99 Nights in the Forest Cave Guide (March 2026) Complete Walkthrough

Updated by Nikhil Desai
November 24, 2025
GamingRoblox

The mysterious underground cave system in 99 Nights in the Forest has revolutionized gameplay since its November 22, 2025 release. After spending dozens of hours exploring every tunnel, battling cultist variants, and unlocking all blessings, I’m sharing this complete guide to help you master the terrifying Bat Cave and claim its powerful rewards.

If you’ve been struggling with the green-cloaked cultists, getting disoriented in the labyrinth of tunnels, or wondering which blessings to choose, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive walkthrough covers everything from finding the cave entrance to maximizing your blessing selections for optimal survival.

What is the Cave in 99 Nights in the Forest?

The Cave represents a major underground expansion that introduced entirely new gameplay mechanics to 99 Nights in the Forest. This isn’t just another location to loot—it’s a massive interconnected tunnel system controlled by the Bat entity, featuring exclusive enemies, environmental puzzles, and permanent character upgrades.

Quick Cave Overview

Aspect	Details
Release Date	November 22, 2025 (Something is Coming Update)
Location	East of main campfire on Day 1
Primary Entity	The Bat (unkillable)
Enemy Types	Green Cultists, Armored Cultists
Main Rewards	8 Permanent Blessings (Deer, Owl, Ram, Bat)
Loot Chests	None (blessings only)
Number of Caves	4 total (1 main + 3 smaller locked caves)
Required Items	Flashlight, food, strong weapons, healing items
Difficulty	High (enemies respawn continuously)

The cave’s main attraction isn’t traditional loot—it’s the statue blessing system that grants permanent buffs improving your entire 99-night survival journey. These blessings affect critical gameplay elements like day/night duration, weather patterns, and hunger rates.

How to Find the Cave in 99 Nights in the Forest?

Main Cave Location

The primary Bat Cave spawns automatically on Day 1 and appears on your map once you’ve crafted it using three wood logs. Here’s exactly how to locate it:

Open your map (press M key) immediately after spawning
Look east of your campfire for a large cave icon with a yellow exclamation mark
The cave spawns randomly each game but always within reasonable distance from camp
Note the icon size: The main cave has a significantly larger icon than the three smaller caves

The main cave entrance is the only one accessible initially and serves as your primary entry point to the entire underground system.

Additional Locked Caves

Beyond the main entrance, three smaller cave exits exist scattered throughout the forest:

Appear as tiny cave icons on your map (much smaller than the main entrance)
Initially blocked by stone barriers that require TNT to open
TNT location: Found inside the main Bat Cave near statue rooms
Purpose: These serve as alternative exits and entry points once unlocked, allowing faster access to deeper cave sections

Think of these smaller caves as shortcuts that dramatically reduce travel time once you’ve made progress through the main cavern.

Essential Items Before Entering the Cave

Don’t make the rookie mistake of entering unprepared. The cave’s difficulty spike is no joke, and you’ll face significantly tougher enemies than anything on the surface. Here’s your mandatory preparation checklist:

Required Equipment

Flashlight (Absolutely Essential)

Old Flashlight: Minimum requirement, shorter battery life
Strong Flashlight: Highly recommended, extended battery capacity
Primary uses: Charging crystals for visibility, stunning the Bat entity
Battery management: Collect fireflies that respawn at fixed locations to refill charge

Strong Weapons (Pick At Least Two)

Chainsaw: Excellent for sustained damage against cultist groups
Strong Axe: Versatile melee option with good damage output
Spear: Reliable ranged melee weapon for maintaining distance
Shotgun: High burst damage for eliminating threats quickly
Laser Cannon (Cyborg class): Best ranged option for cultists
Tactical Shotgun: Superior firepower for experienced players

Food and Healing Items

Stew: Optimal hunger restoration from Crock Pot
Cooked Meat: Backup food source (bring multiple)
Bandages: Essential for healing damage between encounters
Med Kits: Critical for reviving downed teammates in multiplayer

Storage Solutions

Good Capacity Bag: Maximizes inventory space for ammo and consumables
Allows you to carry enough supplies for extended cave exploration

