How to Unlock Raven Cave in The Forge (March 2026) Complete Guide
Are you ready to access one of the most exciting endgame areas in The Forge? The Raven Cave (also known as Red Cave or Crimson Depths) is the gateway to the final stages of Frostspire Expanse, packed with rare ores, powerful enemies, and exclusive rewards. But here’s the catch – most guides only tell you about 2 quests when there are actually THREE Raven quests you need to complete!
After spending dozens of hours testing different methods and grinding through these quests myself, I’ve discovered that the Raven Cave unlock process is more complex than most players realize. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from the basic prerequisites to the ultra-rare Demonic Queen Spider spawn that trips up 90% of players.
Quick Overview: Raven Cave Unlock Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Level Requirement | Reach Level 70 | Minimum level to access Frostspire Expanse |
| Island Access | Complete Island 1 & 2 quests | Unlocks travel to Frostspire Expanse |
| Quest Prerequisites | Complete Sensei Moro quests | Essential for progression to Island 3 |
| Mining Power | 650+ for final quest | Required to mine Heart of the Island ore |
| Combat Readiness | Strong armor and weapons | Needed for Demonic Spiders in Raven Cave |
Understanding Raven Cave: What Makes It Special
Before diving into the unlock process, let’s clarify what Raven Cave actually is. Introduced in the January 3, 2026 New Cave update, Raven Cave represents the pinnacle of current content in The Forge. This isn’t just another cave – it’s a complete endgame zone that separates casual players from dedicated grinders.
Inside Raven Cave, you’ll find:
- New Rare Ores: Heart of the Island, Stolen Heart, Evil Eye, Duranite, Gulabite, Moon Stone, Frogite, and Coinite
- Powerful Enemies: Mini Demonic Spiders, Demonic Spiders, and the ultra-rare Demonic Queen Spider
- Exclusive Rewards: Dragon Head Pickaxe, Berserker Armor recipe, and other high-tier crafting materials
- Advanced Mining Nodes: Large Red Crystals requiring 650+ mining power
The cave entrance is located behind the Forging area in Frostspire Expanse, but it remains locked until you complete the full Raven questline and obtain the Red Cave Key.
Step 1: Reaching Frostspire Expanse (The Foundation)
Before you can even think about unlocking Raven Cave, you need to reach the third island. Here’s the fastest path:
Level Up Efficiently to 70
- Focus on Main Quests: Complete all quests from Islands 1 and 2 first
- Sensei Moro Quests: These are crucial – finish every quest from Sensei Moro on the second island
- Index Grinding: Use the Index system for bonus experience between quests
- Optimal Routes: Plan your mining and combat routes to minimize travel time
Unlocking Island 3 Access
Once you hit Level 70:
- Find the Wizard NPC – He’ll give you a Portal spell
- Cast the Portal – This teleports you to Frostspire Expanse
- Explore the Area – Get familiar with the Spider Cave location and Forging area
Pro Tip: Don’t rush to Island 3 under-leveled. The enemies in Frostspire Expanse hit significantly harder, and you’ll need decent gear to survive the Spider Cave where most Raven quest objectives take place.
Step 2: Raven Quest 1 – The Entry Point
The first Raven quest is relatively straightforward, designed to get you familiar with the Frostspire Expanse environment.
Finding Raven’s First Location
- Location: Camp to the right of the Spider Cave entrance
- Landmark: Look for the Excalibur camp area
- Navigation: From the island spawn, head toward the Spider Cave, then take a right
Quest Objectives
| Objective | Quantity | Best Location |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Crystal Spiders | 5 | Inside Spider Cave |
| Mine Icy Pebbles | 10 | Spider Cave entrance area |
| Bring Aetherit | 1 | Mine from Icy Pebbles/Rocks/Boulders |
Completion Strategy
- Spider Cave Farming: Spend extended time in the Spider Cave to complete all objectives efficiently
- Material Collection: Mine multiple Icy Pebbles while hunting spiders to save time
- Combat Preparation: Crystal Spiders aren’t too tough, but don’t underestimate them in groups
Rewards
- Raven Helmet Recipe: Part of the exclusive Raven armor set
- Quest Progression: Unlocks Raven’s second location and quest
Time Estimate: 15-30 minutes for most players with decent gear
Step 3: Raven Quest 2 – The Key Quest
This is where things get interesting. The second Raven quest rewards you with the actual Red Cave Key, but the objectives are slightly more challenging.
