Enemies in the Tide Pool are easier to deal with by and large, mostly consisting of Jiangshi. There are still many sources of instant death, be it from spikes or hidden snap traps, but the Temple is littered with crush blocks. +(This is a more personal point) The Tide Pool is far, far easier. Can't rescue Van Horsing for later optional objectives. +Rescuing the forest sprites will net you rewards during the Olmec fight: +Volcana's lava-centric nature means that, if you have any packs, a single hit from most of the biome's enemies will cause your pack to explode and end your run. +Rescuing Van Horsing can often times be just as laborious as getting the udjat eye, with the key spawning at the bottom and the cell on the top layer. +Reaching the black market does not consume the udjat eye, so you can still see gems and hidden items in the terrain without the need for spectacles. +The black market is less prone to random deaths like falling lava and whatnot that result with the drill. Seriously, try to get the ankh with only Volcana items, it's nigh impossible.) (Helpful for clearing out mobs in the levels and can be useful for Olmec phase 2. +Easier to get a shotgun from either murder or purchase with the higher number of shops (The alternative, easier way to defeat Olmec phase 2.) +Easier to get paste from spiders or shops (Practically essential for getting the ankh.)

Spelunky 2 olmec