====== Skeleton Key ======

{{ rpd:images:skeleton_key_item.png|Skeleton Key }}

**Skeleton Key** is a special key item that unlocks locked depth exits (the stairs down behind a boss), allowing access to the next dungeon tier.

==== Function ====
  * **Area Unlock**: Opens locked depth exits, such as the locked exit of the Prison boss level leading toward the [[en:rpd:halls|Demon Halls]]
  * **One-time Use**: Consumed when it unlocks an exit (see Unlock.java)
  * **Depth-bound**: Each key is bound to the depth where its owner was defeated
  * **Progression Item**: Essential for progressing past boss levels

==== Acquisition ====
Every boss carries a Skeleton Key and drops it on death:
  * **[[en:rpd:tengu_mob|Tengu]]**: Dropped after defeating Tengu in the Prison; grants access toward the [[en:rpd:halls|Demon Halls]]
  * **Other bosses**: [[en:rpd:goo_mob|Goo]], [[en:rpd:dm300_mob|DM-300]], Gnoll King, Spider Queen, Lich, Yog's Eye and others also drop it

==== Usage ====
  * **Unlocking Exits**: Used on a locked depth exit (the stairs behind a boss) to open the way down
  * **Consumed on Use**: The key is removed from the inventory when it unlocks an exit
  * **Access Gateway**: Required to progress deeper into the dungeon

==== Strategy ====
  * **Essential Progression**: Without this key, the next dungeon tier remains inaccessible
  * **Timing**: Can be saved until ready for the challenging content ahead
  * **Backup**: It's a single-use key, so there's no backup if lost
  * **Priority**: Should be preserved for when you're ready to descend

==== Technical Details ====
  * Implementation: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/java/com/watabou/pixeldungeon/items/keys/SkeletonKey.java|SkeletonKey.java]]
  * Key system: Part of the key and lock system for dungeon doors
  * Level transition: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/java/com/watabou/pixeldungeon/levels/HallsLevel.java|HallsLevel.java]]

==== Code References ====
  * [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/java/com/watabou/pixeldungeon/items/keys/SkeletonKey.java|SkeletonKey.java]]
  * [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/java/com/watabou/pixeldungeon/levels/HallsLevel.java|HallsLevel.java]]
  * [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/res/values/strings_all.xml#L2075-L2076|SkeletonKey strings]]

==== See Also ====
  * [[en:rpd:tengu_mob|Tengu]] (source of the key)
  * [[en:rpd:halls|Demon Halls]]
  * [[en:rpd:keys|Keys]]
  * [[en:rpd:items|Items]]

{{tag> rpd items keys progression }}