Caves
Subterranean networks that offer shelter but hide dangers.
Mechanics
- Discovery:
- Mountains: ~35% chance to find an entrance
- Other Biomes: ~15% chance to find an entrance
- Requirements:
- Light Source: Mandatory for exploration (Torch, Lantern, Flashlight)
- Depth: Randomly determined (10-25 levels)
- Hazards: 3.5% chance per step of taking damage (2-6 HP) from loose rocks, unstable ground, or narrow squeezes
- Climbing Gear: Having Climbing Rope (or Cordage) + Pitons + Carabiners slightly reduces danger chance and reduces fatigue cost
Loot Tables
- Standard (25% chance per step):
- Water: 2-6 units
- Stone: 3-8 units
- Salt: 1-4 units
- Wild Mushrooms: 2-5 units
- Deep Cave (Depth 3+, 12% chance):
- Industrial: Scrap Metal, Resin, Chem Supplies
- Mining (Depth 7+, 15% chance):
- Requires: Pickaxe or Improvised Pickaxe
- Yields: Minerals, Gems (20% chance)
Dangers & Enemies
- Cave Bear:
- Chance scales with depth (1.5% per level, max 15%)
- Extremely dangerous, drops high-quality leather and meat
- Can be hunted with a Bow
- Environment: Light source required to avoid "Too dark" lockout
Cave Minerals & Gems
| Resource | Drop Count | Trade Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone | 3 - 8 | ~1 | Common drop at any depth |
| Salt | 1 - 4 | ~1 | Found in caves or near shores |
| Minerals | 1 - 2 | ~8 | Depth 7+ only. Requires Pickaxe |
| Gems | 1 - 2 | ~15 | Depth 7+ only. Requires Pickaxe (20 chance) |
| Crystal Shards | 2 - 5 | ~1 | Found in Crystal-filled cave POI |
| Quartz | 1 - 3 | ~1 | Found in Crystal-filled cave POI |
| River Gems | 0 - 2 | ~1 | Rare drop in Crystal Caves (or Rivers) |
Ores like Iron Ore, Coal, and Silver Ore are typically found via Mountain Gathering or Abandoned Mine Shafts, not standard Cave exploration.