Spelunky 2 does a great job making players feel like they're lost in the caverns of an unknown world. Each run of Spelunky 2 spawns unique, difficult environments, and every area is layered with secrets and treasure. However, some areas are harder to find than others, and often these secrets are necessary to complete the game. Hidden under Volcana, Vlad's Castle is one of these exclusive finds, rewarding Vlad's Crown and Cape to players who can find and kill him.

Much like Spelunky 2's Black Market, Vlad's Castle requires the Udjat Eye to access. The Eye can be found in the locked chest that spawns in either 1-2 or 1-3. Players can use the Gold Key or the Skeleton Key to unlock it. The Gold Key will naturally spawn on the same floor, so players just need to usher it to the chest once they find it. The Key often requires players to use bombs or ropes to grab it, so they should make sure to save their resources until they've grabbed the Eye. When players have the Eye and are ready to exit the Dwelling, they should leave through the right door, leading them to Volcana.

Related: How to Unlock Every Shortcut Tunnel in Spelunky 2

Throughout their journey to and through Volcana, players should keep in mind that Volcana's fiery and lava-filled environment can make items dangerous to carry if they can explode. Players should hold back from purchasing Jetpacks or Powerpacks unless they're extra safe. Vlad's Cape also takes up the same slot, so they become useless if players take the loot from Vlad's Castle.

Accessing Vlad's Castle in Spelunky 2

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Players should also look out for wall entrances in Volcana's 2-1. Through one, players can find a key that unlocks an entrance to Van Horsing. When players unlock the entrance and head inside, Van Horsing will give them a diamond and thank them. While the extra gem is a bonus, Van Horsing's help is much more important for fighting Vlad later, as he is one of the harder enemies in Spelunky 2.

From there, players just need to keep an eye out for the color purple across 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4. On one of the floors, a giant drill will spawn, with a switch ready to activate with the Udjat Eye. When activated, the drill will burrow to the depths of Volcana, opening two entrances — one to Vlad's Castle, and one to the next area.

Vlad's Castle will be easy to spot from the detailed red brick. Once players climb to the top of the Castle, Vlad will be waiting, and for players who found Van Horsing, he'll be ready to shoot him with his crossbow. Otherwise, players will need to use their own resources to kill Vlad and grab his loot.

Vlad's Crown is necessary to reach parts of Spelunky 2 like the City of Gold. It also allows players to pull Excalibur from its stone. Vlad's Cape is then an upgraded Cape granting the ability to double jump. Vlad's Castle isn't a necessary visit for every Spelunky 2 run; however, the upgrades it offers can make each playthrough a little easier. Alongside the Hedjet found in the Jungle, Vlad's upgrades are one of the two options players can use to reach further hidden areas in Spelunky 2.

Next: How to Escape (or Defeat) Ghosts in Spelunky 2

Spelunky 2 is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.