His return is nothing short of infuriating, and defeating him can seem nearly impossible. However, the reward for overcoming this challenge is access to the Grand Gate, bringing you directly to the heart of the Citadel—or at least, that’s what the game suggests.
In truth, players will descend in an elevator, which will abruptly halt before breaking down and sending you spiraling into a treacherous realm known as the Underworks. This area is notorious for its punishing layout, filled with narrow, dimly lit hallways, formidable adversaries, and a plethora of hidden secrets that ensure a single exploration is unlikely to reveal all it has to offer.
The First Visit – Navigating to the Choral Chamber
Upon falling from the elevator, you will find yourself starting your journey in the Underworks. You will come across an opportunity to spend 15 Rosaries to rest at a bench; however, since the route from the Grand Gate is obstructed, it proves unnecessary as death will just respawn you near this spot.
Your first step should be heading downward while stealthily avoiding enemies. This will lead you into a perilous corridor with spikes to your right, where you can carefully maneuver to procure the Delver’s Drill Tool.
Once you’ve obtained the tool, make your way back up to confront the Underpoke foes. Ascend until you reach a lever that lowers a hanging platform. Enter the area marked by a sign on the left, and if you venture into the concealed pathway, you’ll discover a Bone Scroll as well as a Map of the Underworks.
With the Bone Scroll in hand, head back across to the right to commence your exploration of the enclosed section of the Underworks. Here, you’ll encounter mechanical, spiky devices. Quick movements and the judicious use of your dash ability will be critical for survival.
After traversing the hazardous area with the moving spikes, you’ll reach a junction with an upside-down L shape spike. You have a choice: head upward to discover an NPC named Loam, who operates the Underworks. While he offers no immediate assistance, it’s an insightful encounter. Alternatively, you may continue to the right and bypass him.
Your journey continues upward, battling various Underwork enemies until you spot a sign to the left that leads to a bench. This rest point costs 25 Rosaries, so ensure you have sufficient funds to recover.
Nearby, you’ll find a concealed area where you can pay 25 Rosaries for a Confession, primarily offering world-building information. If your funds are running low, it’s advisable to skip this.
After navigating across platforms and evading spikes while avoiding the searing steam, be prepared for an enemy wave challenge. Initially, confront an Undercrank, followed by an Underpoke and another group of the same variety. Prioritize defeating the flying enemy while maintaining distance from the larger foes in order to chip away at their health.
After the battle, ascend back to the top area, drop down to the bridge below, and activate a switch to open a shortcut linking this location to your starting point. Then, travel back up and exit through the highest passage on the right.
Next, navigate through a maze of dark corridors filled with Drapeflies and Drapemites. Keep moving upward, and you’ll eventually reach a switch that opens access to the Choral Chambers, marking the conclusion of your first exploration in the Underworks.
Second Visit – Discovering the Cauldron
Upon emerging from the Choral Chambers and passing through Whiteward, you will return to the Underworks, now situated on the opposite side of the barrier leading to the fiery domain of the Cauldron. Begin by moving left to rest at the nearby bench.
Your exploration should take you downward into the Cauldron. You can always return via the shortcut if needed, but activating an updraft is essential to progress your journey upward.
Next, prepare for a carefully calculated descent. Your best strategy involves gliding and bouncing on any enemies encountered, as avoiding them could lead to overwhelming odds.
Upon reaching the base, navigate to the left into a room filled with explosive foes, where you have the chance to collect one of the Lost Fleas. Before venturing to the right into the lava waterfall area, consider exploring upward and to the left.
This area presents an arena-style battle against the following enemies:
- 1x Underworker, 1x Underloft
- 1x Underworker, 1x Underloft, 1x Undersweep
- 1x Underloft, 1x Undercrank
- 1x Undercrank (breaks floor and dies)
- 1x Underloft, 1x Underpoke
This encounter is particularly challenging due to limited platforms and the incessant swarm of enemies. However, conquering this battle will reward you with a Spool Fragment and open up a new shortcut.
After the fight, proceed right past the explosive adversaries through the lengthy hall filled with lava hazards.
This will lead you to a demanding platforming challenge, featuring temporary platforms that require precise timing to avoid ceiling lava, explosive enemies, and precarious hot coals. The safest option is to hop on the coals and time your dashes through the lava gaps.
Once you navigate this area, ascend to find the Clawline—a grappling hook ability that greatly enhances your mobility. After obtaining it, the room will morph, requiring you to utilize the Clawline to exit, ultimately bringing you back to the bench from this segment.
Before leaving the Underworks, be sure to stop at the bench and then ascend using the Grappling Hook to meet the Twelfth Architect. This merchant has an array of valuable items, including the Architect’s key and useful tools.
Finally, navigate left of the Architect toward a spiky zone populated with Underpoke enemies. Glide into this area to discover yet another Spool Fragment.
Third Visit – Via Trobbio’s Stage
Your last opportunity to explore new sections in the Underworks likely arises soon after you’ll defeat Trobbio, granting you access to exit stage left into the Whispering Vaults, effectively connecting with the Underworks.
Now equipped with the Clawline, you’ll be able to thoroughly investigate this area and gain new shortcuts to the Grand Bellway, where a valuable Memory Locket awaits.
This pathway also ultimately links The Underworks with the Exhaust Organ, though regrettably, this connection is not accessible from this side.
Congratulations on uncovering all the mysteries that the Underworks hold!
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