A Scent is the Key is one of the Dreadnaughts secret chests that not only hold a calcified fragment, but also other valuable rewards and resources for those willing to figure out how to open them. Opening the Scent is the Key chest takes a little bit of platforming, a little bit of secret solving, and a lot of running.

Luckily we’ve already done it and documented the process. Here are the step-by-step instructions for obtaining the “A Scent is the Key” chest in the Dreadnaught.

Everything you need to get the chest is located in the Mausoleum area of the Dreadnaught including the chest itself.

Step 1: Finding the Chest

Before you start the process of opening the chest it’s a good idea to find it first. Start by going to the bottom right of the Mausoleum area where you’ll see a balcony area that looks out onto a large empty pit. Use your ghost to reveal a hidden set of platforms that you can use to jump to the balcony located on the left hand wall. This ledge will be holding the chest.

Be careful though when going there without the aura you get from the next step, as doing so will summon an invincible group of thralls who will not rest until you leave.

Step 2: Scent of the Worm and the Race

Now that you know where it is it’s time to start the race that is opening it. Jump back to the Mausoleum room and follow the right hand wall and enter the second last door on the right. You’ll know it’s the right one because it has a maggot tunnel in it that leads to the maggot chest.

Stand in the maggot room long enough (usually 30 - 60 seconds) and you will be given an aura called “Scent of the Worm”. You’ll need to have this active to be able to open the chest and it only lasts 60 seconds, so as soon as you have it bolt for the chest location. Be careful that you don’t rush too fast though, if you fall off into the abyss and die you will lose the buff and will have to start all over again.

It may take a couple tries for you to get the hang of it, but if you do manage to make it to the chest with the aura still active, you’ll be able to open it up and reap the rewards!