A safe area is a place that is (relatively) free of monsters or other hazards. They are typically used to allow the adventurer and pets to retreat to regenerate HP, to identify that stack of unknown potions, to store or manage a stash, or to perform other actions away from the threat of monsters. There are multiple strategies to locate or create a safe area, including: A safe area with a downward staircase can be especially valuable, once you have cleared the level that contains it; you can withdraw into it when badly injured from combat in the level below.