
Welcome back Fellow Darkish!
The heat hits you first, thick, suffocating, alive.
Above the lava’s glow, the ancient altar stands ready, and the skeletal gate seems to wait for one thing only: your arrival.

REWARDS

22x16 Map
Gridded and gridless versions
Original, Original No Bridge versions!

22x16 Map
Gridded and gridless versions
Original, Original No Bridge, Water, Water No Bridge, Haunted, Haunted No Bridge, Massacre, Massacre No Bridge versions!
Printable PDFs

22x16 Map
Gridded and gridless versions
Original, Original No Bridge, Water, Water No Bridge, Haunted, Haunted No Bridge, Massacre, Massacre No Bridge, No Magma, No Magma No Bridge, Toxic, Toxic No Bridge, Blood , Blood No Bridge, Cursed, Cursed No Bridge versions!
Printable PDFs
MAP DESCRIPTION
A wave of scorching heat strikes you as soon as you step into the cavern.
The bubbling lava rumbles louder with every step, and a pulsing orange glow washes over the surrounding rock.
At the center of the chamber, suspended above the river of magma, rises a monumental platform connected by worn stone bridges.
On the sides, glowing rocks emerge from the lava, forming a treacherous side path that might reward the boldest adventurers.
Beyond the molten lake, an ancient gate decorated with countless skulls and bones stands imposingly, topped by a massive carved skull.
Two large statues embedded in the wall pour molten lava from the jugs they hold, filling wide basins at their feet.
Small jets of flame burst from traps carved into the walls, waiting for an unwary traveler to trigger them.
Will the party manage to cross the Blazing Gate unscathed?
NOTES
Map Style & Tactics: Blazing Gate is perfect for one or two minibosses, or for spreading small enemy groups across the area. The raised zones, traps, and narrow bridges force precise movement and immediate tactical decisions.
The Lava: It’s not just scenery. The heat may deal constant damage, and falling from any platform could easily mean death.
The Platforms: Bridges and side walkways are mandatory crossing points—ideal for area spells or splitting the party.
The Gate: Covered in bones and ominous carvings, it may open to let the main boss enter… or serve as the very passage leading to them.
The Statues: The lava flowing from their mouths may activate mid-battle, overflowing the basins and threatening the party.
The Traps: The flaming mouths beside the statues can fire bursts or flaming bolts, either at intervals or when someone walks past them.
The Columns: Perfect for makeshift cover or blocking line of sight.
The Heat: Oppressive and suffocating—ideal for concentration penalties or mechanics tied to fire resistance.
The Charred Remains: Great spots to hide clues, rewards, or additional traps.
The Outer Cave: The safest area of the map—useful for luring enemies away from the lava or setting up ambushes.

With Blazing Gate, we continue our journey through the hottest and most dangerous depths of the dungeon.
A massive gate stands before you, ready to open only for the heroes who survive what awaits within.
The path grows harsher… and this chamber is merely the beginning of the challenges ahead.
Fellow Darkish, tell us in the comments:
Who do you imagine lurking behind that gate?
What boss or creature would you place in this boiling arena?
Your ideas inspire us every month—keep surprising us!
May the fire light your path, Fellow Darkish.
We wish you great adventures and NAT20s!
The Darkest Maps Team