How to get to layer 2?

[Rundur]

in the beta i believe you had to find a red portal and access the second layer that way.
Now that the exits are all changed I cannot for the love of me figure out how to get to the second layer.

Is there something similar to the blue stairs that leads you there? Is there a special ritual you have to complete? I once saw a duo jump down a big hole and appear in the second layer that way, but when I tried it I died.
It's super confusing right now and no video or search seems to give or show me the answer.

[Rikuto01]

Layer 3, technically. Crypts is actually layer 2, with Ruins being layer 1 (but has been retired for the moment as it is reworked).

In crypts, there are red staircases you can find on the map. They will open up close to the end of the timer, around 2 minutes 30 seconds remaining. In Ice Caverns, there is a similar criteria. You will find a room with a bottomless void in the lower section of that map and normally if you fall into it, you die. If you wait until close to the end of the game however, it will start glowing red. If you jump into it then, you will arrive at the frozen abyss.

[MathWizard]

if you mean the ice map than you need to wait for the last 2:30 mins of the game than it glows red the you jump good luck on your adventures see you in the dungeons

[Rikuto01]

Word of warning though... Ice Abyss is some of the hardest content in the game right now. I mean it is DAMN fun to do, but good luck.

[Rundur]

Originally posted by Rikuto01:

Layer 3, technically. Crypts is actually layer 2, with Ruins being layer 1 (but has been retired for the moment as it is reworked).

In crypts, there are red staircases you can find on the map. They will open up close to the end of the timer, around 2 minutes 30 seconds remaining. In Ice Caverns, there is a similar criteria. You will find a room with a bottomless void in the lower section of that map and normally if you fall into it, you die. If you wait until close to the end of the game however, it will start glowing red. If you jump into it then, you will arrive at the frozen abyss.

Wonderful, this is a perfect explanation.
I was wondering why I could never find it.

Also, what do you mean by Crypts being Layer 2 and Ruins layer 1?
Is it not like before where every map you can progress into another section? The way I understand it from what you're saying is that the layers are now just split into their own separate maps?
Man, a lot has changed lmao

[Rikuto01]

Ruins (the outdoor map) was created to essentially be layer 1, with staircases that lead to Crypts (layer 2, which is where you start now in Forgotten Castle). From Crypts, you could then journey down to Inferno/Hell (layer 3).

Similarly Ice Caverns is also considered layer 2, with Abyss being layer 3. There is a planned map which is layer 1 for that set as well, kind of an outdoor mountain village or something similar in concept.

We don't know much about how Goblin Caves works with the layer concept but they have spoken on wanting to implement layers for that as well. Be interesting to see what is causing those earthquakes around the end of the game.

[Major Lee Ree]

Red stair case on the map is a reusable exit to the lower level