Recommended Class Choices

The cave’s mechanics favor certain classes over others. Based on extensive testing, here are the top performers:

Best Solo Classes:

Cyborg (600 diamonds): Laser Cannon deals consistent damage, Alien Armor provides survivability
Fire Bandit: Flamethrower excels at crowd control against cultist swarms
Barbarian: High health pool and damage output for aggressive playstyles

Best Team Classes:

Medic/Support roles: Players equipped with multiple bandages and med kits
High-damage ranged classes: Cyborg, Alien, or Rifleman for safe cultist elimination
Tank classes: Barbarian or Berserker to absorb damage and protect teammates

For more detailed class information, check out our complete 99 Nights in the Forest classes guide covering all 25+ available options.

Complete Cave Walkthrough: Step-by-Step

Now that you’re properly equipped, let’s navigate the Bat Cave systematically. This walkthrough follows the optimal path for first-time explorers.

Step 1: Cave Entrance and First Crystal Room

What to Expect:

Warning poster about the Bat’s scream attack appears immediately
Green-cloaked cultists attack within seconds of entry
First crystal located to your left after defeating initial enemies

Action Steps:

Enter through the main cave icon on your map
Immediately engage the 3-5 green cultists using ranged weapons
Clear the entrance area completely before progressing
Shine your flashlight on the large crystal chunk to your left
Charging crystals illuminates surrounding areas and reveals wall paintings

Pro Tip: These wall paintings contain lore about the Bat’s history and conflict with the Deer. They’re worth examining for story context.

Step 2: First Bat Encounter

Location: Occurs shortly after the first crystal room

Bat Behavior:

Cannot be killed: The Bat is invulnerable like other major entities
Attack pattern: Flies close, spreads wings, raises head, then releases sonic scream
Scream effect: Blurs vision, disorients players, deals moderate damage
Warning indicator: Red exclamation mark appears when Bat detects you

How to Survive the Bat:

Method 1: Take Cover

Hide behind pillars, walls, or large rock formations
The sonic scream travels in straight lines and can’t penetrate solid objects
Wait until the Bat flies away before continuing

Method 2: Flashlight Stun (Advanced)

Shine your flashlight directly at the Bat’s face when it approaches
Toggle flashlight on/off rapidly for maximum effect
Successfully stunning interrupts the scream animation
Requires precise timing and good aim

Method 3: Constant Movement

Keep moving between cover points
Don’t stay in open areas for extended periods
The Bat’s patrol pattern is somewhat predictable after observation

For detailed Bat combat mechanics, see our dedicated how to defeat the Bat guide.

Step 3: Navigating the Tunnel System

The cave consists of multiple interconnected chambers, each presenting unique challenges:

Crystal Mechanics:

Blue crystals on your map indicate already-charged nodes
Gray crystals need flashlight charging for visibility
Strategic approach: Charge crystals before engaging enemies in that area
Firefly locations: These glowing insects respawn at the same spots repeatedly

Enemy Encounters:

Green-Cloaked Cultists

Health: Significantly higher than surface red cultists
Damage: 2-3x more damaging than regular variants
Weapons: Carry superior weaponry including crossbows and melee weapons
Respawn: Continuously respawn at specific locations
Strategy: Use chokepoints, funnel them into narrow passages, focus fire

Armored Cultists (Elite Variant)

Appearance: Wearing cape, extremely muscular, wielding massive axe
Health pool: Extremely high, requires concentrated team fire
Damage output: Can eliminate players in 2-3 hits
Spawn locations: Deeper cave sections and near statue rooms
Strategy: Maintain distance, use high-damage weapons, coordinate with team

Combat Tips:

Don’t get flanked—always know your escape route
Use corners and doorways to limit enemy approach angles
Prioritize armored cultists when they appear
Conserve ammunition by using melee weapons on weakened enemies

Step 4: Statue Rooms and Blessing Selection

The cave contains two statue room locations, each offering a choice between two entity blessings.

Statue Room Mechanics:

Unlock condition: Defeat all cultists in the area to open metal doors
Green rune stone: Interact with this to view blessing options
Selection limit: You can only choose ONE blessing per statue room
Total choices: 2 blessing selections per complete cave run
Permanence: Once selected, blessings remain active for your entire run

Blessing Categories Available:

Deer blessings (extends daytime duration)
Owl blessings (reduces rain frequency)
Ram blessings (lowers lightning strike chance)
Bat blessings (decreases hunger drain rate)

Each blessing type has two tiers (I and II), with tier II providing stronger effects.