Finding Raven’s Second Location
- New Location: In front of the locked Raven Cave door
- Landmark: Behind the Forging area in Frostspire Expanse
- Visual Cue: Look for the distinctive red cave door with Raven standing guard
Quest Objectives
| Objective | Quantity | Spawn Rate/Location |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Diamond Spiders | 10 | Common in Spider Cave |
| Kill Prismarine Spider | 1 | Rare spawn in Spider Cave |
| Bring Snowite | 1 | Mine from Icy formations |
Advanced Tips for Quest 2
- Prismarine Spider Hunting: This rare spider spawns randomly in the Spider Cave. Clear the area repeatedly and be patient
- Snowite Mining: Found in the same Icy Pebbles/Rocks as Aetherit, but with lower drop rates
- Efficiency Strategy: Combine Diamond Spider farming with Snowite mining to minimize backtracking
Major Rewards
- Red Cave Key: The actual key to unlock Raven Cave
- Raven Chestplate Recipe: Completes the main Raven armor set
- Cave Access: Immediate ability to enter Raven Cave
Time Estimate: 30-60 minutes, depending on Prismarine Spider spawn luck
Step 4: Unlocking Raven Cave – The Moment of Truth
Once you have the Red Cave Key from completing Raven Quest 2, you can finally access the cave:
Unlock Process
- Navigate to Raven Cave Entrance: Behind the Forging area (same location as Raven’s second quest)
- Approach the Locked Door: You’ll see a distinctive red cave entrance
- Interact with the Lock: Press E key when prompted
- Enter the Cave: The door opens, revealing the new endgame area
First Impressions Inside
- Atmosphere: Dark, red-tinted cave with glowing crystals
- Enemy Density: Significantly higher than previous areas
- Mining Opportunities: Multiple crystal types with rare ores
- New Quest NPC: Raven moves inside the cave for the third quest
Important Note: While you can technically access Raven Cave after Quest 2, the real endgame content (including the best rewards) requires completing the third and final Raven quest.
Step 5: Raven Quest 3 – The Ultimate Challenge
This is where most guides fall short – they completely miss this crucial third quest that unlocks the best rewards in Raven Cave.
Finding Raven’s Third Location
- Inside Raven Cave: Raven relocates to a specific spot inside the cave
- Quest Trigger: Automatically available after entering Raven Cave with Quest 2 complete
- Difficulty Spike: Significantly harder than previous quests
Quest Objectives (The Hard Part)
| Objective | Quantity | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Mini Demonic Spiders | 25 | Medium – Common spawns |
| Kill Demonic Spiders | 10 | Hard – Tougher enemies |
| Kill Demonic Queen Spider | 1 | Extreme – Ultra-rare spawn |
| Bring Stolen Heart | 1 | Extreme – Requires 650 mining power |
The Demonic Queen Problem
The Demonic Queen Spider is the biggest roadblock for most players:
- Spawn Rate: Extremely low (estimated 1-2% chance)
- Spawn Location: Random locations within Raven Cave
- Strategy: Clear the entire cave systematically multiple times
- Patience Required: Some players report spending 2-3 hours just for this one spawn
Mining the Stolen Heart
This is the second major hurdle:
- Source: Drops from Heart of the Island ore (glowing red crystals)
- Mining Requirement: 650+ mining power mandatory
- Tool Required: Prismatic Pickaxe or better
- Location: Large red crystals throughout Raven Cave
Ultimate Rewards
- Berserker Armor Recipe: One of the best armor sets in the game
- Endgame Access: Full access to all Raven Cave content
- Prestige: Completion of one of the most challenging questlines in The Forge
Time Estimate: 2-5 hours, heavily dependent on Demonic Queen spawn luck and mining power
Advanced Strategies for Raven Cave Success
Based on extensive testing and community feedback, here are the pro strategies that separate successful players from those who give up:
Preparation is Everything
- Mining Power First: Upgrade your pickaxe to Prismatic before starting Quest 3
- Armor Optimization: Use the best armor available from previous quests
- Healing Items: Stock up on potions and food for extended cave runs
- Durability Management: Bring repair kits or extra pickaxes
Efficient Farming Routes
- Systematic Cave Clearing: Start from one end and methodically work through the entire cave
- Spawn Point Camping: Identify areas where Demonic Spiders spawn frequently
- Mining Integration: Mine valuable ores while hunting for spawns
- Reset Timing: Leave and re-enter the cave every 30 minutes to refresh spawns
Combat Optimization
- Weapon Choice: Use weapons effective against spider-type enemies
- Crowd Control: Abilities that stun or group enemies are invaluable
- Positioning: Use narrow cave passages to your advantage
- Escape Routes: Always know your exit path when overwhelmed
Community Tips
- Group Hunting: Team up with other players working on the same quest
- Spawn Sharing: Coordinate with others to maximize spawn opportunities
- Time Zones: Some players report better spawn rates during off-peak hours
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After helping dozens of players through this questline, I’ve identified these common pitfalls:
Preparation Mistakes
- Underestimating Mining Power: Trying to mine Heart of the Island with insufficient pickaxe
- Poor Gear Choices: Bringing weak armor to Raven Cave
- Insufficient Supplies: Running out of healing items mid-quest
Strategy Mistakes
- Rushing Through: Not taking time to farm efficiently
- Ignoring Mini Demonic Spiders: These count toward your total and are easier to find
- Bad Spawn Management: Not clearing areas systematically
Mental Mistakes
- Expecting Quick Results: The Demonic Queen spawn is genuinely rare
- Giving Up Too Early: Most successful players spend 2-3 hours on Quest 3
- Not Asking for Help: The community is usually willing to share spawn locations
Raven Cave Rewards: Is It Worth It?
