The Winding Tunnels are the first major Deep North dungeon in Valheim. This is where you'll begin finding moulds for new equipment, Frostcores, and the Mould: Intricate Key required for further progression through the biome.The tunnels absolutely live up to their name, though. It's extremely easy to lose your bearings inside. In this guide, we'll explain where to find the entrance, how to navigate the dungeon, and which items you should collect before returning to base.
While exploring the Deep North, look for Abandoned Villages. Alongside regular chests and destructible structures, these settlements can contain an entrance to the new dungeon.The entrance is usually located inside one of the larger buildings and appears as a passage leading underground. Descend through it to enter the Winding Tunnels.Before going inside, free up several rows of inventory space. The dungeon contains plenty of new materials and moulds, so your bags can fill up surprisingly quickly.
How to Avoid Getting Lost
The corridors constantly branch in different directions, and many sections look almost identical. Inside the tunnels, you can collect Luminous Larvae and Timberwood, which can be used to build directional light sources such as Hooded Lanterns. These are one of the easiest ways to mark your route.For example, always place lanterns on the left side while exploring and point their light toward the exit. On the way back, they'll appear on your right, while the beam shows which direction leads home.The important thing is to follow the same rule throughout the entire expedition. If you start placing markers randomly, they'll only make the dungeon more confusing.Image unavailable
Which Enemies Appear Inside
Elaking are among the main enemies in the Winding Tunnels. Don't underestimate them: they can deal serious damage, and fighting several at once in tight corridors can become dangerous very quickly.You'll also encounter the Eyeless One, a much tougher enemy that can suddenly appear very close to your character and force you into melee combat.Don't rush deep into an unexplored branch with an empty Stamina bar. Clear rooms gradually, make sure the area behind you is safe, and only then start breaking obstacles or opening new passages.Image unavailable
Why You Should Break Wardrobes and Barriers
Some corridors contain destructible structures and piles of debris. Behind them, you can find additional rooms, enemies, and moulds.Be ready for several Elaking to emerge immediately after you destroy certain barriers. Despite the risk, these areas are absolutely worth checking. Moulds for new weapons and other important items are one of the main reasons to return to the Winding Tunnels in the first place.
How to Get Mould: Intricate Key
Mould: Intricate Key can drop from enemies inside the Winding Tunnels. According to current game data, Elaking have a 20% drop chance, while the Eyeless One has a 50% chance. The mould can also appear from certain destructible dungeon debris.One mould is not enough for the full Deep North progression route. Each Intricate Key is consumed when opening a new Mörkhalla, and reaching the final boss requires clearing at least three of these dungeons.Image unavailable Why You Need FrostcoresAlongside moulds, make sure to collect Frostcores. They unlock the Deep North's new production chain.You'll need 10 Frostcores to build the Frigid Kiln and another 10 Frostcores for the Frost Foundry, for a total of 20. The Frigid Kiln processes Ice into Liquid Frost, while the Frost Foundry uses Liquid Frost to finish prepared casts and turn them into usable items, including the Intricate Key.That makes the minimum goal for your first successful Winding Tunnels expedition fairly simple: obtain at least one Mould: Intricate Key and begin collecting the 20 Frostcores needed for both Deep North production stations.If you want to avoid returning just for progression materials, the better target is three key moulds and all 20 Frostcores. Once you have them, you can return to base and start working through the new casting system.
