Ruins in the fantasy sense can usually mean two things, a place full of lost items waiting to be discovered or a final resting place for the unwary traveler. Thankfully in Elden Ring, ruins situated in the Lands Between usually offer some sort of boon to the Tarnished.
Of course, not all ruins are created equally and some of these lost and forgotten places may not offer players what they seek as the world of Elden Ring offers various things. Some ruins are critical locations that will help chart the right course for any Tarnished, some are merely points of discovery for those who are adventurous and foolhardy. Some are neither here nor there and will offer boons that are specific to certain builds. However, seek and ye shall find. Those who travel and discover the locations around the Lands Between will sometimes come across ruins that will reward players justly and handsomely.
5 Gatefront Ruins
This is arguably the first main area that new players will thoroughly explore in Limgrave. The Gatefront Ruins house several important features that will help players in their exploration and abilities. First of all, the Gatefront Ruins contains a map that will allow players to navigate one of the three areas of Limgrave with more precision. The map is situated in the center of the ruins and it is advised that the player remove most of the enemies before acquiring the map.
A cellar within the ruins also houses the whetstone knife that is critical for players who want to apply the ashes of war. The Storm Stomp ash of war is also situated nearby allowing players to apply it to their gear. The Lordsworn Greatsword and Gilded Greatshield can also be found and looted in the area whilst a flail that causes blood loss buildup can be acquired.
4 Waypoint Ruins
Another arguably important ruin that is important in the early game, the Waypoint Ruins is a collection of several broken buildings and leftover campsites that have since been overrun by poisonous flowers and a mad guardian. Defeating the boss within the ruins will allow players to receive the pumpkin helm which is not only in the spirit of Halloween but also offers extra protection.
Once defeated, players can then access Sorceress Sellen’s shop and questline. Sellen can offer her services and teach players various sorceries, as well as act as an NPC, summon for certain future boss battles.
3 Kingsrealm Ruins
Though noticeably bare and situated in the middle of nowhere, the Kingsrealm Ruins is an important stop for Tarnished on the way to the Caria Manor. Situated in the Liurnia of the Lakes region, players can pick up the Frozen Needle after defeating the Royal Revenant boss in the area.
The Frozen Needle is an excellent rapier/thrusting sword that scales well with strength and dexterity stats whilst inflicting decent frost damage and effects on the enemy. Upon exploring the area further, players can encounter Smithing Master Iji, a gentle giant who was the former smithing master for the Carian royal family. Iji will provide smithing services to the player and will also play an important role in future side quests.
2 Zamor Ruins
Moving along to the more mid to late game ruins, the Zamor Ruins is located in the Mountaintops of the Giants, past Shabriri’s location. An ancient town that has since fallen to ruin, the site is patrolled by a hostile order of knights. Players will be able to acquire the Zamor Ice Storm spell and a Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing. Though a bit of a mouthful, the item can be offered to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold for higher-quality smithing stones.
What makes this location valuable however is that it can be an effective way for players to acquire runes. When players start at the Site of Grace located near the ruins, players can quickly spawn and attack the first enemy there before returning to the Grace site. Repeating this should increase a player’s runes. If it takes too long, however (more than a minute), players should head elsewhere to increase their level.
1 Forsaken Ruins
Located in Caelid near the Rotview Balcony Site of Grace and Shack of Rotting, the Forsaken Ruins consists of several broken buildings that are guarded by a Giant Crow. Though offering no nearby NPCs or any unique items, ashes, or keys, the Forsaken Ruins does have a decent quality Smithing Stone and the Sword of St Trina.
Considered to be one of the better swords in the game, the sword scales well with intelligence, strength, and dexterity stats. It features a unique skill known as Mists of Slumber which inflicts the sleep ailment upon adversaries. Fans of the game have noted that the sword pairs excellently with Critical Hit Health Regain Talisman as players can acquire additional healing whilst enemies fall asleep.
Elden Ring is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.