After completing all three Raven quests, you’ll have access to some of the best content in The Forge:
Immediate Rewards
- Raven Armor Set: Helmet and Chestplate recipes (Quests 1-2)
- Berserker Armor: Top-tier armor recipe (Quest 3)
- Red Cave Access: Permanent entry to the endgame area
Long-term Benefits
- Rare Ore Access: Consistent access to Heart of the Island, Stolen Heart, and other valuable materials
- Dragon Head Pickaxe: Available through additional quests inside the cave
- Endgame Preparation: Perfect training for even harder content coming in future updates
Economic Value
- Ore Sales: Rare ores from Raven Cave sell for premium prices
- Crafting Opportunities: Exclusive recipes can be sold or used for powerful gear
- Time Investment: While challenging, the rewards provide significant long-term advantages
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to unlock Raven Cave?
Most players can complete Quests 1-2 and unlock the cave entrance in 1-2 hours. However, completing all three quests typically takes 3-6 hours total, depending on luck with rare spawns.
What level should I be for Raven Cave?
Level 70 is the minimum requirement, but I recommend being Level 75+ with good gear before attempting Quest 3. The enemies inside Raven Cave are significantly tougher than previous areas.
Can I complete Raven quests solo?
Yes, all Raven quests can be completed solo, but Quest 3 is much easier with a group. The Demonic Queen Spider hunt is particularly frustrating solo due to the rare spawn rate.
What happens if I die in Raven Cave?
You respawn outside the cave and lose any progress on current objectives. However, completed quest steps remain finished, and you can re-enter immediately.
Is the Raven Cave permanent or temporary?
Raven Cave is permanent content added in the January 2026 update. Once unlocked, you have permanent access to the area and its content.
Can I get the Red Cave Key without completing all quests?
No, the Red Cave Key is only awarded after completing Raven Quest 2. There are no shortcuts or alternative methods to obtain it.
What’s the best pickaxe for Raven Cave?
The Prismatic Pickaxe is essential for mining Heart of the Island ore (650 mining power required). For general mining, the Dragon Head Pickaxe (available inside the cave) is even better.
Are the Raven quests worth the time investment?
Absolutely. Beyond the immediate rewards, Raven Cave access provides long-term advantages in terms of rare materials, endgame preparation, and economic opportunities through ore sales.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking Raven Cave in The Forge is one of the most rewarding challenges currently available in the game. While the three-quest process requires significant time and effort, the rewards and endgame access make it worthwhile for dedicated players.
Remember that patience is key – especially when hunting for the Demonic Queen Spider in Quest 3. Don’t get discouraged if it takes several hours; this is normal for most players. The satisfaction of finally unlocking that red cave door and stepping into the endgame area is an experience you won’t forget.
Related Content You’ll Love
If you’re working on unlocking Raven Cave, you might find these guides helpful:
- The Forge Progression Guide – Master leveling from 1 to Frostspire Expanse
- The Forge Island 3 Guide – Complete guide to reaching and mastering the third island
- The Forge All Armors & Crafting Guide – Learn about all armor sets including Raven and Berserker armor
- How to Get Void Pickaxe Fast The Forge – Alternative powerful pickaxe option
- The Forge Badges & Achievements Guide – Complete list of all achievements including hidden quests