As you venture into the wilderness in Ale & Tale: Tavern, you will encounter a variety of mythical beings, friends, and foes. Holding your own is just part of the challenge; you must also manage your tavern to gather enough gold to survive. The ultimate test of your abilities lies in confronting the great evil that lurks in the dungeon, if you can track it down.
When you take on this final challenge, you’ll need to use all the skills you’ve gained as you explore the cave dungeon and battle the powerful cultist waiting inside. Luckily, we’re here to assist you along the way.
Finding the Cave
The merchant’s last assignment for you is to defeat the ultimate evil hidden in the cave, but he offers little guidance beyond that. You’ll have to seek out the dark forces with the resources at your disposal.
To locate the cave, head east from the tavern along the river. Cross the large stones that form a bridge, then continue south along the shore. You’ll discover the cave entrance along with some mining gear.
If you explore at night, there will be a lit lantern marking the way.
Before you enter, be sure to bring a torch or light potions and stock up on ammunition for your weapons. This place is vast, and if you perish, you’ll have to start over from the beginning.
Don’t forget to carry food and potions to replenish your health!
How to Open the Gates
Once inside the cave, you will encounter several numbered gates blocking your journey. You need to find the corresponding levers to open these gates and access the innermost chamber of the cave.
The cave is quite dark, but you can light the torches found along the walls and on the ground.
As you enter, the first gate is marked with the Roman numeral for one. Take the left path and descend the staircase to reach another gate. Use the lever here, then retrace your steps and go through the first gate.
Next, use the lever near the tent to open gate number two, located close to the first lever you activated. Head back to that area, then jump down the ledge to continue your journey.
Watch out for Ghouls and Hounds lurking in the cave—it’s tough to spot them, but they can inflict serious damage.
You can loot the chest under the tent, but proceed left through the cave. Move past the next camp and follow the path lit by glowing blue mushrooms to find another lever and gate.
This lever opens gate number four, found back at the first camp near the entrance. Return there and follow the winding pathway down to reach lever number three.
From here, you can either navigate back to the glowing blue mushrooms and descend the staircase to reach the inner sanctum, or you can take a shortcut by hopping over the wooden barricade near lever three.
You’ll know you’ve reached the final section when you see a large arch in the darkness. A door marked with the Roman numeral for five blocks your way, with the lever to open it just next to the pillar on your left.
The Cultist Boss Battle
Ensure you’re fully prepared to face the cultist before entering the arena. If you die during the battle, you’ll have to make your way back through the cave to confront all the monsters that will have respawned.
If you need to return now to collect potions, ammo, or extra gear, do so. Speed potions will be especially helpful!
Stepping into the arena will activate the lights and reveal the cultist. He will float around and summon Hounds and Ghouls to attack you. Whatever you do, keep moving!
Be cautious: the cultist can summon iron bars from the ground that will instantly take away half your health!
While bringing friends for this battle can make it much easier, it’s possible to do it solo. There are two stairways on either side of the arena that can help you put distance between yourself and the attacking monsters.
Keep dashing and shooting at the cultist until you chip away enough of his health. Don’t focus on the smaller enemies, as they’re just a distraction. Once the cultist is defeated, they will all collapse.
The altar at the far end of the arena will lift, revealing a staircase below. Descend to collect a statue representing the cultist’s trapped spirit, then use the portal to return to your tavern. Be sure to speak with the merchant to complete your quest and resume your daily tasks at the tavern.
