Exploring the Valley of Mines reveals several tucked-away locations containing valuable gear and ore. These areas offer substantial rewards for players willing to stray from the main path. Finding them early can ease the difficulty curve of the Colony.
Hidden Underwater Caves
The waters around the New Camp hide two underwater caves containing valuable items. One cave is located beneath the lake near the tavern. The second cave is submerged in the lake next to Jan’s cabin outside the New Camp.
Reaching either location requires diving and navigating through narrow, flooded passages by following the flowing stream of water. Watch out for dangers inside these caves, and make sure your oxygen level is sufficient before attempting the swim. The rewards inside include useful supplies and ore, making it worth the risk for early-game players.
Cavalorn’s Hidden Stash
Cavalorn’s cabin sits west of the Old Camp. Nearby, a shallow cave holds a hidden stash behind a locked door. To access these supplies, you need to acquire the key for this door. Inside, players can find a variety of items that can assist with early survival before choosing one of the three main camps. Having these resources makes surviving combat encounters much easier before upgrading to better weapons-and-armor.
The Broken Tower
The Broken Tower is an abandoned ruin containing two hidden chests. The entrance is locked. You can gain entry by finding the key or by using lockpicking tools. Knowing the correct lock combination saves lockpicks and time, letting you quickly secure the loot inside. Refer to beginner-tips for advice on managing resources like lockpicks in the early game.