There's no doubt that Elden Ring has won the hearts of both new and old players, most of which have enjoyed exploring Lands Between, while others have raged quit after having to face a boss multiple times. But, in reality, Elden Ring is made for players that want to advance the storyline at their own pace, not having to be forced to do anything until they feel they're ready.

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Because of that freedom that Elden Ring has brought into the gaming world, seasoned players have uncovered hidden locations and quests that are can only be found if they know where to look. But, some of these locations are far more hidden than others, so if a player wants to find them, they'll need to pay close attention to their surroundings.

Updated March 22, 2024 by Erik Petrovich: Elden Ring secret areas vary, and can be found in just about every single corner of the lands between. Some are enormous, like the entire zone of the Consecrated Snowfields, while others are much smaller and much more hidden, like the Sellia Hideaway or the cliffs behind the Bestial Sanctum. This guide to hidden areas in Elden Ring has been updated to remove entries that were not secrets, or not difficult to get to, and replaced these entries with Elden Ring secret locations that are much harder to find – or outright impossible without some kind of guide.

16 Behind The Bestial Sanctum

Descend The Sanctum Cliffs For Hidden Items

The Bestial Sanctum itself is a hidden area in an endgame zone that players can get to very early, through a portal in Limgrave. But if you are following D's questline, it's not exactly hard to find – in fact he leads you right to it with a mark on your map. What is more hidden, though, is the secret area behind the Bestial Sanctum, down a short cliffside platforming puzzle.

In this area players can get the Cinquedea dagger as well as the Dragoncrest Shield Talisman . Though +1 and +2 versions of this talisman can be found later in the game, it's one of the best early-game talismans in the game – and you can get it practically from the start of the game.

Bestial Sanctum Secret Area Location

To get to the secret area in the Bestial Sanctum, Elden Ring players should first head to the portal in Limgrave behind the Third Church of Marika, and port to the Bestial Sanctum. Go outside, avoid the Black Blade Kindred, then turn right (west). Follow the cliffside until you see platforms and outcroppings that lead safely downward. After a while, you will need to jump onto other features nearby like the walls and towers. After some careful platforming, run to each side of the area below to get these items.

15 Sellia Hideaway

A Hidden Home For The Master Sorcerer Lusat

Sellia, Town of Sorcery, has seen much better days, and though it was once home to some of the world's foremost Sorcerers, they have all but abandoned this place that's slowly sinking into Caelid. Above Sellia, though, one of the most famous Sorcerers of all time still resides, but in a much-diminished state.

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Master Sorcerer Lusat can be found at the end of Sellia Hideaway, but finding it in the first place can be quite the puzzle. Sorceress Sellen will hint at its location, as will a certain Merchant note. But once you get to where it should be, you'll still have to find the secret entrance – behind an illusory wall.

Sellia Hideaway Location

To get to Sellia Hideaway, Elden Ring players can either start from the entrance below from Sellia itself, or from the Church of the Plague Site of Grace. Either way, head north from the Church of the Plague until you reach the cliffs. You should see a graveyard with one Sorcerer just to the east – follow the cliff, and hit the cliff wall behind the main gravestone. You can also roll into the wall to reveal it.

14

13 A Second Boss In The Black Knife Catacombs

The Cemetery Shade Doesn't Drop The Black Knifeprint, After All

In the Black Knife Catacombs players will find that the normal final boss, a Cemetery Shade, doesn't exactly live up to the name of the dungeon. Indeed, if you leave the boss room the way you came in, turn left, and jump over the gap, you will find a second boss room – one that houses a Black Knife Assassin (Black Knife Catacombs) .

As part of Ranni's questline, the player is tasked to find a Black Knifeprint . The Cemetery Shade doesn't drop this item, but the Black Knife Assassin in the room next door will. Many players miss this boss because it seems like the end of the dungeon when the Shade is downed, but it's one of the very few Elden Ring dungeons that have more than one final fight.

Black Knife Catacombs Secret Boss Location

At the end of the Black Knife Catacombs, don't turn left to go into the Cemetery Shade boss room. Instead, continue forward, and jump over a gap, to find the second boss room and the Black Knife Assassin.

12 The Raya Lucaria Shortcut to Volcano Manor

Less Of A Shortcut, More Of A Kidnapping

One surprising Elden Ring hidden area is not necessarily hidden for the entire game, but can be accessed way, way earlier than one probably ought to go there. Volcano Manor is normally players' third Legacy Dungeon, found deep in Mt Gelmir past the Altus Plateau.

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If you are able to get to Raya Lucaria, and can time your jumps effectively, you may be able to get there within the first few dozen hours of the game. Though it's not a particularly useful shortcut, it's the only way to fight the Duo Virgin Abductor bosses, and the only way to get to the Subterranean Inquisition Chamber sub-area.

Raya Lucaria Volcano Manor Shortcut Location

To get to Volcano Manor via this shortcut, Elden Ring players must get about halfway through the Raya Lucaria Legacy Dungeon. Take the water mill all the way around and down the other side, carefully positioning yourself to land back ona platform when it rotates at the top.