Step 5: TNT Acquisition and Cave Exits

Finding TNT:

Location: Near statue rooms in deeper cave sections
Purpose: Required to blast open the three smaller cave exits on your map
Usage: Approach sealed cave entrances on the surface and use TNT to remove barriers

Cave Exit Strategy:

Multiple exits: The cave contains several exit points marked by cave icons
Unlocking advantages: Creates shortcuts for future visits
Strategic value: Allows quick re-entry without traversing entire cave system
Recommendation: Unlock at least one close to your main camp

All Blessings in 99 Nights in the Forest

The blessing system provides permanent buffs that dramatically improve your survival chances. Here’s every blessing and strategic selection advice:

Complete Blessing List

Blessing Name	Tier	Effect	Best For
Blessing of the Deer I	1	Increases day length, decreases night duration	Early game, surface exploration
Blessing of the Deer II	2	Greater day extension, shorter nights	Mid-game progression
Blessing of the Owl I	1	Reduces rain occurrence chance	Players affected by rain visibility
Blessing of the Owl II	2	Significantly lowers rain frequency	Long-term runs, weather-dependent strategies
Blessing of the Ram I	1	Decreases lightning strike probability	Areas with frequent storms
Blessing of the Ram II	2	Major reduction in lightning events	Protecting upgraded campfires
Blessing of the Bat I	1	Slows hunger drain rate	Extended exploration sessions
Blessing of the Bat II	2	Substantial hunger reduction	Cave diving, food-scarce strategies

Blessing Selection Strategy

First Statue Room Choice:

Choose Deer Blessing If:

You’re in early-mid game (Days 1-30)
You need more daylight for resource gathering
Your team struggles with nighttime survival
You haven’t rescued all four missing children yet

Choose Bat Blessing If:

You’re planning extensive cave exploration
Your food production is inconsistent
You’re attempting long survival runs (Day 50+)
You have strong nighttime defenses already

Second Statue Room Choice:

Recommended Combinations:

Deer I + Deer II: Maximum daytime extension (best for newer players)
Deer I + Bat II: Balanced approach for extended gameplay
Bat I + Bat II: Hunger becomes nearly negligible (advanced strategy)
Deer II + Owl II: Weather control + daytime extension (versatile build)

Generally Avoid:

Ram blessings unless you’ve experienced multiple lightning deaths
Owl blessings if your flashlight/torch usage is high
Mixing tier I and tier II of different entities (less efficient than focusing)

For optimal progression through all 99 nights, I recommend prioritizing Deer blessings first, then Bat blessings on subsequent cave visits.

Detailed Cave Map and Navigation

Understanding the cave layout prevents getting lost and helps you plan efficient routes:

Cave Structure:

Main entrance: Eastern connection to surface
First chamber: Tutorial area with basic cultists
Crystal network: Multiple charging stations throughout
Central hub: Connects to various tunnel branches
Statue chambers: Two locations in separate cave sections
Deep sections: Armored cultist spawns, TNT locations
Exit tunnels: Three locked passages requiring TNT

Navigation Tips:

Charged crystals serve as landmarks—remember their positions
Wall paintings are unique to specific areas
Metal doors indicate you’re approaching statue rooms
Firefly locations are consistent across runs—memorize them
Cultist density increases as you go deeper

Getting Un-lost:

Follow charged crystals back toward entrance
Look for the main cave icon direction on your map
Team members can serve as waypoints
Exit through any unlocked TNT cave passage

Advanced Cave Survival Strategies

After mastering the basics, implement these pro-level tactics for maximum efficiency:

Team Coordination Tactics

Recommended Team Composition (4 Players):

1 Tank/Melee (Barbarian, Berserker)
2 DPS/Ranged (Cyborg, Rifleman, Fire Bandit)
1 Support/Healer (carrying bandages and med kits)

Communication Protocol:

