If you head south from Zone 1, the Emerald Wilds, you’ll soon encounter swamps and then the first fringes of a desert. You’ll see vast steppes and some very unfriendly-looking insect nests. Come prepared if you plan to make this journey. Still, Zone 2 is an important stopover: this is where you’ll find thorium, one of the next two ores you need to progress. Other key materials also await, so it’s absolutely worth the trip. Today we’re taking a closer look at the Howling Sands—what you can find there and why it’s worth visiting for more than just thorium.
Biodiversity and sub-biomes of the Howling Sands in Hytale
As mentioned in the intro, in the current world generator you’ll find the desert south of Zone 1. The transition is quite stark—you won’t miss it. The Howling Sands feature three distinct areas you’ll come across. You’ll likely first enter the Golden Steppes, a savanna that still looks fairly green, with gentle rivers and tall palms. The Badlands are a region of mountains and valleys carved by winding rivers. Nestled between them are small oases, true pockets of calm. Finally, you’ll explore the Desolate Basin, the true desert with endless sand dunes. Even here you’ll sometimes find an oasis, occasionally entire basins filled with water.
Although the desert may look uninhabitable at first glance, plenty of creatures call it home—some of them unique to this region, which makes them perfect for breeding. You’ll find desert animals like camels, antelopes, boars, armadillos, and meerkats. You’ll also encounter the Feran, a people of desert foxes who are neutral but will defend themselves.
The desert doesn’t lack nasty monsters either—there are plenty of snakes and scorpions in various forms. Zone 2 is especially teeming with Skaraks, large insects that primarily live in their nests and in caves. You’ll need them to gather chitin. Other hostile creatures include saber-toothed tigers and hyenas, the hunters of the desert. And the skeletons from Zone 1 have made themselves at home here as well.
Caves in Zone 2: Finding thorium, ores, and monsters
Naturally, the Howling Sands contain plenty of caves, and that’s where you’ll find a new ore: thorium. The green-glimmering deposits are hard to miss, even near the surface. You’ll also find copper and iron mixed in if you still need more of those.
Caves in Zone 2 are mostly made of sandstone, a beautiful block you should consider for building. It gives them a clean, striking look, unlike the caves in Zone 1. Ores are a bit rarer near the surface but become more common the deeper you go. As for monsters, you’ll meet kobolds again, as well as passive lizards and some small Skaraks. These often spawn behind you, so watch your back as you head out.
Occasionally you’ll come across sections with reddish mushrooms. They’re highly flammable and can explode, but you can also harvest them for bomb powder to take with you. Skarak nests are also common, draped in cobwebs and grubs. They’re an excellent source of chitin.
Deep underground, the cave systems in the desert don’t differ much from those in Zone 1. Eventually, the sandstone gives way to basalt, and you’ll be surrounded by lava. Watch out for fire skeletons—they’re quite strong. Sometimes you’ll also find temple complexes unique to Zone 2, hiding several chests for you to loot.
Structures in the Howling Sands: Desert temples, Skarak nests, and Feran cities
If you prefer exploring the surface, there are plenty of fascinating structures to discover. You can find treasure chests there and uncover other secrets of the desert.
As in Zone 1, you’ll occasionally come across a Forgotten Temple in the desert, but it’s built differently here, and its portal is guarded by a sand golem with blue crystals. There are no Kweebecs in the desert, but you will find Ferans, a rather skittish people of desert foxes who live in their bases. They will attack you, but they also tend to flee. Here and there you’ll also find mine shafts, which often contain more ores.
Skeletons have also settled in the desert and taken over some of the local temple complexes. These vary in size and can contain great treasure chests. If you’re looking for even more adventure, seek out a labyrinth—a temple marked by an imposing entrance that descends deep into the caves. Be prepared for snakes, scorpions, and even crocodiles.
Finally, there are the large Skarak nests, which you can’t miss. They’re surrounded by dark soil and filthy, muddy water, where you’ll even find the occasional skeleton. In the center rises a large mound with an opening you can descend into. Only do so at your own risk—there are plenty of Skaraks waiting below. You’ll also find chests here, including some with rare loot.
Conclusion: Explore the Howling Sands and mine rare thorium
Zone 2 is anything but friendly and will be a real challenge if you’re not properly prepared. At the very least, bring iron gear before venturing into the dunes. You’ll encounter plenty of insects, reptiles, and other creatures found only here—and many of them are hostile. But the caves also hold valuable thorium, which makes Zone 2 a must-visit as you progress through the game.
Rent your own Hytale server from us and explore the Howling Sands with your friends. You’ll have a much easier time pushing through, conquering temples, and sharing your loot.
