A demand exists for roguelike 2D platformer games, and Dead Cells fulfills the niche perfectly. It appeals to hardcore gamers who like a challenge, as they don’t retain loot after death. There are many areas to explore in Dead Cells, including the Cavern.
The Cavern is part of the Rise of the Giant DLC, and players must download it before possible access. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend any money to get it.
Getting to the Cavern Area
Before you head to the Cavern, you’ll have to defeat the Hand of the King at least once. You must also beat the main game at least once and unlock Disengagement. Of course, we’ll assume you have the free DLC installed.
After that, you only have to unlock the entrance before permanently opening the path for future runs.
To obtain the Cavern Key and reach the Cavern, follow these steps:
- Start a new run and get your initial two weapons.
- Enter the next room and find a hole in the wall.
- Inside the hole is a new space with a ledge and lava.
- Detach your head and grab the wall below the switches.
- Use your head to trigger the switches.
- Recall your head and jump over.
- Enter the room.
- Go all the way to the right and pick up the Cavern Key.
The Cavern Key will permanently unlock the area, but you must get there first. There are many ways to reach the Cavern, but the fastest way is as follows:
- Prisoners’ Quarters
- Promenade of the Condemned
- Ramparts
- Insufferable Crypt
- Graveyard
- Caverns
In the Graveyard is an underground exit with a lock. The Cavern Key opens the door and lets you enter the Caverns. Fortunately, you won’t need the Key for future uses; the door remains unlocked permanently.
An alternate entrance is to go to the Slumbering Sanctuary and use a 2-Boss Stem Cell door. You must also defeat the Giant at least once.
The Caverns
There’s plenty of loot and items to obtain in the Cavern biome. Of note are the following:
- Four Power Scrolls
- Two Dual-Star Scrolls
- War Javelin Blueprint
- Festive Outfit Blueprint
- The Boy’s Axe Blueprint
- Toothpick Blueprint
- Ice Armor Blueprint
- Magic Missiles Blueprint
- Shaman Outfit Blueprint
- Flying Alcoholic Blueprint
When you get more Boss Stem Cells (BSC), some rewards will become more valuable. For example, obtaining more than four will guarantee an extra Power Scroll. Three will ensure obtaining four Scroll Fragments.
The Festive Outfit Blueprint is only available with you have four BSC.
Some of the exclusive enemies in the Cavern are:
- Ground Shakers
- Arbiters
- Skeletons
- Demons
Other enemies will also appear. In particular, playing higher difficulty levels will replace Lacerators with Failed Experiments.
Treasures in the Depths
Plenty of powerful weapons and valuable items are waiting for you in the Cavern. While some are locked behind secrets and BSC requirements, you’ll find all of them invaluable. The way to the Cavern can be challenging, as you might fight other bosses there.
Once you unlock the biome, you no longer need to get the Cavern Key. Enjoy looting in the area, especially when hunting for Blueprints.