Call out Bat sightings immediately when red exclamation appears
Coordinate crystal charging before engaging enemy groups
Share firefly locations for battery management
Designate statue blessing choices before entering cave

Solo Survival Approach

Critical Solo Strategies:

Move slowly and methodically—rushing causes deaths
Charge every crystal—visibility is life
Conserve ammunition—prioritize melee on weak enemies
Always know your exit—don’t explore without escape plan
Bring excessive food—hunger deaths are preventable

Best Solo Class: Cyborg remains the optimal solo choice due to its self-sufficient damage output and armor

Resource Management

Flashlight Battery Conservation:

Collect fireflies immediately when spotted
Turn off flashlight when not actively needed
Charge multiple crystals before deep exploration
Share battery management responsibility in teams

Ammunition Economy:

Use melee weapons for finishing damaged enemies
Ranged weapons for dangerous targets only
Prioritize armored cultists for ranged attacks
Scavenge killed cultists for dropped items

Speed Run Strategies

For experienced players attempting fast cave completion:

Optimal Speed Run Route:

Enter main cave, clear entrance (30 seconds)
Charge first crystal, proceed directly to first statue room (2 minutes)
Clear cultists, select blessing, grab TNT (3 minutes)
Navigate to second statue room via fastest route (4 minutes)
Select second blessing, exit via nearest unlocked passage (1 minute)

Total speed run time: 10-12 minutes for skilled teams

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them?

Learn from these frequently observed errors:

Mistake 1: Entering Unprepared

Problem: Players enter caves immediately after spawning without proper gear

Solution: Spend first 2-3 days gathering strong weapons, crafting flashlight, cooking food before attempting cave

Mistake 2: Ignoring Fireflies

Problem: Flashlight runs out mid-exploration, leaving players blind

Solution: Memorize firefly locations on first visit, collect them proactively

Mistake 3: Fighting in Open Rooms

Problem: Getting surrounded and overwhelmed by cultist groups

Solution: Retreat to chokepoints and doorways, force enemies into funnels

Mistake 4: Rushing Statue Choices

Problem: Selecting blessings without considering long-term strategy

Solution: Pause and discuss blessing choices with team before committing

Mistake 5: Not Unlocking Exit Caves

Problem: Wasting time traversing entire cave system on return visits

Solution: Always use TNT to unlock at least one nearby exit for shortcuts

Mistake 6: Solo Rambo Mentality

Problem: Attempting to fight through cave alone without proper experience

Solution: Join multiplayer teams initially to learn mechanics safely

Mistake 7: Forgetting Healing Items

Problem: Team wipes because nobody brought bandages or med kits

Solution: Establish mandatory healing item requirements before cave runs

Cave Rewards and Loot Analysis

Understanding what the cave actually provides helps set proper expectations:

What You GET From Caves:

8 powerful permanent blessings (2 per visit)
TNT for unlocking additional cave entrances
Purple Fur Tuft (from Bat’s lair, used in crafting)
Legendary Chest (rare spawn near deep cave entrances)
Experience fighting elite enemies
Lore information via wall paintings

What You DON’T GET From Caves:

Traditional loot chests (completely absent)
Weapon drops from enemies
Ammunition or consumable restocks
Craftable materials or resources
Additional items beyond blessings

The cave is purely a blessing acquisition system rather than a looting destination. This is intentional design the permanent buffs are far more valuable than temporary items.

Value Analysis:

One good blessing selection = increased survival chance for remaining 90+ nights
Deer blessing = potentially 20-30 additional hours of safer daytime resource gathering
Bat blessing = hundreds of food items saved over complete playthrough

Integration with Overall Survival Strategy

The cave system doesn’t exist in isolation—here’s how it fits your broader 99-night survival plan:

Optimal Cave Timing

Days 1-5: Don’t Enter Yet

Focus on basic survival: campfire upgrades, tool crafting, map creation
Gather strong weapons and adequate food supplies
Consider using 99 Nights in the Forest codes for diamond boosts

Days 5-10: First Cave Expedition

You should have decent weapons by this point
Deer blessing drastically improves resource gathering efficiency
Team size of 2-3 players recommended for first attempt

Days 15-25: Second Cave Visit

Complement first blessing choice with strategic second selection
Unlock additional cave exits for convenience
Should have strong enough gear to handle armored cultists

Days 30+: Return Visits As Needed

Blessings remain active, no need for repeated visits
Return only if you missed TNT or specific items
Focus shifts back to surface survival and child rescues

Synergy with Other Game Systems

Class Selection: Certain classes benefit more from specific blessings:

Hunter/Scavenger + Bat blessing = extended hunting expeditions
Lumberjack + Deer blessing = maximized wood gathering windows
Any class + Deer blessing = safer surface exploration

Crafting Priority: Cave success enables better crafting progression:

Extended daylight = more time for complex crafts
Reduced hunger = less food production required
Can redirect resources toward defensive structures

Child Rescue Missions: The four missing children become easier to rescue with cave blessings:

Dino Kid requires daytime exploration (Deer blessing helps)
Extended days allow multiple rescue attempts per cycle

Bat Entity: Complete Behavior Guide

Since the Bat represents the cave’s primary threat, understanding its complete behavior pattern is essential:

Bat Characteristics

Physical Appearance:

Large purple creature with bat-like wings
Light purple fur (drops Purple Fur Tuft collectible)
Glowing eyes visible in darkness
Significantly larger than player characters

Abilities and Behavior:

Vision: Blind (cannot see players directly)
Detection: Uses echolocation/sound detection
Attack: Sonic scream with area-of-effect damage
Mobility: Flies freely throughout cave system
Spawn: Appears shortly after entering main cave
Immortality: Cannot be killed or damaged

Lore Context: The Bat is responsible for injuring the Deer entity, establishing it as an extremely powerful creature. This connects to the “Deer is Hurt” pre-update event where players discovered the wounded Deer and Purple Fur near a mysterious cave entrance.

Bat Encounter Pattern

Detection Phase:

Red exclamation mark appears above Bat
Bat flies rapidly toward player position
Warning sound effect plays
Players have 2-3 seconds before scream

Attack Phase:

Bat spreads wings dramatically
Raises head/chin upward
Charges scream attack (1 second)
Releases devastating sonic burst
Scream travels forward in cone shape

Recovery Phase:

After screaming, Bat flies away
Disappears temporarily (30-60 seconds)
Reappears elsewhere in cave system
Cycle repeats

Advanced Bat Avoidance:

Learn audio cue timing for scream charge
Position yourself behind cover BEFORE scream releases
Flashlight stun most effective during detection phase
Team members can bait Bat while others progress

Frequently Asked Questions

How many caves are in 99 Nights in the Forest?

There are four caves total: one large main Bat Cave with the yellow exclamation mark, plus three smaller locked caves that require TNT to access. The main cave is where you’ll find the Bat entity and statue blessings.

Can you kill the Bat in 99 Nights in the Forest?

No, the Bat cannot be killed. Like the Deer, Owl, and Ram entities, the Bat is invulnerable to all damage. Your only options are avoiding its sonic attacks or temporarily stunning it with a flashlight.

Where is the Bat Cave located?

The Bat Cave always spawns east of your main campfire on Day 1. Look for the large cave icon with a yellow exclamation mark on your map. The exact position varies each game but remains consistently east of camp.

How long does the cave update last?

The cave is a permanent addition to 99 Nights in the Forest (not a limited-time event). It was released on November 22, 2025 as part of the “Something is Coming” update and remains available in every game session.

What are the best blessings to choose?

For most players, Deer blessings (extending daytime) are the best choice for your first statue room, followed by either additional Deer or Bat blessings (reducing hunger) in the second room. This combination provides maximum survival benefits.

Do cave enemies respawn?

Yes, cultists continuously respawn at specific locations throughout the cave. This makes lingering in one area dangerous and encourages constant movement. Clear areas quickly and progress through the cave efficiently.

Can you enter the cave on Day 1?

While the cave appears on Day 1, entering immediately is not recommended. Spend Days 1-5 gathering proper equipment (flashlight, weapons, food, healing items) before attempting your first cave expedition.

How do I get TNT in the cave?

TNT is found near statue rooms in the deeper sections of the main Bat Cave. After claiming your blessings from statues, explore the surrounding areas carefully to locate TNT. It’s used to blast open the three smaller locked cave exits.

