Quick Answer
You reach Desert after defeating the Shav'Wani Fortress boss; follow the faded path toward each floor's golden gate. You have five floors to cross, with the amulet altar on Floor 3. Optional crypt entrances require a Crypt Key, which enemies can randomly drop.
How do you reach and cross Desert?
You enter Desert after the Shav'Wani Fortress boss, then follow the faded path through five floors. Desert is the ninth area and the first location of Act IV. If you have not reached its entrance, finish the Shav'Wani Fortress walkthrough first.
Find the faded path
You want the faint road connecting the entrance and exit. Desert's side areas are unusually large, so an open stretch can look like progress while taking you away from it. Follow the road toward the next golden gate instead of treating every broad branch as the main route.
Recover your route when lost
You can follow either the left or right wall when you lose the main path. Keep to your chosen side while looking for the faded road again. Once you find it, remember that the road connects both ends: it can also lead back to the entrance.
Reach the Floor 3 altar
You find the amulet altar on Floor 3. Use that floor as your route's landmark while working through the five-floor area.
Continue toward the final floor
You can stay focused on the roads and golden gates if your goal is reaching the final floor. Crypts are optional detours, so you do not need to explore them to continue your Desert run.
How do Desert crypts work?
You need a Crypt Key for crypt entrances; the main route instead leads you toward golden gates. Enemies can randomly drop a Crypt Key. Crypts are also called Trial of the Spirit.
| Route feature | What you should do |
|---|---|
| Golden gate | Follow the road to locate the next gate. |
| Crypt entrance | Bring a Crypt Key if you want to enter. |
| Optional crypt | Skip it when you want to prioritize the final floor. |
| Unmarked side area | Look for the faded path before committing to a long detour. |
How do you fight Hellshrew through the dust?
You can see farther through Desert's dust with an Assault Scope or Sniper Scope. A magnified sight helps you locate distant threats before choosing your next engagement. Check the weapon attachments guide when preparing your weapon for the area.
Hellshrew enemies include Hellshrew Dig Dig, Hellshrew Shoota, Hellshrew Snipa, and Hellshrew Sticka. You need to watch their attack behavior as well as their position.
| Enemy behavior | Your response |
|---|---|
| Drilling enemies burrow and emerge with shockwaves. | Watch for the emergence and its shockwave. |
| Ranged enemies briefly become vulnerable after firing. | Use the opening immediately after their shot. |
| Some melee enemies spin and temporarily resist bullets. | Wait until the spinning attack ends before shooting. |
| Snipers disguise themselves as plants after attacking. | Follow the shot direction and attack the suspicious plant to expose them. |
You can lose a sniper's position when it returns to its plant disguise. Track where the shot came from instead of looking only for a standing enemy. The plant is your target for exposing the hidden attacker.
How do you get healing food from cacti?
You can strike cacti with a melee weapon to collect cactus pieces. Each piece provides a small amount of healing. Cooking two pieces together produces a more effective food item. If you are deciding what to cook, compare your options in the best food guide.
What should you prepare for next?
You should prepare for Desert Claus, who appears in Desert's circular, dust-filled arena. He uses machine guns, sniper fire, and rockets across multiple phases. He also calls on Max for artillery support.
Defeating him produces four Christmas Present containers, each with its own rewards. Possible rewards include weapons, valuable items such as a Crypt Key, and enchantment scrolls. You are not guaranteed every listed item from one victory.
Read the Desert Claus boss guide before the encounter. After the fight, keep going until you reach the Veil. You cannot return once you cross it, so restock at the Church first. Use the SULFUR walkthrough to return to the wider route overview.
FAQ
You can check the key entrance, navigation, and crypt details below.
You reach Desert after defeating the boss in Shav'Wani Fortress. It begins Act IV and is the ninth area.
You cross five floors, with the amulet altar on Floor 3.
You need a Crypt Key, which can randomly drop from enemies. Crypts are optional, so you can skip them while following the main route.
You follow the faded path connecting the entrance and exit. If you lose it in a side area, follow either wall to look for the route again.
You trace their shots to the suspicious plant and attack it to expose the sniper.