Clearing stages (SPOILERS)

[Chapel]

So I just completely cleared one of the islands, i.e. blew up the giant thing in the Greed dimension with the bomb. I died and did not make it out alive but the island still counted as cleared for me now. I have a few questions though for any that have also cleared some islands.
Questions like, how do people clear any island without the dragon/lizard? It seems pretty essential, actually I was playing Co-op with dragon and Griffon combo and I have no idea how it would have been possible without it.
Also, can you return to an island you've cleared? Since I didn't make it out I was returned to the first stage. If so, what would be the point, if any?
Has anyone cleared an island in single player? Or without the dragon?
Does anything happen when you make it out of the explosion? I'm assuming you can.

[Stefan]

I've cleared 3 islands (1,2,4) by now in singleayer and made it out on every single one. I did the first one with the Gryphon and the others with the lizard. Having the fire is just amazing and I don't want to attempt other fights without it. (the warhorse might be great as well because it can make your units invincible for a duration (if it works like in New Lands), but I don't have enough gems to afford it.

Yes, you can return to islands you've cleared. The only reason for that is to use it as a bank and safe haven during the winter and to bring over additional knights and archers to more dangerous islands.

If you get out of the cave in time, you get an achievement and just get to stay on the island, able to safely prepare for the next. Your troops revert to beggars at the cave entrance.

[Chapel]

Ahhh okay. That clears up a lot. Yeah I just had trouble getting out with the lizard because its so slow and being my first time to use the bomb I didn't catch on that I needed to beat feet immediately.
I've tried the armored horse before and it does work the same as in New Lands, but it's got a pretty lengthy cooldown, so just as a well timed use could turn the tides a poorly timed use could spell disaster.

[ichobi]

How did you manage to run out so quick? The later island has long inner cave. The lizard is just slow and poor stamina. Also howmdo you make it breathe fire? Press shift like the griffin wing flap?

[Stefan]

I just put coins into the bomb and then started to run immediately. On island 4 it was close, on 1 and 2 it was easy. If you rest during the day and let the lizard tank sunlight on grass, it seems to increase its stamina, allowing you to run for longer.
Breathing fire works just like the wing flap, press shift while standing.

[ichobi]

Thanks. Have to try that out.

[Stefan]

Originally posted by ichobi:

How did you manage to run out so quick? The later island has long inner cave. The lizard is just slow and poor stamina.

I have survived the explosion on island 5 just now, while riding the lizard with buffed stamina after lying in the sun - damn, that was close!!
One wrong button press while recharging stamina would have meant death xD It was stressful, but surviving that felt awesome!