Burning Springs is one of those places in Fallout 76 that looks simple on the surface but hides a surprising number of tucked-away spots. The entire area has a scorched, eerie atmosphere, and because of the strange terrain, a lot of caves blend right into the environment. If you’re trying to track down these hidden caves for exploration, loot, or just the fun of discovery, this guide will walk you through the spots worth checking and the tricks that make searching a lot easier.

Why Burning Springs has so many hidden spots

Burning Springs sits in a part of the map where the land is heavily deformed. The earth is cracked open, and smoke leaks through vents scattered all over. Because of these collapsed sections, many caves look like nothing more than angled shadows along the walls. When you run through too quickly, it’s easy to miss openings that lead to bigger tunnels.

If you’re someone who likes gathering Fallout 76 items, these caves can be surprisingly rewarding. Some contain resource nodes, tucked-away containers, or NPCs that many players skip simply because the entrances aren’t obvious.

Start with the major fissures

The easiest way to begin your search is to follow the large fissures cutting across the ground. These wide cracks often branch off into smaller side tunnels. Walk along the edges and check for spots where the fissure widens or dips inward. If you see a darker patch that doesn’t look like just a shadow from the rocks, crouch and move closer. A lot of the entrances require you to duck slightly or approach from a specific angle before the interior becomes visible.

A small tip from experience: turn off your Pip-Boy light when you’re scanning walls. The bright light flattens the texture and makes shadows harder to read. Once you think you see something, turn the light back on so you can check the path safely.

Check the volcanic vents

The second place worth exploring is any area with steam or smoke shooting straight up from the ground. Sometimes a vent has a crack next to it that leads deeper underground. These aren’t big caves, but they often hold collectible junk, crafting materials, or a stray enemy that can drop something worthwhile. If you’re running with a friend, split up and check vents in different directions; you’ll cover the area faster and won’t miss small caves that sit just off the main trail.

Explore the cliffs and ledges

The rock walls around Burning Springs are irregular and layered, which naturally creates hiding spots. Instead of staying on the main floor, climb the ledges and walk along the cliff lines. Many caves sit halfway up the wall, almost invisible from below. Jump assistance perks or power armor can make this easier, but it’s not required. Look for openings shaped like deep creases. Some of them open into tunnels that loop back down into the fissure system, while others contain nothing more than a couple of containers and a sleeping bag left behind by unlucky survivors.

Bring good lighting and listen for sound cues

Caves in this region often give themselves away with faint audio hints. If you hear dripping water, crackling fire, or the echo of a creature you can’t see, there’s a good chance a cave is nearby. Head toward the noise and sweep the walls slowly. A headlamp with a wide beam works best in this zone because narrow beams make it harder to catch the shape of an entrance.

Something I noticed after several runs is that wandering at night actually helps. The environment is naturally bright during the day because of all the glowing embers, so nighttime gives better contrast when you’re scanning dark corners. Just be ready for enemies that blend into the shadows a little too well.

Don’t forget the lower tunnels

Once you find an entrance, make sure to follow the entire tunnel system. Many caves in Burning Springs have side paths that curve downward. These lower levels are where you usually find the more interesting loot or rare materials. It’s also the part where new players tend to get turned around, so drop a quick marker in your mind by remembering a unique rock shape or container. The tunnels here aren’t huge, but they twist enough that it’s easy to backtrack without realizing it.

A small note on trading

If you’re exploring the caves for loot and plan to trade with other players afterward, just be aware that the local community has mixed prices depending on what’s trending. When I compare what I find in Burning Springs with what people are buying, the values shift a lot. Some players also mention places like U4GM when talking about trading habits or market discussions, but for cave-hunting itself, you don’t need anything special beyond patience and a steady route.

Try these simple routes for reliable results

To make things easier, here are three quick paths that consistently reveal cave entrances:

Route A: Southern fissure loop Start near the bottom edge of Burning Springs, follow the largest fissure north, and keep checking every wide opening. This path usually reveals two cave entrances if you scan carefully.

Route B: Cliff-side sweep Climb the western cliff line and walk along the edge. There’s a cave about halfway across that many players miss because it blends perfectly with the rock.

Route C: Vent cluster search Head toward the area where multiple vents sit close together. Behind one of the vents is a narrow, slanted opening that leads to one of the longer underground sections in the region.

Run these paths a few times, and you’ll start recognizing visual clues quicker. After that, spotting new caves across the map becomes a lot easier since the design style is similar.

Final notes

Burning Springs rewards players who slow down. Instead of sprinting through, take your time, circle around odd-shaped rocks, and check every dark crease. Most caves aren’t huge, but finding them feels satisfying, especially when you stumble onto a spot you never knew existed. With a little patience and a good eye, the area becomes one of the most interesting places to explore in Fallout 76.

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