Deep Rock Galactic: 10 Pro Tips to Mine, Fight, and Survive the Hoxxes Caves

1. Master Your Class Role

Each dwarf class in Deep Rock Galactic has a unique set of tools that are vital for mission success. The Driller excels at terrain manipulation, creating tunnels and clearing obstacles. The Engineer can build platforms and deploy turrets for defense. The Gunner provides covering fire with his shield and zipline. The Scout lights up caves and grapples to hard-to-reach areas. Stick to your role: if you're a Driller, don't waste time shooting from afar—dig shortcuts to the drop pod or clear paths for the team.

2. Always Light Up the Cave

Darkness is your enemy. The Scout's flare gun is essential for large caverns, but every dwarf has a personal flare. Use them liberally! A well-lit cave means no surprise attacks from leeches, grabbers, or spitballers. Pro tip: fire flares at ceilings to illuminate the entire area. If you're not a Scout, ask for flares when it's dark.

3. Prioritize Nitra Over Gold

Nitra is used to call supply drops, which are crucial for ammo and health. Gold gives you credits, but a team without ammo is dead. Always mine Nitra first, and call supply drops when you have at least 80 Nitra. Don't wait until you're completely out of ammo—plan ahead. And remember: if you're downed, a resupply can refill your health and ammo.

4. Ping Everything and Communicate

Use the laser pointer (default 'Ctrl') to ping minerals, enemies, objectives, and dangers. Your dwarf will automatically voice concerns like 'Watch out!,' warning teammates about leeches or bulk detonators. Use text or voice chat to coordinate: 'I need ammo,' 'Let's do the secondary objective,' or 'Drop pod incoming!' Good communication prevents wipes.

5. Don't Trigger Dreadnoughts Early

In Elimination missions, you'll find dreadnought cocoons. Do NOT break them until the team is ready and positioned. Clear the area of other enemies, set up turrets, and ensure everyone has full ammo. Also, avoid breaking cocoons during a swarm—you'll be overwhelmed. Wait for a calm moment.

6. Use Terrain to Your Advantage

Always be aware of your surroundings. Digging a small tunnel can funnel enemies into a kill zone. Engineers can create bunkers with platforms, but be careful not to trap yourselves. Plan an escape route. If you're cornered, Drillers can carve a path to safety. For Point Extraction, building a bridge to the mine head can shorten travel time.

7. Manage Your Resources

You have limited ammo, health, and tools. Use your pickaxe for easy kills on small enemies to conserve ammo. When mining, don't waste time on every single gold vein—focus on Nitra and mission objectives. If you're low on health, find red sugar (glowing red crystals) to heal. Dwarves downed? Use Iron Will to get back up temporarily, but communicate that to your team.

8. Learn Enemy Weaknesses

Different bugs have different weak points. Glyphid Grunts take extra damage on their soft underbelly. Praetorians have a vulnerable backside when they spew acid. Mactera Spawn are weak to fire. Bulk Detonators have glowing weak points on their back that deal massive damage when shot. Learn what works and adjust your loadout accordingly.

9. Keep Moving During Swarms

Standing still in a swarm is a death sentence. Keep moving to avoid being surrounded. Use mobility tools: Gunners can zipline to high ground, Scouts can grapple to safety, and Drillers can drill a tunnel. If you're overwhelmed, group up and use the Gunner's shield to revive teammates. Remember: the drop pod will eventually leave—don't get left behind.

10. Respect the Drop Pod

When the mission is complete, the drop pod will land somewhere on the map. Stick together as a team. Don't stop to mine extra gold if the pod is leaving soon—you'll get left behind. Use Driller to create a straight path to the pod, and have the Gunner put down ziplines if the terrain is steep. Once inside, cover each other until the doors close.

Final Tip: Rock and Stone! Always salute your teammates and the drill. It boosts morale and reminds you that you're a team. For Karl!