The latest Caves Expansion Update in 99 Nights in the Forest changes how players explore, survive, and prepare for late-game content. This update does not just add a new area, but also introduces new enemies, explosives, weapons, loot types, and quality-of-life improvements that make exploration feel deeper and more dangerous.
If you enjoy high-risk exploration with big rewards, this update delivers exactly that. Below is a complete breakdown of what the new Caves Expansion brings and how to deal with it efficiently. Also check out our 99 Nights in the Forest Codes for more rewards!
Overview of the New Caves Expansion
The new cave system is a large underground area connected to the main map. It features multiple branching paths, destructible walls, hidden loot rooms, and stronger enemies than anything found on the surface.
Unlike earlier updates, the caves are not fully accessible right away. You will need proper preparation, including food, light sources, and weapons, before going deep inside.
How to Find the Cave Entrance
The cave entrance usually spawns not too far from the campfire area, but it may be hidden behind terrain or objects. You cannot rely on radar alone, so manual exploration is required. Tips to locate it faster:
- Explore areas you have not revealed on the map
- Check around forest edges and biome borders
- Look for rock formations that stand out from normal terrain
Once found, the entrance leads directly into the new cave system.
New Enemies Inside the Caves
The caves introduce several new enemy types, mainly cultist variants that are far stronger than surface enemies. Common cave enemies include:
- Shadow Cultists
- Dark String Cultists
- Heavy melee cultists with high HP
These enemies often attack in groups, so fighting without preparation can quickly drain your health and resources.
Explosives and Destructible Walls
One of the biggest changes in this update is the introduction of explosives.
New explosive items include:
- Dynamite
- Impact Grenades
- Explosive rifle ammo
- Explosive revolver ammo
These are used to:
- Break destructible cave walls
- Open hidden paths
- Access secret loot rooms
Some walls cannot be destroyed with melee weapons and require explosives to progress.
New Loot and Weapons
The cave expansion adds several powerful items that greatly improve survivability and combat.
Notable loot found inside caves:
- Rifles
- Explosive ammunition
- Strong flashlights
- Medkits
- Fuel canisters
- Dynamite stacks
Gold chests inside caves offer the best rewards but are often guarded by multiple enemies or placed behind breakable walls.
Lighting and Visibility Tips
Caves are extremely dark, making light management important.
Best ways to handle visibility:
- Use flashlights only when necessary
- Activate cave crystals to permanently light areas
- Avoid wasting battery during combat
- Move slowly to prevent ambushes
Poor lighting can easily lead to surprise attacks from cultists.
Campfire, Crafting, and Survival Prep
Before entering the caves, you should prepare your base properly.
Recommended preparation:
- Level up the campfire as much as possible
- Craft crockpots for long-term food supply
- Stock up on bandages and stews
- Carry explosives but avoid wasting them
Food management is critical since long cave runs can easily cause starvation.
New Quality-of-Life Changes
The update also adds several small but impactful improvements:
- Decorator class now available as a game pass
- Map rotation feature for easier navigation
- Improved item icons
- Ability to place objects freely instead of fixed spots
- Vendors allowing faster purchases without extra steps
These changes make exploration smoother and less frustrating.
Unfinished Cave Features
Some cave machines and structures currently do nothing. According to developer responses, these are planned for future updates, so expect more content to unlock later.
Is the Caves Expansion Worth Exploring?
Absolutely. The Caves Expansion adds:
- High-risk, high-reward exploration
- Stronger enemies and better loot
- New combat mechanics with explosives
- A deeper survival loop
However, rushing in unprepared will almost always end in death. Take time to gear up, manage food, and learn enemy patterns before committing to long cave runs.
The Caves Expansion Update in 99 Nights in the Forest is one of the most impactful updates so far. It transforms exploration from simple scavenging into a dangerous dungeon-style experience filled with secrets, powerful enemies, and valuable rewards. If you enjoy challenging survival gameplay, this update is worth mastering. With the right preparation and smart use of explosives, the caves can become one of the best farming and progression areas in the game.