Elden Ring, highly anticipated at the start of the decade, has exceeded expectations with over 12 million players within a month, surpassing FromSoftware’s projection of 5 million. Both Dark Souls fans and newcomers contributed to its immense hype.
Key Takeaways
- You must follow a specific growth path to maximize your use of it.
- There are several primary progression routes: Limgrave, Liurnia of the Lakes, Caelid, Renni’s Questline, and more!
- When you follow a certain path like Renni’s Questline, a quest line leads you to places you have yet to consider exploring. Fia’s is the most thrilling.
- Every path is exciting and adventurous, requiring overcoming obstacles to reach your destination.
- Some routes, like Mt. Gelmir, are entirely optional.
- During the Progression Route, you discover significant artifacts that assist you in moving forward.
Elden Ring’s Non-Linear Progression
Elden Ring differs from past FromSoftware titles with its non-linear progression. The vast world of the Lands Between offers a grand journey from the Stranded Graveyard to the Erdtree’s roots to become the Elden Lord. To maximize your experience, follow an optimal progression route. While freedom is in your hands, my Progression Route ensures you avoid overly challenging areas or miss important ones, maintaining a consistently challenging experience.
Prologue
After the opening cutscene, you’ll spawn in the Chapel of Anticipation. Here, you face the Grafted Scion, an initial boss. Defeating it rewards you with gear, including the Ornamental Straight Sword and Golden Beast Crest Shield.Regardless of the outcome against the Grafted Scion, you’ll end up in the Stranded Graveyard.
You can start Elden Ring’s user-friendly tutorial by dropping right, recommended even for experienced players due to new mechanics. Alternatively, head straight ahead, pass through a door, and use an elevator to reach Elden Ring’s first major area, Limgrave.
Limgrave
Limgrave is your first significant exploration area in my Elden Ring progression route. It’s where you’ll experience FromSoftware’s open-world vision for the first time and likely appreciate it. Limgrave is divided into three large sections, making it more detailed than the rest of Elden Ring’s vast continents.
West Limgrave
Tree Sentinel: Should you fight it?
| Limgrave | 3200(NG) | ||||
| Other Drops | Golden Halberd | ||||
| Altus Plateau | 20,000 runes (NG) | 14,000 Runes (NG, Co-op Host) | 5,000 Runes (NG, Co-op Phantom) | ||
| Erdtree Greatshield | |||||
| Hero's Rune [1] | |||||
| Strong | Fire | Holy | Hemorrhage | Frostbite | Slash |
| Weaker to | Lightning |
Upon opening the doors of the Stranded Graveyard, you’ll enter West Limgrave. Ignite The First Step Site of Grace ahead, and you’ll likely notice the formidable Golden Knight, the Tree Sentinel, a field boss. You can choose to face him now or later with Torrent (your horse), but the former is more challenging.
Merchant Kale: Buy a Crafting Kit!
| Location | Limgrave: Church of Elleh |
| Role | General Goods Shop |
| Voiced By | Nabil Elouahabi |
In West Limgrave, take your time to explore at your own pace. However, there are essential explorations not to miss. Beyond the Tree Sentinel, you’ll find the Church of Elleh and meet your first Nomadic Merchant, Merchant Kale. Ensure you acquire the Crafting Kit, as it unlocks Elden Ring’s crafting mechanic, and consider buying a torch and a telescope as a useful bonus.
A Couple More Essential Key Items
In the first hour of your playthrough, ensure you obtain Torrent, the Whetstone Knife, and the Spirit Calling Bell. You can acquire Torrent by triggering Melina’s cutscene after resting at any three of Limgrave’s Sites of Grace, typically The First Step, the Church of Elleh, and the Gatefront Ruins.
At the Gatefront Ruins, you’ll find West Limgrave’s map and the Whetstone Knife, unlocking the Ash of War mechanic when resting at any Site of Grace. After getting Torrent, return to the Church of Elleh at night to meet Ranni the Witch, who will provide you with the Spirit Calling Bell. This item is crucial for unlocking the Spirit Summoning of Ashes Summons, another important Elden Ring mechanic.
Stormveil Castle and the Deathtouched Catacombs
In West Limgrave, pure exploration will lead you to several optional dungeons. While you’re not obligated to clear them all, two dungeons are highly recommended: Stormveil Castle, a story-related legacy dungeon, and the Deathtouched Catacombs, an optional one.
To reach Stormveil Castle, head to Stormgate at the outer edge of the Gatefront Ruins. Along the way, you’ll face Margit, the Fell Omen, and Godrick, the Grafted. Alternatively, access the Deathtouched Catacombs by traveling west from Saintsbridge in Stormhill. Look for the catacomb door with a weeping spirit nearby.
