Derelict Caverns -- Path of Exile

A Sanctum run contains 4 floors, each containing 8 rooms. The 8th room of each floor always contains a Boss. Players can choose to engage in a room every time they encounter the portal to the Sanctum in an area or map, or defer up to 8 rooms (1 floor) to be run consecutively at a later time. Crashing during a Sanctum room will reset progress for that room and will resume the same area on your next map. Aureus and rewards are only locked in upon successful completion of a room. Each Sanctum run is independent between characters on the same account.

Derelict Caverns Sanctum Room

Name Icon Floor Contains
Derelict Caverns Sanctum Vaults

All room types other than boss rooms can become Afflicted. Afflicted rooms are indicated by a purple border and cause the character to gain an Affliction on entry.

Each room contains several Guard unique monsters, as well as one of three tasks to complete the room:

  • Find the Exit (locate the exit door)
  • Defeat all the Guards (defeat every unique Guard)
  • Survive (avoid the traps)
  • Defeat the Boss (minibosses based on map bosses)

Buy PoE Currency Cheap


Derelict Caverns: A Forgotten Battlefield in the Sanctum

The Derelict Caverns are a common sight in The Forbidden Sanctum, an endgame Delve mechanic in Path of Exile. As the name suggests, these rooms are remnants of ancient battles, riddled with the bones of past warriors and echoing with the cries of forgotten conflicts.

What to Expect:

  • Layout: Derelict Caverns are typically medium-sized rooms with a labyrinthine layout. Winding paths, broken bridges, and collapsed structures create a maze-like environment.
  • Enemies: These chambers house a variety of Sanctum enemies, often including:
    • Sanctum Guards: The standard fodder, wielding spears and shields.
    • Sanctum Archers: These ranged enemies pepper you with arrows from platforms or behind cover.
    • Elite Guards: Tougher versions of the standard guards, often with unique abilities.
    • Skeletons: Animated remnants of fallen warriors, sometimes wielding bows or magic.
  • Challenges: Be prepared for:
    • Ambushes: Enemies may lie in wait around corners or drop from above.
    • Tight spaces: Maneuvering through narrow passages can be tricky, especially while dodging attacks.
    • Environmental hazards: Watch out for traps, broken bridges, and crumbling platforms.

Tips for Conquering the Derelict Caverns:

  • Clear methodically: Don't rush in blindly. Explore cautiously, checking corners and clearing each section before moving on.
  • Prioritize ranged threats: Archers can be particularly dangerous if left unchecked. Take them out first if possible.
  • Utilize the environment: Lure enemies into narrow passages to bottleneck them or use broken bridges as choke points.
  • Be mindful of your positioning: Avoid getting surrounded by enemies and keep an eye out for environmental hazards.
  • Focus on mobility skills: Dashes and movement skills can be invaluable for dodging attacks and navigating the tight spaces.

Rewarding the Victorious:

While Derelict Caverns are primarily combat encounters, they offer potential rewards. Defeating all enemies in the room may grant:

  • Sanctum Chests: These chests hold valuable loot specific to the Sanctum, such as Blood-Capped Scarabs or Offering Vessels.
  • Currency Shards: You might encounter shards of various currencies, from Exalted Orbs to Divine Orbs.
  • Progression towards the next floor: Clearing the room contributes to the progress bar needed to unlock the next level of the Sanctum.

Overall, the Derelict Caverns offer a challenging yet rewarding experience in The Forbidden Sanctum. By employing caution, tactical thinking, and skillful combat, you can overcome the dangers lurking within and reap the potential rewards that await.


List of Sanctum Rooms

Name Icon Floor Contains
Abandoned Library Sanctum Archives
Templar Annals Sanctum Archives
Chambers of Inscription Sanctum Archives
Holy Trials Sanctum Archives
Scriptorium Sanctum Archives
Candlelit Chapel Sanctum Archives
Merchant Sanctum Archives Contains Merchant
Accursed Pact Sanctum Archives Contains Accursed Pact
Fountain Sanctum Archives Contains Fountain
Afflicted Fountain Sanctum Archives Contains Afflicted Fountain
Benevolent Fountain Sanctum Archives Contains Benevolent Fountain
Radiant Fountain Sanctum Archives Contains Radiant Fountain
Offer Sanctum Archives Offers Items on Completion
Major Treasure Sanctum Archives Contains Major Treasure Reward
Minor Treasure Sanctum Archives Contains Minor Treasure Reward
Candlelit Chapel Sanctum Archives Contains Varakath, the Waxen
Battleground Sanctum Vaults
Decrepit Cellar Sanctum Vaults
Derelict Caverns Sanctum Vaults
Gauntlet Sanctum Vaults
Reliquary Sanctum Vaults
Experimentation Chamber Sanctum Vaults
Merchant Sanctum Vaults Contains Merchant
Accursed Pact Sanctum Vaults Contains Accursed Pact
Fountain Sanctum Vaults Contains Fountain
Afflicted Fountain Sanctum Vaults Contains Afflicted Fountain
Benevolent Fountain Sanctum Vaults Contains Benevolent Fountain
Radiant Fountain Sanctum Vaults Contains Radiant Fountain
Offer Sanctum Vaults Offers Items on Completion
Major Treasure Sanctum Vaults Contains Major Treasure Reward
Minor Treasure Sanctum Vaults Contains Minor Treasure Reward
Candlelit Chapel Sanctum Vaults Contains Braom and Uzar, the Experiments
Halls of Worship Sanctum Cathedral
Unholy Lair Sanctum Cathedral
Infernum Sanctum Cathedral
Crucible Sanctum Cathedral
Sanctum Bellum Sanctum Cathedral
Hall of Mirrors Sanctum Cathedral
Merchant Sanctum Cathedral Contains Merchant
Accursed Pact Sanctum Cathedral Contains Accursed Pact
Offer Sanctum Cathedral Offers Items on Completion
Fountain Sanctum Cathedral Contains Fountain
Afflicted Fountain Sanctum Cathedral Contains Afflicted Fountain
Benevolent Fountain Sanctum Cathedral Contains Benevolent Fountain
Radiant Fountain Sanctum Cathedral Contains Radiant Fountain
Major Treasure Sanctum Cathedral Contains Major Treasure Reward
Minor Treasure Sanctum Cathedral Contains Minor Treasure Reward
Candlelit Chapel Sanctum Cathedral Contains Xenathar, Templar Reaper
Lost Catacombs Sanctum Necropolis
Desecrated Crypts Sanctum Necropolis
Undercroft Sanctum Necropolis
Entombment Sanctum Necropolis
Mausoleum Sanctum Necropolis
Sanctum Sanctorum Sanctum Necropolis
Fountain Sanctum Necropolis Contains Fountain
Afflicted Fountain Sanctum Necropolis Contains Afflicted Fountain
Benevolent Fountain Sanctum Necropolis Contains Benevolent Fountain
Radiant Fountain Sanctum Necropolis Contains Radiant Fountain
Merchant Sanctum Necropolis Contains Merchant
Accursed Pact Sanctum Necropolis Contains Accursed Pact
Offer Sanctum Necropolis Offers Items on Completion
Major Treasure Sanctum Necropolis Contains Major Treasure Reward
Minor Treasure Sanctum Necropolis Contains Minor Treasure Reward
Candlelit Chapel Sanctum Necropolis Contains Lycia, Unholy Heretic