The Ancestor may question if inordinate exsanguination could be considered a virtue, but it most certainly is when it takes down a big damage sponge.

NEXT: Darkest Dungeon II: Release Date, Trailer, Plot & News to Know