East Limgrave
Flask of Wondrous Physick: A Lifesaver
| Name | Flask of Wondrous Physick. |
| Effect | bestows various special effects |
| Scaling | - |
| FP Cost | - |
Ranking the three Limgrave sections for exploration, loot, and enemies/bosses, East Limgrave falls at the bottom. Smaller but important for progression. It holds the Flask of Wondrous Physick.
Go to the Third Church of Elleh above the Minor Erdtree, visible on the map. Get the East Limgrave map but watch out for Rune Bears in Mistwood forest. Find a teleporter to the underground area, Siofra River Well – unlock its grace and exi
Fort Haight: Dectus Medallion (Left)
While exploring East Limgrave, you’ll hear Kenneth Haight calling for your help. He’s located in a ruined building and will ask you to liberate his property, Fort Haight, situated in the easternmost part of East Limgrave. To reach it, follow the road through the Mistwood forest. The Fort is relatively small and guarded by a few Godrick Soldiers, making it manageable to clear. Don’t forget to obtain the essential item here, the Dectus Medallion (Left).
Tibia Mariner and the Erdtree Avatar
| Locations and Drops For Tibia Mariner | |||
| Summon Water Village | 2,400 runes (NG) | 600 Runes (NG, Co-op) | |
| Other Drops | Deathroot | Skeletal Militiaman Ashes | |
| Liurnia of the Lakes | 4,700 (NG) | ? (NG, Co-op Host) | 1,175 (NG, Co-op Phantom) |
| Other Drops | Deathroot | Skeletal Bandit Ashes | |
| Wyndham Ruins | 14,000 runes (NG) | 10,500 Runes (NG, Co-op Host) | 3,500 Runes (NG, Co-op Phantom) |
| Other Drops | Deathroot | Tibia's Summons | |
| Mountaintops of the Giants | 4,234 | ||
| Other Drops | Deathroot | Helphen’s Steeple | |
| Stronger | Pierce | Lightning | |
| Weaker to | Strike | Holy | |
| Immune to | Poison | Hemorrhage | Frostbite |
Before wrapping up East Limgrave, I should inform you of two notable field bosses that are found in the region, which you will also encounter many times later in the game: Tibia Mariner and the Erdtree Avatar. Therefore, I would recommend properly challenging these bosses and taking the time to assimilate their movesets so that future battles with these field bosses don’t get needlessly dragged out.
| Locations and Drops For Erdtree Avatar | |||||
| Minor Erdtree (Weeping Peninsula) | Runes 4,500 (NG) | Runes 3,600 (NG, Co-op Host) | Runes 930 (NG, Co-op Phantom) | Opaline Bubbletear | Crimsonburst Crystal Tear |
| Minor Erdtree (Liurnia Southwest) | 5,800 | Cerulean Crystal Tear | Ruptured Crystal Tear | ||
| Minor Erdtree (Liurnia Northeast) | 5,800 | Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear | Lightning-Shrouding Cracked Tear | Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear | |
| Leyndell, Royal Capital | 10,062 | Lord's Rune | |||
| Deeproot Depths | 10,621 | Staff of the Avatar | |||
| Minor Erdtree (Mountaintops East) | 70,000 (NG) | 52,500 (NG, Co-op Host) | 17,500 (NG, Co-op Phantom) | Cerulean Crystal Tear | Crimson Bubbletear |
| Stronger | Holy | ||||
| Weaker to | Fire | Strike | |||
| Immune to | hemorrhage |
The Tibia Mariner boss resides in Summonwater Village, found in the northeastern part of Limgrave. To get there, follow Saintsbridge until you reach a small lake with ruined buildings, which used to be Summonwater Village.
As for the Erdtree Avatar, it’s located at the Minor Erdtree in Mistwood, which is easily visible on the map. It’s essential to be prepared whenever you encounter a Minor Erdtree icon on the map.
Weeping Peninsula
Impaler’s Catacombs: A Mini-Dungeon?
The Weeping Peninsula in southern Limgrave is reached via the Bridge of Sacrifice. Crossing can be tough due to a rear mortar that can nearly one-shot you from afar. Godrick Soldiers add to the challenge.
Upon reaching the Weeping Peninsula, locate the entrance to the Impaler’s Catacombs. It’s a small and easy dungeon where you can get Gloveworts for spirit summon upgrades.
Churches Everywhere: Upgrading Your Flasks!
The Weeping Peninsula features three Churches where you can find Sacred Tears, important for enhancing your Flasks. The first is the Callu Baptismal Church, easily reached by heading south from Ailing Village. The second is the Church of Pilgrimage at the north tip of the peninsula, which corresponds to a location depicted in the Prophecy Painting. Lastly, you’ll discover the Fourth Church of Marika in the west, near the Weeping Evergaol and Witchbane Ruins.
