Originally posted by Wut....:

Originally posted by GunsForBucks:

Before you fight the elder it is in your best interest to scout out some swamp edges and look for food upgrades there.

I definitely wait until I have turnip soup and sausages.. at least sausages. No need to rush to kill the Elder until you have found some iron crypts anyway.

but you need to kill the elder for the swamp key i dont really understand

The swamp key opens up the crypts. Not all swamps have crypts. Why not get the food upgrades first? Scout out swamps and mark the crypts on your map. Upgrade your food and put a portal on top of an iron crypt in a swamp you have cleared the spawners and such out of so it is safe. Make a lighted path etc.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2581887950

Then kill the elder, portal over to the crypt and start to mine right away. Typically I will set up a base to refine the ore and craft it close by even before I kill the elder. Run the iron out and start it processing while you teleport back to get more.

It's all about the preparation.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2594576221