progression
What to Do After The Elder
Use the Swamp Key correctly and prepare for the game's first major difficulty spike.
Field note
Direct answer
After The Elder, use the Swamp Key to open crypts, but brew poison resistance and place a safe portal before farming iron.
Checklist
- +Brew poison resistance
- +Find a safer swamp edge
- +Place a portal outside
- +Open crypts
- +Ship iron home
Step-by-step plan
- +Do not rush into the first swamp you see.
- +Scout for a swamp with multiple crypts.
- +Place a portal on safe ground outside the biome.
- +Use the Swamp Key to open sunken crypts.
- +Prioritize iron mace and better food before Bonemass.
Common mistakes
- +Entering with no poison resistance.
- +Putting the portal inside a dangerous swamp pocket.