Castle Morne: Towards the South
The Weeping Peninsula is the last part of my Elden Ring progression route for Limgrave. Castle Morne, the second biggest dungeon in Limgrave, is here, and it’s optional but highly recommended. It features a rewarding boss fight and abundant loot.
Among the loot, you’ll find the Twinblade Talisman, enhancing the final hit of an attack combo, useful for more than just Twinblades. For melee-users, Castle Morne holds the beloved greatsword, the Claymore, and the Grafted greatsword, your reward for defeating the boss, Leonine Misbegotten.
Liurnia of the Lakes
After fully exploring Limgrave, you have two options: head right into Caelid, a challenging area, or go north from Stormveil Castle into Liurnia of the Lakes. Following my progression route for Elden Ring, I recommend Liurnia of the Lakes next, as Caelid is considerably more difficult at this point.
East Liurnia
Humble Beginnings: Get the Map!
Liurnia of the Lakes consists of three regions: a central swampy lake area flanked by two plateaus on the right and left. When you enter, you’ll start in East Liurnia, the right plateau. To get its map, cross the lake slightly to find a map monument, but beware of hidden enemies there.
After unlocking the map, explore the area, and you’ll soon come across the Cliffbottom Catacombs, a great starting dungeon for your journey on this new continent.
Carian Study Hall and Ainsel River Well: Not Yet!
While exploring East Liurnia, you’ll encounter various areas and mini-dungeons. One building that stands out is the Carian Study Hall, leading to the Divine Tower of Liurnia. You can explore the tower and collect items inside, but you won’t access the Divine Tower yet. Ensure you unlock its Site of Grace, as you’ll return later.
Further into the plateau, you’ll find a Golem guarding a small building leading to Ainsel River Well. It becomes more relevant later in the game, but take the time to explore and challenge the area boss, Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella.
Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel: Smithing Stones for Days!
In Elden Ring, tunnel-like mini-dungeons are essential for mining Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones, your primary upgrade materials. Don’t miss Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel, near the Walking Mausoleum, above the Church of Vows.
In this tunnel, you’ll find Smithing Stones (1), (2), (3), Somber Smithing Stones (1), (2), (3), and face Crystal Sorcerers, Diggers, and Marionette Soldiers.
Towards the end, defeat the Crystalian (Ringblade) boss to obtain the Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing (1). Hand it over to the Two Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold to buy infinite Smithing Stones (1) and (2).
West Liurnia
Village of the Albinaurics: Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right)
| Name | Haligtree Secret Medallion(Right) |
| Effect | Join medallions to operate the Grand Lift of Rold |
| Type | Key Item |
To access the west section of Liurnia, start from the Liurnia Lake Shore Site of Grace, the second checkpoint you’ll naturally unlock. Ride up to the large plateau, turn right into the swamp, and follow the road upward.
Reach the Village of the Albinaurics, a small area with the Omenkiller field boss and a crucial key item. Rest at the nearby Site of Grace, proceed up the path, and find pots to break. Among them, meet Albus, who gives you the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right), essential for unlocking an optional area later.
War Counsellor Iji
| Name | War Counsellor Iji |
| Location | Kingsrealm Ruins, Western Liurnia of the Lakes |
| Role | Blacksmith & Quest NPC |
| Voiced by | Aneirin Hughes |
As you progress in the western side of Liurnia, you’ll come across several areas like the Four Belfries, a Minor Erdtree, the Cuckoo’s Evergaol, and the Road’s End Catacombs. Keep moving, and you’ll reach a dead end at the Kingsrealm Ruins, where you’ll find West Liurnia’s Map.
Surprisingly, there’s an illusory wall here. Hitting it opens the way to Caria Manor, one of the more challenging dungeons in my Elden Ring Progression Route. Upon opening the illusory wall, you’ll discover a Site of Grace and a troll – War Counsellor Iji, the second Blacksmith in the game, and an important NPC.
Caria Manor: Starting the Amazing Ranni Questline
Proceed past Iji to Caria Manor, but beware of magic projectiles. Inside, you’ll face Fingercreepers, both small and large. Watch out for the larger ones hidden in the ground.
Advance through Caria Manor to the Royal Knight Loretta boss fight, a spectral shade. Defeating Loretta gives access to the Three Sisters, including Ranni’s Rise, where you’ll meet Ranni, the Witch, in her true form. Start her questline by engaging in her dialogue, leading you through hidden underground areas you’d otherwise miss.
North Liurnia
Traversing the Eerie Swamp
After exploring both West and East Liurnia, head into the swamp towards Raya Lucaria Academy, the second legacy dungeon in my Elden Ring progression route. To reach the Academy, you need the Raya Lucaria Academy Key, obtained by exploring the swamp. But there are other notable areas in North Liurnia worth exploring.
