The Hunter Vault in Enshrouded stands as one of the game’s most intriguing early-game challenges, blending exploration, combat, and clever puzzle-solving. Nestled in ancient ruins shrouded by mystery, this location promises not just the rescue of a vital NPC companion but also access to a coveted chest filled with powerful gear. Players must traverse hazardous terrain, battle foes, and master mobility tools like the glider and grappling hook to succeed. This guide breaks down every aspect, from reaching the vault to claiming your rewards.
Locating the Hunter Vault: Your Journey Begins
Situated northeast of Longkeep, across a treacherous Shroud-filled canyon, the Hunter Vault demands precise navigation. Start from Springlands’ Ancient Vault after completing its quest, then orient east toward a cluster of dark structures visible on the horizon.
- Ensure maximum stamina for the climb; ascend as high as possible before gliding toward the initial hill.
- Traverse straight to the vault entrance, preparing for Vaua enemy ambushes.
- Alternative route: Cross Braelyn Bridge with your grappling hook for safer passage, or rely on glider for a riskier aerial approach.
Upon arrival, expect moderate enemy resistance outside—nothing overwhelming for prepared adventurers. Stock up on healing items and ranged weapons beforehand.
Navigating the Vault’s Interior: Traps and Hazards
Entry through the grand main doors reveals a multi-level complex rigged with dangers. Blue lightning traps line the floors, demanding careful footwork.
- Ascend the first staircase flanked by burning braziers.
- Spot two locked doors: one right of the stairs (basic access), another left guarding the puzzle chest—note the three glowing symbols above it.
- Use your grappling hook to bypass lava pits at higher levels, leading to the Hunter’s pod.
Beyond traps, verticality defines the vault. Grapple points and climbable surfaces abound, testing your timing and spatial awareness.
Solving the Three-Switch Puzzle: Step-by-Step Breakdown
The star attraction is the locked door’s puzzle, requiring activation of three hidden switches (often called symbols or buttons). Success yields a golden chest with random epic loot like Bronze Swords or Forest Longbows.
| Switch | Location | Activation Method | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Pillar right of stairs, opposite locked door | Shoot with bow/arrow (ranged weapon needed) | Opens right-side door |
| Second | Inside the newly opened right door, on right wall | Direct interaction | Progresses puzzle sequence |
| Third | Ledge above main entry door (glowing faintly from stairs) | Advanced jump/glide/grapple combo | Unlocks left door to chest |
Detailed Third Switch Technique: Position beside a brazier at stair top. Sprint-jump toward the door, deploy glider mid-air, then grapple the overhead point. Swing to latch onto side climbing lattices, ascend, and interact.
Practice is key—angle left or right for optimal swing. Standing directly on the brazier provides crucial height. Upon completion, glide down safely, avoiding lightning and fall damage.
Rescuing the Hunter: Beyond the Puzzle
Puzzle optional for main objective: freeing the Hunter NPC. After initial stairs, grapple across lava, climb further, and interact with the glowing pod at the summit.
Place the Hunter at your base for unlocks: drying racks for food preservation, storage bags, and hunting crafts. Essential for mid-game survival.
Additional Loot and Secrets: Maximizing Rewards
The vault hides more than one chest. Near the Hunter’s room, grapple up nearby stairs to a rooftop path yielding a Forest Longbow chest.
- Golden chest loot varies: weapons, spell charges, or gear—RNG-dependent but always valuable.
- Scan for hidden grapple points; thorough exploration pays off.
Pro Tip: Metal scraps and amber nearby aid crafting post-run.
Essential Gear and Preparation Checklist
Success hinges on readiness. Equip these before venturing:
- Grappling Hook: Core for traversal—craft via Blacksmith quest.
- Glider: Upgraded for extended airtime.
- Ranged Weapon: Bow for first switch.
- Stamina Foods: Boost endurance for climbs.
- Armor: Fire/lightning resistance if available.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Players often stumble here:
- Missing grapple timing on third switch—retry with precise run-up.
- Fall damage: Glide conservatively.
- Enemy overwhelms: Clear Vaua methodically.
- Puzzle reset: All switches must activate in any order.
Why the Hunter Vault Matters in Enshrouded’s World
Enshrouded’s open-world survival thrives on such vaults—ancient Flameborn sites corrupted by Shroud. Unlocking them advances the story, bolsters your base, and unveils crafting trees. The Hunter accelerates resource management, pivotal against bosses like Fell Thunderbrute.
This vault exemplifies the game’s parkour-puzzle fusion, rewarding skill over grinding.
Advanced Strategies for Repeat Runs
Post-unlock, revisit for loot RNG. Multiplayer? Coordinate: one solves puzzle, others defend. Speedrun tip: Pre-glide to vault, skip fights with dodges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need the puzzle to get the Hunter?
No, it’s separate—focus on pod rescue first.
What if I can’t reach the third switch?
Stand on brazier, sprint 2 steps, glide, grapple mid-air. Adjust angle.
Is the chest loot fixed?
No, random—expect epic weapons or consumables.
Can I do this solo early-game?
Yes, with basic gear and practice.
Where to place the Hunter after rescue?
Any base altar for immediate crafting access.
Mastering Mobility: Glider and Grapple Tips
Enshrouded’s traversal shines here. Upgrade glider for better control; practice grapple swings on safer zones first. These tools recur in later vaults.
In summary, the Hunter Vault tests fundamentals while delivering progression boosts. Conquer it to strengthen your Shroud-cleansing campaign.
References
- Enshrouded: How to Unlock the Hunter Easy Step-by-Step — YouTube. 2024.
- Enshrouded Hunter Vault puzzle: How to unlock the door — PC Gamer. 2024-02. https://www.pcgamer.com/enshrouded-hunter-vault-puzzle/
- Enshrouded Hunter Vault Guide: Location, Puzzle Solution, & More — BisectHosting. 2024. https://www.bisecthosting.com/blog/enshrouded-hunter-vault-guide-location-walkthrough-puzzle-solution-chests
- Ancient Vault of Hunter – Treasure Room Unlocking — Steam Community. 2024. https://steamcommunity.com/app/1203620/discussions/0/4142816460194642486/

