Which light source should I bring into the dark?

Bottled Starlight occupies 1×1 cell, weighs 0.5 and lists 25 maximum durability. A Torch occupies 1×3 cells, also weighs 0.5 and lists 25 maximum durability. A Small Lantern occupies 1×2 cells, weighs 0.1 and lists 100 maximum durability.

These numbers answer packing questions, not photometry. Maximum durability is not a verified number of lighting minutes. Base value and rarity also do not tell us which source illuminates farther or handles fog better.

A compact source preserves grid space, but the usable choice also depends on where the game lets you equip or carry it and whether it conflicts with the weapon or tool you intend to use. Check the current slot feedback in the game before treating a small footprint as a complete answer.

Pack one dependable primary light and, if the route justifies it, one fallback that solves a different failure. Two large lights with the same role can consume the space needed for healing, an extraction item or the objective loot.

Starlight is a spell with its own conduit, school and incantation requirements. Having a staff does not automatically mean the spell is available, and relying on a spell also means accounting for safe slots and casting state. Treat it as a loadout path, not a free replacement for every carried light.

If the plan uses magic for light, verify the exact conduit and sequence before entering the dark area. A physical fallback can still be useful when the magic setup is unavailable, miscast or occupied by another combat need.

Stand at the same landmark, face the same direction and compare one source at a time. Note whether you care about immediate radius, distant contrast, glare, hands or slots occupied, and how easily the source can be restored. A repeatable comparison is more useful than a rarity ranking.

Choose the light that works best for this route and loadout. Do not call one the brightest in the game unless you have compared it with the others from the same place and direction.