You’ll find Smithing and Somber Smithing Stones scattered around, so keep an eye out. Explore the Rose Church for the Nomadic Warrior’s Cookbook (12) and Bloodroses.
More importantly, meet White-Faced Varre, advance his quest, and he’ll give you a Festering Bloody Finger, allowing you to try invasions in Elden Ring for the first time.
Raya Lucaria Academy: The Centre of Glintstone Sorcery
To access Raya Lucaria Academy, get the Raya Lucaria Academy Key, west of the Academy, guarded by Glintstone Dragon Smarag. Sneak up behind him to retrieve the key from a sorcerer’s corpse, or face the Dragon in the arena.
Once you have the key, go to Academy Gate Town, patrolled by Lucaria Soldiers. Beyond them is the magical barrier. Insert your key to enter. The challenging legacy dungeon has many sorcerers, but it’s worth it. Defeating the main boss, Renalla, Queen of the Full Moon, grants you access to the rebirth mechanic, allowing you to adjust your build anytime. This concludes your journey in Liurnia of the Lakes!
Caelid
After clearing Liurnia of the Lakes, you’re now ready to enter the scarlet and grotesque continent of Caelid, one of Elden Ring’s most challenging areas. Unlike the lush Limgrave or crystal-blue Liurnia, Caelid is a massive wasteland filled with biomes that induce scarlet rot and host grotesque enemies. Despite its difficulty, Caelid offers some challenging and rewarding bosses along with essential loot. Be prepared for a significant spike in difficulty as you progress through my progression route.
Caelid (Excluding Dragonbarrow)
Early Exploration: Smoldering Church, Fort Gael, and Much More!
Entering Caelid from Limgrave via Summonwater Village road, you’ll reach the Smouldering Church, a ruined site. Anastasia, Tarnished-Eater, invades here. Defeat her for the Sacred Scorpion Charm. Rest at the Church’s Site of Grace, your first checkpoint in Caelid.
In Caelid, explore locations like the scarlet-rotted Minor Erdtree, Street of Sages Ruins, Sellia Crystal Tunnel, and Sellia Evergaol. I recommend Fort Gael in southwest Caelid along the Limgrave border. It’s challenging, and you’ll face Lion Guardians for the first time.
The best part is finding the Lion’s Claw Ash of War here – a pleasant surprise for melee users!
Some Must-Fight Field Bosses
Caelid significantly raises Elden Ring’s difficulty. The shift from Liurnia to Caelid is noticeable, particularly in Altus Plateau and Mt. Gelmir. It’s crucial to take on as many bosses as possible in this continent for a smoother journey. Skipping them will make the rest of my progression route challenging.
Three important field bosses are the Decaying Ekzykes, overseeing Caelid Highway in the south, the Night’s Cavalry, patrolling the highway at night, and Commander O’Neil, a Great Enemy in Aeonia Swamp. Defeating these bosses helps your progress significantly.
Redmane Castle: Starscourge Radahn
| Name | Starscourage Radahn | |
| Location | Redmane Castle | |
| Drops | 70,000 | Remembrance of the Starscourge Radahn's Great Rune |
| HP | 9,572 | |
| Stronger | Holy | Sleep |
| Weaker to | Pierce |
Redmane Castle in Caelid is the legacy dungeon, home to Starscourge Radahn, the strongest demi-god. Reduced to a senseless beast after a historic battle with Melania, Blade of Miquella, preparations for the “Radahn Festival” are underway through Ranni’s questline.
Explore the castle, patrolled by various enemies, including two Lion Guardians, for valuable loot. Eventually, reach the Redmane Castle Plaza. Speak to Witch-Hunter Jerren to initiate the Radahn Festival. This allows access to the castle’s interior and the elevator leading to Starscourge Radahn – Good Luck!
Dragonbarrow
Back to Siofra River Well: The Great Jar!
To reach Caelid’s northern section, go back to Siofra River Well, bringing a Stonesword key. At the end, you’ll find a teleporter behind an Imp statue. Unlock the elevator, and it takes you up to the mentioned structure. From there, reach the Great Jar at the hill’s top.
The Great Jar challenges you to defeat his three knights for the valuable talisman, the Great Jar’s Arsenal. It significantly increases your maximum equipment load by almost 20%!
Divine Tower of Caelid: Godskin Apostle
In Caelid’s northern section, you’ll find the Divine Tower of Caelid. Here, you unlock Radahn’s Great Rune’s true power, significantly increasing your HP, FP, and Stamina.
But there’s a twist to this Divine Tower. As Caelid represents misfortune and backwardness, it lacks a fully functioning elevator. Instead, you must enter from the top, using the two fingers on the rooftop. Alternatively, you can descend the rundown place and face a boss, the Godskin Apostle.
