In Outward, players are constantly challenged by the game’s survival mechanics, punishing combat, and detailed exploration. Among the many mysteries and locked doors scattered across Aurai, the Troglodyte Cage Key stands out as a small but significant item that opens up interesting gameplay possibilities. Whether you’re diving into a dank dungeon or hunting for loot in the depths of a troglodyte-infested cave, understanding where to find the Troglodyte Cage Key and how to use it can be a crucial part of your early-game progression and exploration.
What is the Troglodyte Cage Key?
An Item With a Specific Purpose
The Troglodyte Cage Key is a specific key item found in the early areas of Outward, particularly within the Chersonese region. It is used primarily to open a locked cage inside the Blister Burrow dungeon, a location inhabited by troglodytes strange, amphibious humanoid creatures that are aggressive and territorial. This cage typically holds a valuable chest or sometimes even NPCs or quest-related elements depending on your path through the game.
While the key itself is not used frequently throughout the game, its presence in early dungeons makes it a noteworthy collectible for players who like to uncover every locked door and treasure chest. It can also tie into early quests or simply reward the player with a valuable stash of gear to support their adventure.
Location: Where to Find the Troglodyte Cage Key
Exploring Blister Burrow
The most common and reliable location to find the Troglodyte Cage Key is within the Blister Burrow dungeon in the Chersonese region. Blister Burrow is located just a short distance northwest of Cierzo, the starting town. Players often visit this location early on due to its proximity and as part of early exploration or faction-related quests.
- Enter Blister Burrow: Head northwest from Cierzo until you see the entrance to the dungeon. The cave is dark and filled with troglodytes, so be prepared for battle. Bring a light source, healing items, and weapons suitable for close-quarters combat.
- Progress through the dungeon: As you move deeper into Blister Burrow, you’ll encounter a number of troglodytes. Look for a side path or chamber where a larger troglodyte often stronger than the rest can be found guarding a small area.
- Find the key: Defeat this stronger troglodyte to loot the Troglodyte Cage Key from its corpse or from a nearby container such as a backpack, chest, or skeleton. It’s usually not hidden too deeply, and exploration of all chambers in the dungeon should lead you to it naturally.
The exact placement can vary slightly, but in most cases, players will encounter the key before reaching the locked cage itself, ensuring a smooth progression through the dungeon.
Using the Troglodyte Cage Key
Unlocking the Cage
Once you have the Troglodyte Cage Key in your inventory, proceed to the cage itself, which is found deeper inside the Blister Burrow. This locked cell is made of metal bars and usually contains a loot chest that can provide useful early-game equipment or materials. In some playthroughs, the cage may contain minor quest items or serve as a shortcut depending on player choices.
Simply interact with the cage door, and if the key is in your inventory, it will unlock automatically. There is no need to manually use the key; the game recognizes it and handles the unlocking process for you. Be cautious after unlocking, as opening the cage might sometimes trigger enemy spawns or activate traps nearby.
Is the Troglodyte Cage Key Required?
Optional but Useful
Technically, the Troglodyte Cage Key is not required to complete any main quests in Outward, nor is it essential to advance through the dungeon itself. However, for completionists and players who enjoy exploring every corner of the world, unlocking the cage is rewarding and often worth the effort. It provides early loot, and the satisfaction of unlocking hidden areas adds depth to the dungeon-crawling experience.
Even if you’re not aiming to 100% the game, the items found behind the cage door can give you a helpful edge, especially during the early hours when resources are limited. Weapons, potions, or crafting materials found inside the chest can make the difference between surviving or dying in your next encounter.
Troglodyte Lore and World-Building
Understanding Your Enemies
Troglodytes in Outward are not just simple enemies. They are part of the game’s deep and mysterious lore. These cave-dwelling humanoids are often found in dark, damp environments and tend to live in tribes or small communities. They show some rudimentary tool use and seem to follow a loose social hierarchy, with shamans or larger warriors taking leadership roles.
In Blister Burrow and other caves, you’ll encounter different types of troglodytes from basic melee attackers to spell-casting shamans who use elemental attacks. Their homes, including locked cages and guarded chambers, reflect a degree of structure in their society. The cage itself might have once held a prisoner or sacred relic, adding further intrigue to the environment.
Tips for Dungeon Exploration
Prepare Before Entering
Before heading to Blister Burrow to hunt down the Troglodyte Cage Key, make sure you are well-prepared:
- Bring a Lantern: The cave is very dark, and visibility is essential for spotting enemies and traps.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Healing bandages, cooked food, and stamina potions will make your journey much easier.
- Use Blunt Weapons: Troglodytes are often weak to blunt damage, so a mace or club may be more effective than swords.
- Watch for Ambushes: Enemies may hide around corners or above you. Always move cautiously.
Taking these steps will give you a much better chance of surviving the dungeon and retrieving the Troglodyte Cage Key without dying and suffering penalties.
Additional Uses and Selling the Key
What to Do After Unlocking the Cage
Once the cage is unlocked and looted, the key remains in your inventory. Unlike quest items that disappear after use, the Troglodyte Cage Key stays with you. However, there’s no practical use for it afterward. You can safely discard it or sell it to a merchant for a small amount of silver.
If you’re a collector, you might keep the key in your stash as a memento of your first successful dungeon run. Otherwise, freeing up inventory space is typically more useful in the long run.
The Troglodyte Cage Key in Outward might seem like a minor detail, but it plays a meaningful role in shaping your dungeon-crawling experience. Found within Blister Burrow, this small key opens up a world of possibilities both in terms of loot and lore. It encourages thorough exploration, combat readiness, and resource management, all core aspects of the Outward experience.
For new players, tracking down and using the Troglodyte Cage Key serves as a satisfying milestone that introduces them to the game’s more intricate mechanics. For veterans, it’s a simple but nostalgic reminder of the challenges and discoveries waiting in the darkness. So light your lantern, ready your weapon, and see what secrets the troglodytes are hiding you never know what reward lies behind a locked door.