When you drop at the bottom, you shouldn't die from fall damage. But a Virgin Abductor will start to chase you down – let it damage you to near-death, then let it kill you with its Grab attack. You should re-appear after the "YOU DIED" screen in Volcano Manor instead of Raya Lucaria.

11 Consecrated Snowfield

A Hidden Zone That Leads To Miquella's Haligtree

Players familiar with the Mountaintops of the Giants will know that this region of the Lands Between is harsh and unforgiving, which is why so many players try to rush through the region. However, one of the best-kept secrets in Elden Ring is the Consecrated Snowfield, which is located on the lower plains of the Mountaintops of the Giants.

In this area, players will be able to obtain an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone , St. Trina's Torch, and Night's Cavalry Set, all of which will make becoming Elden Lord a lot easier. It also connects to the Haligtree and has several mini-dungeons and catacombs to explore, too.

How To Get To The Consecrated Snowfield

Players can only reach this secret area in Elden Ring by acquiring both Haligtree Secret Medallions and using them at the Grand Lift of Rold to unlock a new travel option.

10 Deeproot Depths

Ever Wonder Where Godwyn Ended Up?

The Deeproot Depths are found deep beneath Leyndell, and can only be accessed via one of two relatively out-of-the-way methods. This area is reminiscent of Ash Lake from the first Dark Souls game, though instead of a giant Ancient Dragon at the end, players will find something wholly more disturbing.

Players who decide to explore this underground region in Elden Ring will be able to loot several powerful items, including the Crucible Set. Here, players can also progress and complete Fia's questline within Deeproot Depths, which rewards Fia's Set and a new Mending Rune, which unlocks a new ending.

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How To Get To Deeproot Depths

Players must either rest inside a coffin after defeating the Valiant Gargoyles in the Siofra Aquaduct, or progress through the Frenzied Flame questline by defeating Mohg, the Omen in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds.

9 Inverted Carian Study Hall

A Sorcery School Where It's Always Opposite Day

FromSoftware has always been known to create the wildest map designs, and Elden Ring brings plenty of craziness to the table. However, one area that will surprise even the most experienced player is the Inverted Carian Study Hall, which is essentially Carian Study Hall but upside down.

The Preceptor that players may have killed in the regular version of the Study Hall returns for round two, and a suite of more difficult enemies (and a Godskin Noble) stand in players' way, too. Getting to the end of this area is crucial not only for Ranni's story, but also for D and Fia's questlines.

How To Get To The Inverted Carian Study Hall

Players can access this hidden area by progressing Ranni's questline to the point that she rewards the Carian Inverted Statue. Place this item on a desk that's near a globe at the entrance of Carian Study Hall, which itself is in eastern Liurnia. Once placed, the entire area will flip upside down.

8 Church of Dragon Communion

Visible From Limgrave, Accessed Via A Hidden Tunnel

Without any doubt, Incantation and Sorcery are among the most powerful skills in Elden Ring, and discovering this hidden location is a must for players wanting to maximize their damage output as magic wielders. Even though it's a hidden location, it's easy to get to from the very start of the game.

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Because the Church of Dragon Communion is the only place in Elden Ring where players can purchase the incantations Dragonmaw, Dragonfire, and Dragonclaw, Sorcerers should head here as soon as possible. But the island is also home to a good farming spot for bird feathers and feet, useful for crafting Arrows and Gold and Silver-Pickled Fowl Feet items.

How To Get To The Church of Dragon Communion

Players can only unlock this hidden area by going through the Coastal Cave and taking a special exit that leads to the small island area just Southwest of the Coastal Cave Site of Grace.

7 Siofra River Well

One Of The Game's Most Beautiful Zones, Hidden In A Well

Siofra River Well area is arguably one of the most jaw-dropping hidden locations in Elden Ring, and a place that's well worth stopping for just not for the beauty of its underground starry sky, but also for its connection to other areas, questlines, and powerful loot.

The zone is intended to be explored at a low-to-medium level, so don't worry about accidentally entering an endgame zone too early. There is an optional boss, the Ancestor Spirit, which itself can only be fought once players light up a series of torches throughout the zone.

How To Get To Siofra River Well

Players brave enough to venture into the forests of Mistwood can find the entrance of Siofra River Well behind Minor Erdtree. The area surrounding this location is guarded by several Lesser Runebears, which are one of the most annoying (and powerful) enemies to fight in Elden Ring.

6 Hidden Path to the Haligtree

A Hidden Path That Connects To Two Endgame Zones

The Hidden Path To The Haligtree is one of the most rewarding secrets in Elden Ring to uncover, as it unlocks two entire zones, a plethora of bosses and items, and some of the most stunning views in the game.

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Players should come prepared since this area is crawling Giant Land Octopuses and Vulgar Militants. Within this connecting zone is the Silver Scarab, which increases Discovery by 75, as well as an invisible pathway that can only be seen via Rainbow Stones.