Bestial Sanctum: Meeting Gurranq
The last unexplored section of Caelid’s map is the northeastern Dragonbarrow region, which has notable elements. Below the bridge leading to the Bestial Sanctum, the Night Cavalry patrol appears at night. Defeating them rewards you with the valuable Bloodhound Step Ash of War. Nearby is Fort Faroth, where you can get the right half of the Dectus Medallion.
After defeating the Night’s Cavalry, cross the Farum Greatbridge to reach the other side and rest at the Site of Grace. Then, a Black Bird Kindred stands between you and the Bestial Sanctum. You can choose to ignore him, but you’ll meet Gurranq, the Beast Clergyman, once you enter the Bestial Sanctum.
Ranni’s Questline
You encounter Ranni the Witch early in Elden Ring when she gives you the Spirit Calling Bell. Little did you know that her questline would lead you to undiscovered areas. Therefore, I treat her questline as more story-related and less optional. Every Elden Ring player should do Ranni’s quest to experience well-crafted content and unlock what I believe to be the best ending. That’s why I’ve integrated it into my progression route.
Nokron, Eternal City
After defeating Starscourge Radahn and unlocking the Site of Grace in the arena, talk to Blaidd. Mention that defeating Radahn caused stars to fall from the sky, opening up Nokron, Eternal City, in Limgrave. Head to the Fort Haight West Site of Grace, the nearest one to Nokron.
Upon arriving, you’ll notice destruction and debris in the air. The falling stars created a massive crater to explore. In Nokron, Eternal City, you’ll discover the Fingerslaying Blade, a key item for advancing in the questline.
Nosktella, Eternal City
Return the Dark Moon Ring to Ranni to advance her storyline. This unlocks Renna’s Rise, a tower in the Three Sisters, housing a teleporter to Nosktella, Eternal City. She will also give you the Carian Inverted Statue, discussed later in my Elden Ring Progression Route.
Use the teleporter to reach Nosktella, Eternal City, and collect the Miniature Ranni item. When you rest at the nearest Site of Grace and talk to the Miniature Ranni, her questline progresses as you agree to slay the Baleful Shadow, the main boss of Nosktella, Eternal City.
Explore the area thoroughly before facing the Shadow. Defeating it earns you the Discarded Palace Key, used to open the locked chest in Renalla’s room in Raya Lucaria Academy, where you’ll obtain the Dark Moon Ring, advancing Ranni’s questline.
Lake of Rot
With the Dark Moon Ring, defeat the Baleful Shadow and advance to the Lake of Rot. This lake is full of scarlet rot, so stock up on Preventing Boluses to cure it.
Your aim: reach the temple-like area on the far side of the lake for safety from Scarlet Rot. This small temple holds a boss fight. Explore briefly until you find a waterfall with a coffin at the end. Interact with the coffin to begin Ranni’s questline’s climactic boss fight: Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
Cathedral of Manus Celes
After defeating Astel, the Naturalborn of the Void, you’ll arrive on a plateau in Liurnia of the Lakes. Nearby, you’ll see the ruined Cathedral of Manus Celes. As you approach, the Glintstone Dragon Adula will challenge you, blocking your path to the conclusion of Ranni’s questline.
Deal with the Dragon (killing it isn’t necessary), then enter the Cathedral and descend the central hole. Here, you’ll find Ranni’s body in front of a replica of the Two-fingers, which Ranni supposedly killed with the Fingerslayer Blade you found. Interact with her one last time to complete the questline and obtain the powerful Dark Moon Greatsword. Wasn’t the questline truly worth it?
Altus Plateau
After having finished Ranni’s questline, it’s time to get back on track! You’re now approaching what is known as the mid-game section of my progression route, where the game will start getting considerably harder, but you’re also probably decked out right now. You should have some kind of a build going for you right now, hoisted upright with a weapon of your choice and equipment of your choosing. The Altus Plateau is a relatively beautiful region and a breath of fresh air after the gruesome trek through Caelid.
Grand Lift of Dectus: Mid-game Begins!
With both halves of the Dectus Medallion, head to the Grand Lift of Dectus in the far north of East Liurnia. The passage is heavily guarded, so expect enemies.
At the lift, stand in the center and use the “Hoist Medallion” to trigger a cutscene, taking you to the Altus Plateau. Here, you’ll face two Guardian Golems, indicating the area’s challenge. First, unlock the area’s first Site of Grace on the left, atop a rock.
Shaded Castle and Other Important Areas
Explore the Altus Plateau, connected to Leyndell, Royal Capital (right) and Mt. Gelmir (left). Clear two valuable dungeons, Altus Tunnel and Old Altus Tunnel, for vital upgrade materials.
