Understanding how to get keys in 99 Nights in the Forest is crucial for progressing through the game’s main mission: rescuing missing children. Each key is tied to a locked cave, and each cave contains one child. However, these keys aren’t simply lying around—they must be earned through combat. This guide explains where to find keys, how to unlock caves, and what to expect as you work your way through all four rescue missions.
What are Keys in 99 Nights in the Forest?
Keys are special items used to unlock caves that hold the missing children. These caves represent milestones in the game’s progression. Unlike common loot, keys cannot be found randomly in the world—they are dropped only after defeating specific enemies that guard each cave entrance.
There are a total of four keys, each associated with a different cave and a unique guardian. Successfully retrieving and using each key will not only advance the storyline but also expand your base with new survivor tents.
How to Get Keys in 99 Nights in the Forest
Keys must be obtained through combat. Here’s the step-by-step process to get one:
Locate a cave entrance, typically found deeper in the forest as your progress increases.
Look for enemy activity, as each cave is guarded by a powerful creature.
Defeat the guardian to trigger the key drop.
Pick up the key—just walk over it to collect.
Use the key to unlock the cave and rescue the child inside.
You can only use each key on its designated cave, so be sure to stay focused on one target location at a time.
Cave Guardians and Enemy Progression
Each cave is guarded by a tougher enemy than the last, increasing the difficulty as you advance:
Cave 1: Guarded by Wolves
Cave 2: Guarded by Alpha Wolves
Cave 3: Guarded by Bears
Cave 4: Guarded by Alpha Bears
Prepare properly before each fight, especially for the later caves where enemies hit harder and may attack in groups.
Uses and Benefits of Rescuing Children
After using the key to open a cave and freeing the child, they’ll automatically return to your base. Once there, each child sets up a tent, marking your progress and growing your settlement visually.
These rescues are not just symbolic—they directly reflect mission progress and unlock more of the game’s content and challenges. Each successful rescue also feels more rewarding as the enemies and journey become more intense.
Tips for Finding Keys and Caves
Here are a few key strategies for success:
Use the map to identify suspicious or enemy-heavy zones that may indicate a cave location.
Approach each cave well-equipped—later fights are significantly more difficult.
Don’t forget to pick up the key after a fight. They’re easy to miss on the ground.
Rescue order matters—completing caves in sequence ensures balanced progression.
Watch for signs of enemy density, as caves are often surrounded by aggressive creatures.
Final Thoughts
Knowing where to get keys in 99 Nights in the Forest and how to use them to rescue missing children is at the heart of the game’s narrative and progression. Each cave offers not only a challenge but also a sense of real accomplishment as you expand your camp and get closer to completing your mission.
Plan your path, prepare for battle, and bring every child home—one key at a time.