Diablo 1 Walkthrough: Part 3, the Caves (Levels 9-12)

This is part 3 of our Diablo (1996) walkthrough. It covers the Caves, dungeon levels 9 to 12, from the first lava-lit tunnels down to the stairs into Hell. There are only two possible quests here, so this part is mostly about getting strong enough for the end game.

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The whole walkthrough

Which quests can you get here?

Diablo picks its quests at random for each new single player game. The Caves can have two:

Both share a group with Zhar the Mad from level 8. You always get exactly two of these three. So:

• If you met Zhar on level 8, you will get only one of the Caves quests.
• If Zhar never showed up, you get both Black Mushroom and Anvil of Fury.

Level 9: unlock the Caves shortcut

Like level 5, level 9 has a staircase that leads straight up to town. Use it once and a new entrance to the Caves opens in Tristram. This saves a lot of walking, because you will go back and forth for the Black Mushroom quest.

After you have reached level 9, go back to town and talk to Griswold and Adria. Griswold starts the Anvil of Fury if it is in your game.

Black Mushroom (if you get it)

This quest has the most back-and-forth in the game. Follow the steps in order:

1. On level 9, find the Fungal Tome and pick it up.
2. Take it to Adria. She asks for a Black Mushroom.
3. Go back to level 9 and find the patch of mushrooms. Click it and the Black Mushroom drops. The patch only gives it after you've handed in the tome.
4. Bring the mushroom to Adria. Now she wants the brain of a demon.
5. Go back down and kill any monster. The next one you kill drops a Brain.
6. Adria says the brain is for Pepin. Take it to Pepin. He makes a Spectral Elixir and hands it to you.
7. Show the elixir to Adria. She has no more use for it and tells you to keep it.

Drink the Spectral Elixir (right-click it). It adds +3 to all four stats for good. Small, but it's free.

Anvil of Fury (if you get it)

1. After you reach level 9, Griswold asks you to find the Anvil of Fury, a legendary anvil lost in the depths.
2. Search level 10. The anvil sits on a small island in the cave, with monsters placed around it to guard it.
3. Clear the guards with care. Pull them back to a narrow tunnel instead of fighting in the open.
4. Pick up the anvil and take it to Griswold.

He forges Griswold's Edge for you: a sword with extra fire damage, a big bonus to hit, faster attacks, knockback and +20 mana. The catch is that it also takes away 20 life. It's best for a Rogue or Sorcerer who melees now and then, or a Warrior who has life to spare.

Levels 11 and 12: getting ready for Hell

There are no quests on levels 11 and 12, but don't rush past them. Hell is a big jump in difficulty, and the Caves are the best place to build up first.

• Clear both levels. The experience is good and the item drops get better the deeper you go.
• Raise your resistances. Many monsters from here on throw fire or lightning. Look for rings, amulets and armor with resist fire, lightning and magic.
• Sorcerers should have Mana Shield by now, plus a strong attack spell like Chain Lightning or Fire Wall. Reading another book of a spell you already know raises its level, if you have enough Magic.
• Warriors and Rogues should look for a weapon that hits fast and has "to hit" bonuses. Missing a lot in Hell is deadly.
• Keep an eye out for unique monsters with their own names. They drop better loot, but they can also kill you fast. Fight them in tunnels.

Fighting in the Caves

The Caves are open and twisty, with lava pools you can't walk through. That makes it easy to get surrounded. A few habits help a lot:

• Walk forward a little at a time. Wake up a few monsters, then step back and let them come to you.
• Use the lava and narrow paths. Lava blocks walking, so a monster across a pool has to go around, which gives archers and casters free shots.
• Don't chase monsters that run away. In Diablo they often lead you into a bigger group.
• Keep a full belt. A rejuvenation potion (it restores life and mana) is worth keeping for emergencies.

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Want the full story behind the game? The Book of Cain collects the lore of Sanctuary in one beautiful volume.

Tips for this part

• Take the level 9 staircase up to town early to unlock the Caves shortcut.
• If you did Zhar on level 8, check your quest log after reaching level 9 to see which Caves quest you got.
• Read every spell book you can, even for spells you already know. Higher spell levels make a real difference in Hell.
• Sell the junk and save gold. Griswold's "premium" items and Wirt's single item can be worth it now.
• Don't go down to level 13 until you feel safe on level 12.

My take

The Caves feel like a breather after the Catacombs, and I use them to farm a bit before Hell. Griswold's Edge always tempts me, but that life penalty hurts my Warrior more than I'd like. Do you think the Black Mushroom chain is worth all the walking?

FAQ

Where is the Fungal Tome in Diablo 1?

It's on level 9, and only if your game has the Black Mushroom quest. Take it to Adria to start the quest.

How do I get the brain for the Black Mushroom quest?

After you give Adria the Black Mushroom, the next monster you kill drops a Brain. Take it to Adria, then to Pepin.

Where is the Anvil of Fury?

On level 10. Griswold asks you to find it once you've reached level 9. Bring it back to him for Griswold's Edge.

Why do I only have one Caves quest?

Black Mushroom, Anvil of Fury and Zhar the Mad share a group, and only two of the three appear each game. If you met Zhar, you only get one Caves quest.

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