Consider exploring the optional dungeon, Shaded Castle, in a ravine within the Altus Plateau. To get there, find a slope near the Erdtree Grazing Hill Site of Grace near Lux Ruins. Head north along the ravine until you reach Shaded Castle.
Draconic Tree Sentinel: More than Just a Makeover
| Name | Draconic Tree Sentinel | ||||
| Location | Capital Outskirts: | 50,000 | Dragon Greatclaw | Dragonclaw Shield | |
| Crumbling Farum Azula: | 28,080 | Malformed Dragon Set | |||
| Stronger | Slash | Fire | Lightning | Hemorrhage | Frostbite |
| Weaker to | Standard | Strike | Pierce |
Explore the Altus Plateau, then unlock the passage to Leyndell, the Royal Capital, and head west to Mt. Gelmir. The main road to the city is blocked by an unopenable door, so approach from the north, scaling its massive walls. On the way, you’ll encounter the Ancient Dragon Lansseax, a red lightning dragon.
Killing the Dragon isn’t necessary as it disappears at half-health; continue onwards. As you approach the city gates, you’ll face the Draconic Tree Sentinel, a challenging boss with one-shot potential, so be cautious!
Mt. Gelmir
Mt. Gelmir is smaller compared to other regions, making progression quicker. While it’s optional, don’t overlook it. It offers excellent armor and a unique boss fight at the end, even though story progression only requires defeating two demigods in Elden Ring.
Fort Laeidd and Gelmir Hero’s Grave
In Mt. Gelmir, focus on Fort Laeidd and Gelmir Hero’s Grave. Enter from the Altus Plateau via the Bridge of Iniquity, where you’ll encounter Abductor Virgins fighting other creatures.
Head south to Gelmir Hero’s Grave for valuable loot. I won’t spoil the details!
In the opposite section, explore Fort Laeidd, a large campsite patrolled by Fire Monks and Flame Chariots. Around the perimeter, you’ll find the Magma Wyrm as a field boss. Inside, face Prelate for the Prelate Inferno’s Crozier. Further exploration yields the Fire Scorpion Fire Charm.
Volcano Manor: Rydark, Lord of Blasphemy
Explore Volcano Manor in Mt. Gelmir, the legacy dungeon with the area’s demi-god boss. Before jumping into the boss fight, consider the covenant offered here, which involves bounty-hunting Tarnished NPCs. Defeating them yields their gear.
After completing all bounties from Lady Tanith, she can transport you directly to Rydark, Lord of Blasphemy, the demi-god boss. However, it’s highly recommended to explore Volcano Manor fully and reach Rydark naturally for an immersive experience. The boss fight is exceptionally cool, so I won’t spoil it!
Leyndell, Royal Capital
Return to the Altus Plateau from Mt. Gelmir, pass the Draconic Tree Sentinel’s arena, and enter Leyndell, the Royal Capital. It’s visually stunning, especially when entering from the Capital Rampart, showcasing the developers’ attention to detail.
Leyndell is a vast legacy dungeon resembling a labyrinth. Take your time to explore and appreciate its intricate design fully.
Subterranean Shunning Grounds: Mogh’s First Encounter
While exploring Leyndell, don’t miss the underground sewer, known as the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds. It’s challenging with a maze-like design, limited Sites of Grace, so plan tactical retreats.
This area is important because you’ll encounter Mohg, the Omen, a precursor to the greater demi-god, Mohg, Lord of Blood. Use this chance to learn his attack patterns before facing him in your Progression Route.
Godfrey and Morgott: Back to Back Bosses
In Leyndell, be ready for two consecutive legacy boss fights. First, face Godfrey, First Elden Lord, in his spectral shade form. It’s a weaker version, allowing you to learn his attack patterns for the final encounter in the endgame.
The second boss, Margott, the Omen King, is the true form of Margit, the Fell Omen, and it’s a formidable challenge. Prepare for a significant battle.
Mountaintops of the Giants
After defeating Morgott, you’ll face the Erdtree’s base. However, as Morgott’s final words indicate, it’s sealed and inaccessible. Resting at the arena’s Site of Grace will prompt Melina to instruct you to embark on a new journey to the Mountaintops of the Giants to burn the Erdtree. This act is the only way to open it and confront the Elden Ring inside. From this point forward, my progression route becomes quite standard, with less left to do.
Forbidden Lands
After defeating Margott in Leyndell, the Royal Capital, an area that was previously sealed becomes accessible. You have two options:
- Head to the Divine Tower of East Altus for a unique boss fight. This tower activates both the Great Runes of Morgott, the Omen King, and Mohg, Lord of Blood, given their brotherly connection.
- Take the lift to the Forbidden Lands, leading to the Mountaintops of the Giants. Despite its size, it’s filled with cunning Vulgar Militia enemies. Reach the Grand Lift of Rold, which recognizes the Dectus Medallion, and transports you to the Mountaintops of the Giants. Be prepared to face a Black Bird Kindred guarding the lift. Good luck!
