How to Reach Battahl Early

Approach Guerco Cavern: The cavern is situated between Harve Village and Checkpoint Rest Town. A direct route is blocked by a broken bridge and river, forcing a detour north. Guerco Cavern is on the eastern coast of the western half of Vermund.

Bypass the Drake: The trail to the cavern is guarded by a drake. You can choose to fight it, run past it, or avoid it by sticking to the cliffs to the right (south). Higher ground to the right offers a way to bypass most enemies, including choppers hiding in tall grass just past the drake.

Navigate Guerco Cavern - Hobgoblin Caves: Enter the cave and proceed south through a linear tunnel into a large, multi-level chamber. This chamber has two levels, bridges, and side passages. Enemies include hobgoblins (stronger goblins) and oozes (slime-like creatures resistant to physical attacks, weak to magic and fire).

Hobgoblin Encounters: Hobgoblins are found in the upper reaches. Be cautious not to destroy bridges connecting the high ground. If a bridge is destroyed and you lack Levitate or Concussive Leap, find a passage in the wall east of the starting ledge before the first bridge. This passage leads south across the chamber.

In the side passage across the gap (east of the first bridge), you can find a tunnel leading south. Kill hobgoblins here and continue south to a chest containing a Fool’s Prize (Mystic Spearhand weapon). Drop down to reach the ledge past the two bridges.

To find a Seeker’s Token, search a side-chamber to the west of the hobgoblin cavern.

To exit the chamber towards Battahl, cross the bridges (or use the side passage) and exit via a tunnel to the south. It's advisable to clear hobgoblins before proceeding.

After clearing the upper reaches, return to the entrance, cross a bridge southwest to a small chamber containing a chest with 130G and a Seeker’s Token on the floor. You can also mine an ore vein here.

Lower Levels: Descend to the lower floor via ledges south of the northern entrance or by climbing down the ladder you kicked down earlier. Clear out oozes on this level.

In the northwestern corner of the lower floor, find a chest with a Battahli Turban.

West of the ladder, find another Seeker’s Token.

Further Progression: A passage to the northeast leads to a slope descending to an even lower section. This is a one-way trip, and the only way back is to leave Guerco Cavern. This path continues towards Battahl, with more hobgoblins present.