What to know
- Underground caves are marked on your map once you unlock it via Moon Energy Corporation.
- The cave entrances are blocked by thick, unbreakable vines that only burn away during a Ruptura event.
- After a Ruptura, the entrance opens briefly; you must reach it quickly before it closes again.
- Inside, you can loot Quartz, Glowcaps, and sometimes dead bodies with War Bonds, LEMs, and other useful items.
Underground caves are hidden exploration zones scattered across the map, appearing as “Underground Cave” once the full map is unlocked. Their entrances usually look like pits or holes covered in thick, glowing green vines that can’t be cut or shot through under normal conditions.
The only reliable way to access them is during a Ruptura event, a periodic global disaster that sweeps the planet, incinerating everything in its path and resetting resources. When the fiery wave passes, it burns away the vines, temporarily opening the cave entrance and allowing you to explore its depths.
Preparing for Your First Cave Run
Before entering a cave, you need to locate it and be fully prepared for the Ruptura event. Follow the steps below to successfully access and loot an Underground Cave in StarRupture:
Step 1: Locate an Underground Cave
Open your map and look for icons labeled “Underground Cave.” Travel to one of these locations and take note of the exact spot where the vines cover the entrance.
Locate an Underground Cave (Image credit: Creepy Jars | Via: YouTube - The Nerd Stash)
Step 2: Build a nearby base
Establish a small base close to the cave entrance to survive the Ruptura wave. Make sure to include at least one Habitat for protection and some Personal Storage to keep your inventory clear for loot.
Build a base nearby including a habitat (Image credit: Creepy Jars | Via: YouTube - The Nerd Stash)
Step 3: Survive the Ruptura Wave
Once your base is set up, wait for the next Ruptura event and stay inside. The fiery wave will sweep across the planet, destroying everything outside. Remain in your base until the game indicates that temperatures have stabilized and it’s safe to venture out.
Step 4: Head straight to the cave
Once you’re outside, quickly make your way to the marked Underground Cave. The entrance will now be open, with the vines burned away, but it remains accessible only for a limited time.
Step 5: Enter & explore the cave
Drop into the open pit and move carefully using your flashlight, as the caves are dark and may contain hazards or hostile life. Loot everything inside, collect resources like Quartz and Glowcaps, and check any dead bodies for valuable items such as War Bonds, LEMs, blueprints, or notes.
Loot everything inside the cave (Image credit: Creepy Jars | Via: YouTube - The Nerd Stash)
What to do if you get trapped
If the vines close while you’re still inside, the red node is your escape hatch.
- Look for a large, round, red‑glowing node somewhere in the cave chamber.
- Shoot it with any weapon; the vines will retract and reopen the exit for about 20 seconds.
- Use that window to climb back out before it closes again.
What you can find inside
Underground caves are worth visiting because they contain several useful resources and rare drops.
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Quartz | Used in crafting and advanced recipes. |
| Glowcaps | A light‑emitting resource, useful for lighting and some tech recipes. |
| Dead bodies | Often carry War Bonds, LEMs, and sometimes blueprints or notes. |
| War Bonds | Currency for character upgrades and perks. |
| LEMs | Used for stamina and health upgrades. |
How to make the most of cave visits
Since caves only open after each Ruptura, a bit of planning helps you loot them efficiently.
- Mark multiple caves on your map so you can choose the closest one after each Ruptura.
- Keep your inventory light before Ruptura; use Personal Storage near the cave to free up space for loot.
- Bring a weapon and flashlight — some caves may have hostile creatures or hazards later in the game.
- Don’t linger too long — the entrance will close after a short time, so prioritize high‑value items first.
Maximizing Cave Runs
Underground caves in StarRupture offer Quartz, Glowcaps, and rare loot like War Bonds and LEMs, but only open after a Ruptura event clears the vines. By mapping the caves, building a nearby base, and timing your visit right after the wave, you can consistently access these hidden spots and collect valuable resources each cycle.
Glad you followed along! If you have suggestions, questions, or want more details, just leave a comment—we’re always checking the section.
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