Castle Sol: Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right)
| Name | Haligtree Secret Medallion(Right) |
| Effect | Join medallions to operate the Grand Lift of Rold. |
| Type | Key Item |
Explore the extensive Mountaintops of the Giants with various bosses and areas to discover. On one side, you’ll find the Giants’ Mountaintop Catacombs and the Minor Erdtree, while the other side has the First Church of Marika and the Stargazer’s Ruins. Be cautious of the Borealis, the Freezing Fog field boss in the east, and Roundtable Knight Vyke in the Lord Contender’s Evergaol.
The main dungeon, Castle Sol, is in the northernmost part and leads to encounters with Command Niall, who drops highly durable armor. You’ll also find the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right), completing the Halgitree Secret Medallion.
Fire Giant: Setting the Erdtree Ablaze
| Location | Flame Peak | 180,000 | Remembrance of the Fire Giant |
| HP | 42,363 | ||
| Stronger | Fire | Frostbite | |
| Weak to | Slash |
After exploring the upper section of the Mountaintops of the Giants, it’s time to face the legacy boss, the Fire Giant, in the lower part. The nearest landmark is the Church of Repose with its Site of Grace. Outside the church, be prepared for an invasion by Bloody Finger Okina, who drops the infamous Rivers of Blood.
Cross the long bridge called the Foot of Forge to reach the Fire Giant. It’s the largest boss in Elden Ring, and the fight is challenging. Avoid using Torrent for dodging, as your maneuverability is limited.
After defeating the Fire Giant, you’ll reach the Forge of the Giants to set the Erdtree aflame. However, hold off on doing so for now, as there’s one last area left to explore.
Consecrated Snowfield:
Before delving into the endgame of Elden Ring and setting the Erdtree aflame, thus triggering an irreversible sequence of events, now is the time to take on the two optional demi-god bosses of Elden Ring: Malenia, Blade of Miquella, and Mohg, Lord of Blood. In order to do so, you will need to reach the Consecrated Snowfields, which can be found by hoisting the Haligtree Secret Medallion at the Grand Lift of Rold (choosing the “Hoist Secret Medallion” interaction).
Miqeulla’s Haligree:
To reach Miquella’s Haligtree, use a teleporter in the Consecrated Snowfield, located in the northmost part of Ordina, Liturgical Town. Solve a puzzle by entering the Evergaol in the town’s center, lighting four candles on the rooftops. Beware of invisible enemies; consider buying a Sentry’s Torch from the Hermit Merchant’s Shack in the Altus Plateau to help.
After completing the puzzle, you’ll be teleported back to the town, where a large staircase in front of you leads to the teleporter for Miquella’s Haligtree.
Without revealing too much, Melania is undoubtedly the toughest boss in my progression route. Be prepared for a formidable challenge.
Mohgwyn Palace
Accessible from the Consecrated Snowfield is Mohgwyn Palace, and now is the ideal time to tackle Mohg in your Progression Route. To find the teleporter to Mohgwyn Palace, head toward the western cliffside of the Consecrated Snowfield.
There, you’ll be invaded by the Sanguine Noble, whom you must defeat to unlock the teleporter. A simple way to take him out is to lure him to the cliffside and jump off – this causes him to jump after you and die, without respawning while you do!
Crumbling Farum Azula:
Returning to the Forge of the Giants in Elden Ring, rest at the Site of Grace to trigger a cutscene with Melina. She’ll sacrifice herself to set the Erdtree ablaze, a breathtaking sight. During the cutscene, your character will pass out and then awaken in the Crumbling Farum Azula, marking the beginning of the endgame in your progression route.
Godskin Duo:
The Crumbling Farum Azula is daunting due to its enemies and the three main bosses you’ll face – two of which are mandatory.
The first is the Godskin Duo, an arena battle with the Godskin Noble and the Godskin Apostle. Keep attacking them until the larger boss health bar below depletes. Don’t celebrate too early once you take down one of them. Unlock the Dragon Temple Transept Site of Grace, as it’s the nearest checkpoint to the boss.
Maliketh, the Black Blade
| Phy | Mag | Fire | Ligt | Holy | Crit | Boost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 127 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 82 | 100 | - |
| Guard | 68 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 49 | - | 55 |
| Str | Dex | Fai | |||||
| Scaling | C | E | D | ||||
| Requires | 34 | 12 | 20 | ||||
| Colossal Sword | Standard | ||||||
| Destined Death | FP 40 | ||||||
| Wgt. 22 | Passive - |
The other mandatory boss you must fight to progress in the story is Maliketh, the Black Blade, initially disguised as Gurranq. Gurranq was the Shadow of Marika, and he possesses a fragment of the rune of death called Destined Death. This becomes evident in his second phase when he fuses with Destined Death to become Maliketh, the Black Blade. Be aware that a Draconic Tree Sentinel guards the boss room, so it’s wise to defeat it before making multiple trips to the boss room.
