Subterranean Layers and Hazard Progression Guide

What are the 11 subterranean layers in Casualties: Unknown?

The subterranean world of Casualties: Unknown is vertically stratified into 11 distinct geological layers, each descending roughly 300 meters deeper into the planetary core:

[Surface Crash] 0m
       │
├── Layer 1: Gravel Lands (0–300m) ──────► Cold, shale, tick nests, groundwater
├── Layer 2: Craggy Crevices (300–600m) ──► Steep verticality, climbing ropes
├── Layer 3: Dried Desert (600–900m) ────► Heat, thermal turrets, landmines
├── Layer 4: Fungal Basin (900–1200m) ───► Bioluminescent flora, spore hazards
├── Layer 5: Tangled Roots (1200–1500m) ─► Tentacle-plants, heavy foliage
├── Layer 6: Frozen Sinks (1500–1800m) ──► Hypothermia, Snow striders
├── Layer 7: Spore Abyss (1800–2100m) ───► Grabber-shrooms, caustic gas
└── Layers 8–11: Deep Core Vaults ───────► Elder Thornbacks, forgotten tech

How do you conquer Layer 1: Gravel Lands (0–300m)?

The Gravel Lands represent your proving ground. The climate is damp and chilly, featuring crumbly sandstone, loose shale ceilings, and pools of groundwater. Review the Beginner Survival Guide for early pod salvage tips.

• Primary Resources: Soft clay, loose flint, iron scrap chunks, and downward-hanging Ceiling Rye.
• Environmental Danger: Natural ceiling stability is low. Walking beneath vibrating rock clusters often triggers rockfalls that crush helmets and fracture collarbones.
• Fauna Threat: Cave ticks scuttling along background cave walls. For creature health and counter-tactics, see our Cave Fauna and Predators Guide.

How do you survive the deadly traps in Layer 3: Dried Desert (600–900m)?

Layer 3 is a solar-struck, arid cavern complex formed from pale limestone. It introduces artificial military hazards alongside severe heat exhaustion:

1. Thermal-Guided 9mm Automated Turrets

Abandoned security turrets scan open desert corridors using infrared sensors.

• Detection Rule: Turrets lock onto elevated human body heat. Sprinting increases your thermal signature, triggering turret bursts that kill in under two seconds.
• Countermeasure: Crawl prone to lower your physical silhouette and heat output. Throw smoke canisters or toss hot flare stones across the hallway to divert the sensor tracking. If hit, consult our Medical Trauma and Triage Guide for immediate arterial packing.

2. Buried Anti-Personnel Landmines

Concealed pressure plates litter the dry sand near rusted shipping containers.

• Detection Rule: Watch for subtle circular depressions and slight metallic glints in the sand dunes.
• Countermeasure: Toss heavy scrap cubes or cobblestones five meters ahead of your path when traversing unfamiliar sandy choke points to safely detonate tripwires.

3. Ceiling Stalactites & Leaking Waste Pipes

• Falling Stalactites: Heavy limestone needles hang from the high ceiling. Passing directly beneath causes them to shear off. Always look up before walking through wide desert caverns.
• Waste Pipes: Leaking industrial pipelines pool slick black motor oil across the floor. Stepping in oil removes traction, while spark sources or open flares ignite the entire floor into an inferno.

What survival preparations are required before descending deeper?

Entering Layer 4 and beyond without specialized gear is suicidal. Ensure you meet these checkpoints before crossing Layer 3:

1. At least 2.5 Liters of stored water: The dry desert rapidly evaporates your hydration reserves. Assemble larger canteens via our Essential Bags and Containers Guide.
2. Material Pouch and Tool Belt: Essential to keep medical dressings and titanium tools organized without dropping items during emergencies.
3. Splints and Antiseptics: Ensure at least two sterile bandages and wooden splints are pinned in quick-access slots.