The latest update for 99 Nights in the Forest plunges players into darkness with the highly anticipated Cave Update. This expansion introduces a sprawling underground cave system filled with new threats, including the terrifying Bat entity and more dangerous Cultist Variants.
This guide will provide a complete overview of the new content, detailing the behaviors of new enemies and offering crucial tips for surviving the depths.
What is the Cave Update?
The Cave Update adds a vast underground network of tunnels and chambers to explore. These new areas are perilously dark, requiring the use of light sources to navigate, and are home to the game’s newest entity. The update, released on November 22, 2025, also expands the enemy roster and hints at future content with sealed deeper regions.
The New Bat Entity: Mechanics and How to Survive
The Bat is the headline addition of this update, transitioning from a teaser in the “Deer is Hurt” update to a fully-fledged, hostile entity.
Location: The Bat resides deep within the cave system, specifically in its darkest chambers.
Essential Gear: Navigating its lair requires an Old Flashlight or a Strong Flashlight.
Bat Attack Pattern and Counterplay
Understanding the Bat’s attack is key to survival.
Scream Attack: The Bat’s primary weapon is a powerful scream that travels as a shockwave toward the player, dealing damage.
Telltale Sign: Before screaming, the Bat will telegraph its attack by spreading its wings and raising its head.
How to Dodge: The moment you see this animation, you must immediately take cover behind a solid structure. Walls, pillars, and large trees within the cave will block the shockwave and prevent damage.
How to Stun: Like other entities, the Bat can be temporarily stunned. Quickly flashing your flashlight directly in its face will achieve this, creating a brief window to escape.
New Cultist Variants
The cave’s dangers aren’t limited to the Bat. The existing Cultist enemies have been reinforced with new Cultist Variants.
Behavior: These variants are more powerful and fanatical than their regular counterparts found on the surface.
Respawn Mechanic: A key new challenge is that these Cultist Variants can respawn after a certain amount of time at specific points within the cave, making areas you’ve cleared potentially dangerous again.
Navigating the New Cave System
The new underground environment presents unique gameplay challenges.
Darkness: The caves are extremely dark. Your flashlight is not a suggestion—it is a necessity for navigation and survival.
Deeper Regions: The update includes even deeper cave areas that are currently sealed and inaccessible, suggesting more content is planned for the future and adding to the mystery of the forest.
Essential Survival Tips for the Caves
Venturing into the caves unprepared is a recipe for a quick game over. Follow these tips:
Never Forget Your Flashlight: Always ensure your flashlight is equipped and has enough battery. It is your only tool for seeing the Bat’s telltale sign and for stunning it.
Always Stay Near Cover: When in the Bat’s chamber, constantly be aware of your surroundings. Position yourself so that a pillar or wall is always within a few steps.
Listen Carefully: The Bat’s scream is loud, but listening for its initial cues can give you a split-second advantage.
Be Prepared for Cultists: Remember that Cultists can respawn. Never assume an area is permanently safe after you’ve cleared it.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: When was the Cave Update released?
A: The Cave Update was released on November 22, 2025.
Q: What do I need to explore the caves?
A: You absolutely need a flashlight—either the Old Flashlight or the Strong Flashlight—to see and to defend against the Bat.
Q: How do I avoid the Bat’s scream attack?
A: When you see the Bat spread its wings and raise its head, immediately hide behind a solid object like a wall, pillar, or tree to block the shockwave.
Q: Can the Bat be killed?
A: The update information suggests the Bat can only be avoided or stunned by flashing your light at it, not permanently killed.
Q: What are the sealed deeper regions?
A: These are areas within the new cave system that are currently inaccessible, hinting at future content updates.
Conclusion
The Cave Update for 99 Nights in the Forest successfully deepens the game’s horror and exploration elements. The introduction of the methodical Bat entity and the relentless Cultist Variants creates a tense, atmospheric experience that will test even veteran players. By mastering the use of your flashlight, using the environment for cover, and remaining vigilant of respawning enemies, you can uncover the secrets hidden in the forest’s darkest depths.