Dragonlord Placidusax
| Location | Crumbling Farum Azula | 210,000 | Remembrance of the Dragonlord | |||||
| HP | 26,651 | |||||||
| Stronger | Magic | Fire | Lightning | holy | Poison | Scarletrot | Hemorrhage | Frostbite |
| Weaker to | Pierce |
The optional final boss in the Farum Crumbling Azula is Dragonlord Placidusax, known for its cinematic experience. Emphasizing that Dragonlord Placidusax is entirely optional and quite challenging, classified as a Legend rather than a Great Enemy.
To reach him, warp to the Beside the Great Bridge Site of Grace, go through the church behind you, exit the building, and head straight towards the trees. Fall onto the platforms below and search for one without bones, where you should initiate the “Lay Down” emote to be transported to the boss room. Good luck!
Leyndell, Ashen Capital:
After defeating Maliketh, the Black Blade, you’ll return to Leyndell, but it’s now the Ashen Capital instead of the Royal Capital. The city’s destruction is logical, given that burning the Erdtree would impact Leyndell, a city built around its base.
As you head back to the Erdtree’s base behind Morgott’s arena, you’ll encounter the final two bosses of the game. Along the way, you’ll also face Sir Gideon, an ally who opposes your ascent to become the Elden Ring – he’s a relatively easy boss, though.
Godfrey, First Elden Lord:
After defeating Maliketh, you return to Leyndell, now the Ashen Capital. As you head towards the Erdtree, you encounter Sir Gideon, an ally turned adversary, but an easy boss. At the Erdtree’s base, Godfrey, the First Elden Lord, confronts you. He tests your worthiness to challenge the Elden Ring in a fierce fight, transforming into Hoarah Loux, Warrior, when weakened.
The Finale: Radagon and the Elden Beast
After defeating Hoarah Loux and gaining recognition as Elden Lord, it’s time to confront the Elden Ring. You approach the Erdtree’s base, experience a flash, and arrive at the Stone Platform. Here, the finale unfolds, beginning with a battle against Radagon of the Golden Order, a challenging humanoid boss. Upon defeating him, you awaken the Elden Beast, initiating a two-stage battle that concludes the game and my progression route.
My Walkthrough Experience
From my experience, the first and foremost task is to explore the Limgrave after completing the tutorials and take the important items, especially the Crafting Kit and a few weapons like the Lordsworn’s Greatsword and Reduvia, depending on your build. Talking about builds, Intelligence-Faith or Dex-Arcane builds will be most suitable till the end game, although investing points in Dex is critical since the beginning. The next place will be Stormviel Castle, killing Margit and Godrick and then moving towards Liurnia.
By this time, you will have a decent weapon to fight Renalla and later, Radhan in Caelid. Remember to keep upgrading flasks to replenish your HP and FP. Follow Ranni’s Questline, although there are others, but this one is the most interesting. Go through this, beating the main bosses, Fire Giant, Godskin Duo, and Maliketh, and acquiring the required medallions to kill the final boss.
In the meantime, you will encounter many side-quests, but you can ignore them and carry them out with the main quest line.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to Ranni’s questline, I recommend completing Yura’s, Roderika’s, Patches’, and Fia’s questlines. Fia’s is particularly exciting as it leads to the Deeprooth Depths, offering insight into the game’s lore and a battle against Lichdragon Fortissax, a Legend-type boss.
The Carian Inverted Statue, acquired during Ranni’s quest, unlocks the Divine Tower of Liurnia by inverting the Carian Study Hall. The inversion transforms the area, leading you to the Divine Tower, where you’ll encounter the Godskin Noble, so prepare accordingly.
There are five other endings in Elden Ring, apart from the default one (the Age of Fracture). The other endings are the Age of Order, the Age of Duskborn, the Blessing of Despair, the Lord of the Frenzied Flame, and the Stars’ Age. The Age of the Stars, which is the ending you can choose after completing Ranni’s questline, is my favorite ending – thus why I included it in my Elden Ring Progression Route!
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Muhammad Ahmed is a content writer in the making, often describing himself as a jack of ‘some’ trades but master of one. He loves gaming especially Elden Ring and Dark souls 3, hovering between console and PC gaming, with plans to build a high-end PC in the near future whilst embracing his “PC supremacy” ambitions. Lately addicted to Valorant, he also avidly enjoys anime/manga and magically juggles it all with his university workload – a nerd through and through. Check Ahmad’s Steam profile attached below to learn more about him.
