The Mines is the first area of the caves in Spelunky, and is accessed from the main gateway in the lobby.
Upon entering the Mines door for the first time after choosing a Spelunker, the carving on the wall above awakens and a message is displayed: "The walls are shifting..." as the level is newly generated.
Geography
The Mines normally consists of narrow passageways through rocky terrain. Gold and jewels will be found in the walls if the walls are destroyed, with either bombs or a pickaxe. The Mines contain many ladders and man-made structures with treasure chests inside. There are some pushable blocks and many spider webs.
Dangers
All Monsters and Traps (besides The Ghost) that can be harmful/hostile in The Mines.
Notes:
- The Shopkeeper will only attack you if you hurt him or try to steel something from him.
- You can avoid getting hit by Monsters that come out of Monster Pots by throwing Pots away from you instead of attacking them with the Whip or other melee weapons.
Special Features
Kali Altars
Kali Altars appear on certain levels of every area. You can sacrifice dead or knocked out creatures by dropping them onto the Altar. Depending on your sacrifice, she will gift you or not with items. If you destroy the Altar, she will seem un-pleased with you and spawn a group of spiders on you, even if the destruction was by another creature.
Level Feelings
"My skin is crawling!
Many more spiders will appear in a level than regular, and there will be tons more spider webs.
"I can't see a thing!"
The level will be engulfed in darkness with only a few light sources scattered throughout the mine, including golden scarabs and torches.
"I hear snakes, I hate snakes!"
There will be a large snake pit generated in the level with no exit other than the to entrance, the pit will be entirely full of snakes and treasure. You should bring rope before hopping in.