What happens if you die in the cave?

Death in the cave works the same as surface deaths. In solo play, you’ll respawn at your campfire. In multiplayer, teammates can revive you using med kits within a short time window. Lost items can be recovered from your death location if you return quickly.

Are there any chests in the cave?

No, the standard cave system contains no traditional loot chests. However, some players report finding a Legendary Chest near deeper cave entrances after completing Bat encounters. The cave’s primary reward is the eight permanent blessings, not loot.

How long does it take to complete the cave?

A full cave run (both statue rooms, all blessings collected) takes 10-15 minutes for experienced teams with proper equipment. First-time explorers should expect 20-30 minutes as you learn layouts and enemy patterns.

Can the Bat leave the cave and attack on surface?

No, the Bat only spawns inside the cave system. It cannot appear during nighttime surface exploration like the Deer, Owl, or Ram entities. The Bat is exclusively a cave-based threat.

Do blessings stack if you choose the same type twice?

Yes, if you select Deer I in the first statue room and Deer II in the second, their effects stack for even longer daytime duration. The same applies to Bat, Owl, and Ram blessings—tier II provides stronger effects than tier I.

What classes are best for cave exploration?

The Cyborg class (600 diamonds) is widely considered the best for caves due to its Laser Cannon and Alien Armor. For budget options, Fire Bandit or Barbarian work well. Avoid classes without strong combat abilities or survivability.

How do I find fireflies for flashlight battery?

Fireflies appear as glowing insects at fixed locations throughout the cave. They respawn at the same spots after being collected, so memorize their positions on your first visit. Fireflies completely refill your flashlight battery.

Can you solo the cave or is multiplayer required?

The cave can be completed solo, though it’s significantly more challenging. Multiplayer teams (2-4 players) make cultist encounters more manageable and provide revival safety. Solo players should use the Cyborg class and move cautiously.

Pro Tips and Hidden Secrets

Expert-Level Cave Strategies

Crystal Sequence Optimization: Charge crystals in strategic order to maintain maximum visibility while minimizing backtracking. Always charge the crystal nearest your destination first.

Cultist Aggro Management: Green cultists have limited aggro range. You can sometimes bypass groups by staying near walls and moving slowly. However, armored cultists have much wider detection.

Team Blessing Coordination: In multiplayer, coordinate so different players choose different blessings across multiple cave runs, then share the benefits. While blessings are individual, smart team coordination maximizes group advantage.

Speed Techniques: Advanced players can skip some cultist groups entirely by sprinting through with high-mobility classes, though this risks getting surrounded deeper in the cave.

TNT Alternative Uses: Beyond unlocking cave exits, TNT may have additional crafting applications in future updates. Consider stockpiling extra TNT when possible.

Hidden Lore and Easter Eggs

The wall paintings throughout the cave tell the complete story of the Bat’s conflict with the Deer. Taking time to examine all paintings reveals:

The Bat’s origin and reasons for living underground
How the Bat injured the Deer (connecting to pre-update event)
The relationship between the four entities (Deer, Owl, Ram, Bat)
Hints about future updates and story developments

Community Discoveries

The 99 Nights in the Forest community continues discovering new cave mechanics. Join the official Discord server to stay updated on:

Newly discovered blessing combinations
Speed run record attempts and strategies
Community-created cave maps and guides
Developer announcements about cave updates

Conclusion

The cave system represents one of 99 Nights in the Forest’s most significant content additions, fundamentally changing survival strategy through its permanent blessing system. While the lack of traditional loot might disappoint some players, the long-term value of well-chosen blessings far exceeds any temporary items.

The blessings you obtain will affect your survival chances for all remaining nights, making the cave one of the most important locations in the entire game. Don’t rush through it—take your time, explore thoroughly, and make strategic blessing choices based on your playstyle.

Ready to explore other dangerous locations? Check out our guides on Alien and Cyborg classes for advanced combat strategies, our complete NPCs and mobs list for understanding all entities, and our craftable items guide for maximizing survival efficiency.

The forest holds many more secrets beyond the cave—but mastering this underground system is your first step toward conquering all 99 nights. Now get out there, charge those crystals, collect those blessings, and show the Bat who really owns these caves!