Dave The Diver Guide | 8 Things To Know Before Starting In The Jungle DLC

Prepare for Utara Lake, jungle predators, new tools, NPC friendship, land fishing, and the Black Caiman fight in Dave The Diver: In The Jungle.

Game Guide by Monarch on Jun 29, 2026

Dave The Diver: In The Jungle may look like a fresh adventure, but it can punish you quickly if you rush in unprepared. Once you accept Dr. Bacon’s call and travel to Utara Lake, you cannot return to the Blue Hole or run Bancho Sushi normally until the DLC storyline is complete. Before leaving, upgrade your O2 Tank and Harpoon Gun as much as possible. A stronger Diving Suit, Knife, and Traps also make the early jungle sections much easier.

Dave the Diver Guide 8 Things You NEED to Know

The Jungle Is More Dangerous Than The Blue Hole

Utara Lake has different rules from the ocean. The water is murky, the predators are aggressive, and enemies like Crocodiles and Piranhas can close the distance fast. Even if you aced the Blue Hole, the jungle demands more attention to oxygen, positioning, and escape routes.

Starting From A New Save Is Possible

If you start the DLC from a new save, you can also choose to go straight to the jungle. You don't have to finish the main game first to play the DLC. But the DLC assumes you already know how the game works, so the menus, mechanics, and upgrades may be too much at first. This route is possible, but it has a steeper learning curve.

There Is No Night Diving

The jungle still allows two daytime dives, but there is no night diving. Instead, you can gather ingredients in other ways before the restaurant opens. Being able to organize your time better is even more important when you need to find specific freshwater fish for the dinner menu.

NPC Friendship Matters

Befriending jungle NPCs helps turn them into regular customers at Bancho Grill. Gifts are the easiest way to increase friendship. Favorite gifts give the best results, while liked gifts still help. Disliked gifts are less useful, but they can help reveal preferences. Once a preference is discovered, the game marks it with a small sticker, making future gifting easier. In general, many NPCs dislike Minerals, Lizards, and Insects.

Dave the Diver Guide NPC Friendship Matters

Bug Catching And Beetle Battles Are Important

The DLC adds Bug Catching and Beetle Battles. Some bugs must be approached slowly, or they will run away. Others only appear at certain times of the day. Beetle Battles work like a simple Rock, Paper, Scissors system. Yellow beats Red, Red beats Blue, and Blue beats Yellow. You do not always need to reduce the enemy bug’s HP to zero. Having more HP at the end can still let you catch it.

Unlock Land Fishing With Basu

Land fishing becomes available after completing a sub mission from Basu. Once you finish his request, he gives you the Fishing Rod. This is one of the most useful tools in the DLC because it lets you collect fish without spending a dive. Giant Snakehead and Moonlight Gourami are especially useful because they can help with restaurant orders and NPC friendship.

Dave the Diver Guide Unlock Land Fishing With Basu

Get The Machete In Chapter 3

Thick vine walls block several jungle paths, and the normal Dive Knife will not cut them. You need the Machete, which unlocks through the main story in Chapter 3. Once you have it, you can cut vine barriers in the lake and above the beach, opening more areas for exploration.

How To Beat The Black Caiman Safely

The Black Caiman appears during the Taste Of Fish VIP quest and can be dangerous up close. A safer method is to use a Sniper Rifle, preferably upgraded to Level 2 or higher. Stay far enough away that the Black Caiman does not notice Dave, then shoot its weak spot around the mid-neck or upper belly. After firing, swim up to the exit prompt but do not leave. The Black Caiman should lose aggression and return to its cave. Cancel the prompt, refill ammo or oxygen if needed, and repeat until it goes down.

Also, check our DAVE THE DIVER - In the Jungle Content Pack Review and other guides below: