Caves are a key part of progression in Hytale, as they’re where you’ll find crucial items needed to move forward. Chief among these are the ores used to upgrade your tools, weapons and workbench. But there are other secrets underground too, including possible structures, monsters and valuable treasure. That’s why cave runs are an essential part of the gameplay — though you should prepare properly before you head down. Let’s take a closer look at how caves in Hytale currently work in Early Access and what you can discover there!
Hytale cave preparation: Equipment and inventory check
Before you start digging, make sure you’ve got the right gear. Without it, you won’t get far. Caves can be dangerous, even if they don’t seem so at first glance. It’s better to have more than you need than to be caught short.
Your inventory should include:
- a weapon of your choice
- bow and arrows
- a shield (if one‑handed weapon)
- several pickaxes (current tier)
- repair kits (for iron pickaxes and above)
- food (2× 25 pieces)
- enough torches (at least 100 in your off‑hand, can be placed directly)
- fibres, sticks and resin (for new torches)
- Cobblestone or dirt (for building)
Even better if you’ve already unlocked the backpack. This gives you extra inventory slots straight away to hold what you find. You only need 8× iron ingots and 8× medium leather, which you should be able to obtain fairly quickly.
Hytale caves by biome: Structure and zone specifics
Hytale currently has four different biomes where you can find caves. They differ in look and in the ores and resources available. If you want to learn more about the zones themselves, check out our article: (Hytale zones explained: biomes, ores and mobs) . In every biome you can find cave entrances throughout; some are even marked by mineshafts and contain more ores. Each zone poses new challenges!
- Zone 1: The caves are fairly straightforward, with normal stone. You’ll also find mushroom sections — be careful, they can explode. At the very bottom awaits a hellscape of lava, with ancient ruins and nasty monsters.
- Zone 2: The depths of the Howling Sands are laid out differently and are primarily surrounded by sandstone. Watch out for the many insect nests you’ll find everywhere — they’re a good source of chitin if you need it. Right at the bottom is also an area with lots of lava and ruins, much like Zone 1.
- Zone 3: The caves in the Whisperfrost Frontiers look completely different. They’re frozen and will make you shiver just looking at them. Be careful — the ground may be slippery, sending you straight into the abyss. Step carefully and don’t put a foot wrong. Deep below you’ll find nothing but ice and water, and surprisingly few enemies. Sometimes you can even dive for treasure, but keep an eye on your oxygen.
- Zone 4: Zone 4 turns many other caves on their head — literally. While things are hectic up top, deep below you’ll find a paradise of tropical trees and lush landscapes. There you’ll discover not only some very rare tree species but also native dinosaurs.
Hytale ores and resources: Where to find them in caves and on the surface
Caves in Hytale are primarily important for gathering enough ores for your plans. You can use them to forge more tools or start dabbling in alchemy. But where do you find all the ores you need? Let’s take a closer look. Remember that ores are found not only in caves but also on the surface or in mountains.
- Copper: Found almost everywhere, but primarily in Zone 1, the starter area.
- Iron: Occasionally in Zone 1, but very common in Zones 2 and 3.
- Gold: Found in oceans, but also easily recognisable in the mountains of Zone 3. Used primarily for alchemical purposes and currently has no use for tools.
- Silver: Also found in mountain regions of Zone 3, but also in deep lava caves in Zone 2. Sometimes you’ll find it in Zone 1 if you dig deep enough. It likewise isn’t used for tools, but is used to craft wands.
- Cobalt: Easy to find in Zone 3, sometimes also in the mountains, meaning you don’t even have to dig down.
- Thorium: The green ore is found in Zone 2’s desert.
- Adamantite: For this you’ll need to head to one of the Zone 4 islands, as that’s the only place you’ll currently find the strongest ore, Adamantite.
Ores are the most important underground resource, but there’s more to discover. You can also find crystals in various colours for crafting decorations. Rare gemstones, such as emeralds or even diamonds, can turn up too. Beyond that, make sure to collect materials dropped by monsters.
Hytale cave monsters: Enemies, spawn behaviour and hazards
You’re probably wondering which monsters lurk in caves. Cave runs aren’t exactly easy. And yes, there are mobs, though the system is not yet fully refined. Some nasty enemies still await you. They most often seem to spawn when you turn your back. It’s not yet known whether lighting up caves helps. Always watch your rear.
You’ll encounter:
- Rats
- Goblins (with various equipment)
- Spiders
- Scaraks
- Toads
- Elemental golems
- Dinosaurs
- Skeleton mages
Conclusion: Exploring Hytale’s caves and finding rare ores
Caves in Hytale have a distinct character that changes with each biome. That keeps things fresh, and you’ll genuinely need to travel across all zones to collect key materials. Always bring the best gear you can and keep upgrading it to stay prepared. And beware of monsters, which especially like to appear behind your back.
If you want to play with your friends, rent one of our Hytale servers and head into the caves together. Who knows what secrets, structures or rare resources you’ll uncover!
