Hoxxes IV is a scorched tidally-locked planet orbiting the blue star Creus, unique among the other planets in the system for her extraordinarily rich precious material deposits and her extremely hostile environment. Only the mining corporation Deep Rock Galactic, known for a lack of safety precautions, is stubborn enough to continue, offering hefty paychecks and bonuses to those willing to brave the depths of Hoxxes IV.
The dangers include, but are not limited to: electromagnetic storms, gravity anomalies, tectonic instability, seas of sulfuric acid, and one of the most hostile ecosystems in the galaxy. The creatures of Hoxxes only grow more hostile and dangerous under the unending radiation from Creus and the biomatter and microorganisms left by other mining corporations. And there are rumors of something much worse.
The Biomes
Hoxxes's surface is composed of several continents, each with a different type of biome. These biomes provide not only differing cave layouts and complexities, but also contain more or less of certain minerals, which can help those who are looking for specific crafting materials. The flora of each biome is diverse and offer different traits that can be helpful when dealing with enemies.
Among the most spectacular sights on Hoxxes, the aptly-named Crystalline Caves are truly a sight to behold. Massive crystals erupt from every surface, glittering and twinkling in the dark. Alas, the larger crystals are worthless silicate, but abundant deposits of valuable minerals dot the caves too.
— Region Description
The Crystalline Caverns are notable for their abundant deposits of worthless crystals. Vast purple crystals, composed of worthless silicate, jut out of the walls of the cave obscuring vision. The Crystalline Caverns also contain dangerous Electric Crystals, that arc chains of high voltage electricity between each other at regular intervals. The tight corridors and tunnels of the region are helpfully lit by glowing Blue Crystals which are the only natural source of light in the region.
Whoever said plant life needs access to sunlight has obviously never visited Hoxxes. This region is dominated by what can best be described as subterranean rainforest - masses of writhing, (mostly carnivorous) plant life, producing entire microcosms of life deep within the crust of the planet. Tread with care.
— Region Description
The Dense Biozone is a vast, subterranean system of pitch black caverns, dominated by plant life. Grass, shrubs, and bushes cover the ground, which may conceal smaller enemies. Much of the unusual species of plants found in the region are dangerous or hostile, so be ready to encounter many obstacles when navigating this region.
We're almost sorry to send employees in here, but the rewards are too great to ignore. So therefore: welcome to the Fungus Bogs! A truly awful region, built mostly from slime, mold, stinging insects, fungus, stinking mud, and corrosive lichen.
— Region Description
The Fungus Bogs is a region composed of green rock, overgrown vision obscuring vegetation and spores, and legions of giant mushrooms dotting the caverns. Be prepared to encounter large pools of sticky movement prohibiting goo, and clusters of Poisonous fungus spores that will release deadly vapors when threatened.
At least one of our xenogeologists quit in a rage when research started on this region. Instead of having conventional polar ice caps, and in violation of all physical laws we know of, the continental plates of Hoxxes rest on top of a planetwide permafrost layer several miles deep. As always, DRG recommends a "don't ask" approach when dealing with the peculiarities of Hoxxes' makeup.
— Region Description
The Glacial Strata is one of the many extreme environments on Hoxxes, and is most notable for its sub zero temperatures and oppressive blizzards. Dwarves working in this region will need to manage their temperature to avoid becoming frozen solid. Certain types of enemy creatures have adapted to the cold, and will attack the dwarves with freezing substances to lower their temperature, eventually freezing them.
Among the deepest of our mining sites, the Magma Caves are a mellow 250-400 degrees and helpfully lit by the churning, molten innards of the planet. We advise that you do not touch anything not mandated by the mission objectives, as your employee insurance does not cover burns.
— Region Description
The Magma Core is home to explosive plants, explosive maggots, lava geysers, and earthquakes. Miners should be especially careful when operating in this area, as explosions will expose dangerous hot rock under the ground.
Ravaged by thousands of years of high-intensity gamma radiation, this region of the planet is now a veritable hellhole of radioactive ash and decrepit, mutated flora. Move with great care, and pay particular attention that you maintain full detox procedure upon return.
— Region Description
The Radioactive Exclusion Zone contains huge, green colored crystals of volatile uranium that glow in the darkness, and will damage anything in their proximity. The Radioactive Exclusion Zone also contains creepy, mutated Cave Vines which lurk in the ceiling. Fleshy tumorous growths can be found latched to the walls, emitting bioluminescent light, and more rarely, some tunnels can be scattered with harmless Wall Eyes which watch the dwarves as they pass through the region. Much like Glacial Strata, certain enemy types have evolved to withstand the radiation, and appear differently to ordinary enemy types found elsewhere on the planet.
The Salt Pits of Hoxxes was once the location of a huge underground lake. It dried up billions of years ago and left huge crystallized deposits of red salt. Red salt - although worthless - tastes really good on Glyphid omelettes.
— Region Description
The terrain in the Salt Pits region consist densely packed red and white salt, with giant red salt crystals jutting out of the walls at irregular angles. Fragile platforms of white salt can occasionally be found on the walls, as well as fragile stalactites that will fall from the ceiling when damaged.
Note:The "glyphid omelettes" in the biome description of the Salt Pits are theorized to be the eggs collected as the primary objective in Egg Hunt missions.
The region is dominated by wind blasted and arid tunnels reaching dozens of miles below ground. The particular composition of the surrounding rock means practically no moisture, resulting in one of the driest regions of the planet. With water being so scarce the inhabiting wildlife is particularly aggressive, ravenous for whatever fluids reside within their prey.
— Region Description
The rock in the Sandblasted Corridors appears to be sandstone, and will give way with a single pickaxe hit. Due to this, it is recommended to save support tool ammunition in favor of digging paths. Caution is advised when digging downwards for this very same reason, as your footing can quickly disappear from beneath you. The caverns in the Sandblasted Corridor can be hundreds of meters in length and height, so be sure to bring extra flares before departing to a mission in this region.
The Shallow Grotto is only accessible through the tutorial mission, and can only be played with Gunner in Solo Mode. Shallow Grotto contains various features from other planetary regions such as Glowing Blue Crystals and Spider Webs. Unlike other planetary regions, Shallow Grotto doesn't contain any crafting materials, and no secondary objective minerals are present. The cave is abundant in Morkite, which must be collected as the primary objective to complete the tutorial mission.
The cave generations are mostly the same, such things as tunnels between caves, ore placement and biome features are randomized.
Crystalline Caverns
Dense Biozone