How To Get To Deeproot Depths

As the name implies, this area is hidden unless players have two items, Haligtree Secret Medallion Right and Left. These two items can be found in Castle Sol and the Village of Albinaurics. Once acquired, visit the Grand Lift of Rold Site of Grace and activate the medallion to unlock a new stop.

5 An Even More Secret Haligtree Path Hidden Area

Hidden Areas Within Hidden Areas Within Hidden Areas

Within the Secret Path To The Haligtree is yet another Elden Ring secret area, which can only be reached by finding a series of invisible paths. Once you manage to find these intertwining, unseen pathways, make your way down and into what looked like an inaccessible side room to find a bunch of Land Octopuses, a Stake of Marika, and the Spelldrake Talisman +2 – but that's not all.

If you liked the Mimic Tear fight in Nokron, you'll be happy to know that another Mimic Tear boss is located in the Haligtree Path secret Catacombs. This boss works just like the other one, copying your build as you enter the room. Cheese the fight by unequipping everything first, or take on a mirror version of yourself to see if your build is actually any good against the perfect target dummy: yourself.

Secret Haligtree Path Hidden Area Location

To get to this secret area within the Haligtree Hidden Path, Elden Ring players must reach the area with several connecting pathways above a deep drop down. If you look carefully, you will see Vulgar Militia enemies patrolling on invisible platforms. Use Hoarfrost Stomp or Rainbow Stones to find out where the safe areas to walk are, and carefully continue to find your way down. Eventually, you will reach the other side of the room, which leads to the secret boss.

4 Frenzied Flame Village

Try Not To Go Mad Getting Past The Frenzied Flame Tower

Most likely, players have come across the Frenzied Flame Village Outskirts Site of Grace near the Black Knife Catacombs, but players may have missed the Frenzied Flame Village since it's a bit further away from that Site of Grace.

This village is infested with Frenzied Villagers and a Tower that causes Madness buildup while the player is exposed – utilize cover to avoid its gaze. Once the player defeats the Infested Villagers, they can safely explore the area. Some of the powerful items players can find in the Frenzied Flame Village include:

• Frenzied Burst
• Frenzied's Cookbook [1]
• Shabriri's Woe
• Howl of Shabriri

How To Get To The Frenzied Flame Village

Head to the Grand Lift of Dectus from the site of grace just outside the Raya Lucaria portal (eastern side), and look for a slope that leads upward near the entrance to the Lift. Climb this hill, and avoid the Tower's Gaze, to reach a Site of Grace near the Village.

3 Lake Of Rot

Don't Come To The Scarlet Rot Swamp Without Buffs & Items

Undoubtedly, the most annoying status effect in Elden Ring is Scarlet Rot since it will eat away a player's HP more rapidly than any other effect. Because of that, most players avoid any area with rivers or lakes of Scarlet Rot, which is why Lake of Rot is particularly under the radar for most players.

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Fortunately, there are several ways to cure or mitigate the Scarlet Rot status effect, like using Preserving Boluses or Flame, Cleanse Me.

How To Get To The Lake of Rot

This area can be found by heading south from the Nokstella Waterfall Basin Site of Grace, as part of Ranni's questline in Nokstella, and taking the lift down. There is a site of grace at the beginning of the zone, and one on the other end of the lake..

2 Abandoned Cave in Dragonbarrow

Home Of The Golden Scarab Talisman, Which Increases Rune Gain

Another hidden area filled with Scarlet Rot is the Abandoned Cave, but this one is worth exploring as early as possible thanks to the Talisman reward at the end of the dungeon.

Once inside, players can activate a Site of Grace for a brief pause. Exploring the Abandoned Cave is no easy task and will require many tries, but players will gain the Golden Scarab once the optional boss is defeated, which increases Rune acquisition.

How To Get To The Abandoned Cave

The easiest way to get to the Abandoned Cave is from the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace. Head up the chasm that divides Caelid and the Dragonbarrow and look over the edge to see a branch that players can jump onto while riding Torrent. It's a tricky jump, so don't mount Torrent until you can see the entrance.

1 Jarburg

Not All Living Jars Are Enemies – Some Just Want To Garden

It's rare to find an area of Elden Ring as peaceful as Jarburg since the creatures (Living Jars) that inhabit this tiny town are mostly peaceful and will not attack the player even if they are near them. Plus, the NPC Jar Bairn, who is found sitting on a wall near the site of grace, offers players one of the game's hidden questlines – and one of its saddest.

Jarburg is one of the best areas to farm Cracked Pots, Ritual Pots, and other plant materials as the town is abundant with them. To top it all off, the smaller Living Jars can be seen dancing around the town, which can be quite adorable.

How To Get To Jarburg

This hidden location is not easy to find since the Carian Study Hall shadows it, which is why many players have missed it while traversing through the area. Head to the Liurnia Highway site of grace, then travel north to reach the southern side of the Study Hall. Look over the cliff's edge to find a jumping puzzle that leads down to Jarburg.

Elden Ring

Platform(s)

PS5 , Xbox One , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC

Released

February 25, 2022

Developer(s)

From Software

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence