Elden Ring: Exploration and Secrets

Unlock the mysteries of the Lands Between with our comprehensive guide, "Elden Ring: Exploration and Secrets." Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the world of Elden Ring, our tips and strategies will elevate your journey and unveil the hidden depths of this captivating game. Dive into expert Map Navigation Tips to traverse this vast and intricate world efficiently. Discover elusive Hidden Locations that hold precious rewards. Learn how to Uncover Secret Items that will give you an edge over your foes. Master the art of Interacting With NPCs to unlock quests and lore. Finally, gain the know-how for Dealing With Traps and Puzzles that stand between you and your destiny. Embark on an unforgettable adventure and become the true Elden Lord. Ready to explore? Let's dive in!

Map Navigation Tips

Navigating the vast world of Elden Ring can be daunting, but with a few handy tips, you'll be a seasoned explorer in no time. From finding hidden treasures to fast traveling efficiently, mastering the map is key to your adventure.

Unlocking the Map

First things first, you'll need to unlock the map itself. When you first start, a large portion of the map is shrouded in fog. To clear it, look for Map Fragments. These are usually found at small, stone monoliths called Pillars of Guidance. They’re often located along roads or in key areas. Once found, the corresponding region on your map will become clear, revealing its terrain and landmarks.

Use Beacons to Mark Points of Interest

One of the best features in Elden Ring is the ability to place beacons on your map. Use them to mark important locations like bosses, dungeon entrances, or areas you want to revisit. You can set up to five beacons at a time. They appear in the game world as beams of light visible from a distance, making navigation a breeze.

Keep an Eye on the Compass

Your compass, located at the top of the screen, is your best friend. It indicates cardinal directions and shows markers for beacons you’ve placed, making it easier to keep track of where you're going. Pay close attention to it whenever traveling to ensure you’re not veering off course.

Fast Travel

Once you’ve discovered Sites of Grace (the glowing checkpoints scattered throughout the world), you can fast travel between them. This feature is a lifesaver, especially in a game as expansive as Elden Ring. To fast travel, simply open your map, select the Site of Grace you wish to travel to, and confirm. Note that you can't fast travel from certain locations, such as underground areas or while in combat.

Use Terrain to Your Advantage

Elden Ring’s map isn’t just flat; it has elevation levels, cliffs, and obstacles you need to navigate. Use this to your advantage by finding high ground for a better view of the surrounding area. Sometimes, just a little height can reveal paths, enemies, or hidden items you might have otherwise missed. Climbing to a vantage point can also help you plan your route more effectively.

Look for Hidden Areas

From secret caves to hidden passages, Elder Ring is filled with surprises. Pay attention to environmental clues like suspicious walls or floors that may indicate hidden paths. You can also look for messages left by other players hinting at secrets. Always keep an eye out for these subtle indicators as they can lead to valuable loot or shortcuts.

Consult NPCs for Guidance

Various NPCs scattered throughout the world provide valuable hints and quest information that can aid in your exploration. These conversations often update your map with new markers or objectives. It’s worth revisiting NPCs after major events or boss fights to see if they have new info or side quests to offer.

Pool the Community Knowledge

Elden Ring features an in-game messaging system where players can leave notes for each other. These messages can reveal hidden paths, warn of ambushes, or simply offer encouragement. However, always approach with a grain of caution; not every message is trustworthy. When in doubt, cross-reference with other community sources like forums or guides.

Use Torrents Wisely

Your trusty steed, Torrent, is more than just a means to travel faster. Torrent can double jump to reach higher areas, making him essential for exploring rough terrain. Some treasures and pathways can only be accessed by utilizing his jumping abilities cleverly. When exploring new areas, dismount periodically to investigate places Torrent can't reach.

By mastering these navigation tips, you'll find yourself exploring the world of Elden Ring with confidence and uncovering all the secrets it has to offer. Happy adventuring, Tarnished!

Finding Hidden Locations in Elden Ring

Exploring the world of Elden Ring can be a bit overwhelming, but it's also packed with hidden locations that are totally worth discovering. You might find rare items, powerful weapons, or even just some beautiful scenery. Here’s a guide to help you uncover these secret spots.

Listen for Clues

Throughout Elden Ring, NPCs (non-playable characters) will sometimes drop hints about hidden locations. Pay close attention to what they say. For example, a character might mention a hidden path near a familiar landmark or a secret door hidden behind a waterfall. NPCs often deliver these hints in cryptic ways, so jot down anything that sounds like a clue.

Also, don’t forget to read any notes or messages you come across. Other players can leave messages that indicate secret areas, so they might point you in the right direction.

Check Unusual Landmarks

Whenever you see something that looks a bit out of place, it’s worth investigating. This could be a lone tree in the middle of a barren field, an odd-looking rock formation, or even a different-colored patch of wall. These landmarks often mark the entrance to hidden locations.

Example

• Mysterious Trees: Sometimes, you'll find an unusual tree standing alone. Try checking behind it for hidden paths or secret stashes.

Look for Illusory Walls

Illusory walls are a classic FromSoftware game feature. These are fake walls that disappear when you hit them, revealing new paths or hidden rooms. If you find an area that feels like it should lead somewhere but doesn’t, it might be time to start hitting the walls. It’s always smart to check for these in narrow hallways, dead ends, and rooms with suspiciously uneven structures.

Tip

• Be Consistent: Hit every suspicious wall at least once. Use a weapon with a broad swing to cover more ground quickly.

Explore Vertical Spaces

In Elden Ring, don’t just wander horizontally - think vertically, too. Look for ladders, scalable walls, or platforms you can jump to. Climbing higher or dropping lower than the main path can open up entire new areas. Sometimes the best secrets are hidden in plain sight, just above or below where you'd normally look.

Example

• Cliff Edges: Try walking along cliff edges. You might find hidden cave entrances or ledges leading to new areas.

Follow Phantom Footprints

Throughout the game, you'll occasionally see mysterious phantom footprints, known as "invisible paths." These can lead to hidden locations or rare items. Follow these footprints carefully, as they often appear in areas with lots of fog or mist.

Tip

• Use Markers: Place markers if you feel like you might get lost. This can help you keep track of where you’ve been.

Use In-Game Maps

Lastly, make good use of the in-game map. Hidden locations often create a noticeable gap in the map. If you see an empty space surrounded by explored areas, head in that direction to see if there’s an entrance you missed. Also, some hidden areas are marked subtly on the map with faint symbols or hints.

Take Your Time and Be Curious

The key to finding hidden locations in Elden Ring is curiosity. Take your time and explore every nook and cranny. The game rewards players who look beyond the obvious path. So, keep your eyes open, and don’t hesitate to take the road less traveled. Happy exploring!

Summary

In summary:

• Listen for clues: Pay attention to NPCs and messages.
• Investigate landmarks: Unusual spots often hide secrets.
• Check for illusory walls: Hit walls in suspicious areas.
• Explore vertically: Look up and down for hidden paths.
• Follow phantom footprints: Track these mysterious paths.
• Use the map: Identify gaps or subtle hints.

Exploring hidden locations isn’t just about finding treasure; it’s about uncovering the rich details and lore that FromSoftware has woven into Elden Ring. Enjoy the journey and happy hunting!

Elden Ring: Exploration and Secrets

Uncovering Secret Items

So, you’ve been wandering through the hauntingly beautiful lands of Elden Ring, battling terrifying creatures and unraveling mysteries. But let’s face it, uncovering secret items can feel a bit like hunting for hidden Easter eggs. Fear not, fellow Tarnished! We’ve got your back with some tips and tricks to ensure you don’t miss anything crucial (or just really cool).

Be Curious And Press Everything

First things first -- always be curious. Elden Ring is littered with hidden paths, tricky to spot buttons, and secret areas. Keep an eye out for off-the-beaten-path routes. Whenever you see a suspicious dead end or an isolated rock wall, give it a push or a hit. Some walls and objects are illusory, revealing secret passages when struck.

Read Messages and Signs

Player messages and in-game signs are your best friends. Many players leave helpful messages hinting at secret treasures. Check for notes that say “try attacking” or “hidden path ahead.” Be wary of trolls though -- not all messages are genuine, and some can lead to a momentary plunge of despair.

Listen For Audio Cues

Turn your volume up! Often, you’ll hear subtle audio cues signaling something hidden nearby. Whether it’s a sparkling twinkle, a ghostly whisper, or the clang of chains, always be on alert. These sounds can lead you to hidden treasures, passages, and sometimes even NPCs who can offer quests or rare items.

Engage with NPCs

Talking to every NPC is crucial. Some of them offer quests that unlock rare items and powerful equipment only obtainable through these side adventures. Revisit NPCs after significant events or battles because they might have new dialogue options or gifts.

Environmental Clues

Pay close attention to your environment. Sometimes, the surroundings provide subtle clues about where secrets might be hidden. A series of bloodstains leading up to an inconspicuous wall, a notable piece of architecture, or even an out-of-place object might indicate something worth investigating.

Check Behind Boss Arenas

After taking down a challenging boss, don’t rush out of the arena. Take a moment to comb through the area. Boss arenas often hide valuable loot and secret passages, rewarding you for your diligence.

Use Your Tools Wisely

Some items in your inventory can help reveal secrets. Spirit ashes, for example, might light up previously dark areas or point you toward hidden paths. Items like torches can illuminate hidden messages and paths that are easy to miss in the dim light.

Consult Your Map

Keep checking your map for unexplored areas or suspicious gaps. If there’s a segment on your map that looks like it could fit more detailed exploration, head there and start probing around.

Summon Spirits and Phantoms

When available, summoning friendly spirits or phantoms can be a game-changer. They often head towards points of interest you may have missed and can even unearth secrets hidden in the environment.

Items Hidden in Plain Sight

Sometimes, secret items are hidden in plain sight and just need a higher perspective. Climb towers, scale walls, and get to higher vantage points. Use these places to scout for items gleaming in the distance or paths you haven’t yet discovered.

Remember, Elden Ring rewards curiosity and the bravery to explore every nook and cranny. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you’ll uncover every hidden gem the game has to offer. Now go forth, and may your quest for secrets be ever fruitful!

Interacting With NPCs

In Elden Ring, NPCs (non-player characters) add a rich layer to your adventure. They offer quests, lore, items, and sometimes even a shortcut through a tricky part of the game. Here's how you can make the most out of your interactions with them.

Finding NPCs

NPCs are scattered throughout the world of Elden Ring. Some are easy to spot, hanging out in obvious locations like towns or landmarks, while others might be hidden in more obscure places. To find them:

• Explore Thoroughly: Don’t just stick to the main paths. Wander off the beaten path, check behind structures, and enter every building you can.
• Listen Carefully: Sometimes you’ll hear NPCs talking or calling out for help. Follow these sounds to locate them.
• Look for Unusual Signs: If an area has a campfire, statues, or other unusual features, there might be an NPC nearby.

Talking to NPCs

To interact with an NPC, simply approach them and press the interaction button (usually designated as 'A' on Xbox, 'X' on PlayStation, or 'E' on PC). Make sure to exhaust all dialog options by continuing to press the interaction button until they start repeating themselves. Here’s why:

• Complete Dialog Trees: NPCs tend to give more information, tips, or even items if you fully engage with them.
• Unlock Quests: Some side quests aren’t immediately obvious. By fully speaking with an NPC, you might unlock a quest line that wouldn't be available otherwise.

NPC Quests and Rewards

Some NPCs will give you quests, which can involve retrieving items, defeating certain enemies, or discovering specific locations. Here are a few reasons why NPC quests are worth your time:

• Special Rewards: Completing quests can net you unique weapons, armor, magic spells, or consumables that you can’t find elsewhere.
• Experience and Lore: NPC quests often provide deeper insights into the game’s story and world, enriching your overall experience.
• Altering the World: Your actions can have an impact. Completing quests might change how NPCs interact with you or even alter the game environment.

Allies or Foes?

Not all NPCs are friendly! Some might have hidden agendas, and your choices can turn them into allies or enemies. Here’s how to manage these relationships:

• Be Wary of Suspicious Behavior: If an NPC seems off or their story doesn’t add up, they might not be trustworthy.
• Follow Through on Consequences: Your actions have consequences. Helping one character might anger another, leading to different storyline branches.
• Gauge Reactions: Some NPCs may react to your armor or items, giving hints about their intentions or feelings.

Trading and Shops

Many NPCs act as merchants, offering items, weapons, and spells for sale. Here’s how to make the most out of trades:

• Compare Prices: Prices can vary, and it's worth checking multiple merchants before buying expensive items.
• Sell Wisely: Some items are more valuable than others. Don’t sell rare or unique items without considering their future use.
• Look for Specials: Some merchants might have special items not found anywhere else. Keep an eye out for these unique finds.

Keeping Track of NPCs

Unlike typical adventure games, Elden Ring doesn’t hold your hand with quest logs. Here’s how to stay organized:

• Take Notes: Use a notebook or app to jot down important details about each NPC, including their location and quest requirements.
• Remember Key Locations: Take mental or literal notes of where you met each NPC. This can help you revisit them later when you have what they need.
• Revisit Often: Some NPCs only appear or update their dialogue after certain in-game events. Check back periodically.

Conclusion

Interacting with NPCs in Elden Ring isn’t just a side activity - it’s a key part of the adventure. By finding, talking to, and engaging with NPCs, you'll unlock deeper layers of the game’s story, gain valuable rewards, and experience richer gameplay. So, get out there, start chatting, and see what secrets you can uncover in the world of Elden Ring!

Elden Ring: Exploration and Secrets

Dealing With Traps and Puzzles

Elden Ring is a game full of mysterious dungeons, hidden paths, and sneaky traps. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to FromSoftware games, getting through these challenges can be tricky. Here's everything you need to know to handle the traps and puzzles in Elden Ring.

Stay Vigilant and Observe

Before charging into any new area, take a moment to look around. Traps in Elden Ring are often well-hidden but observing your surroundings closely can reveal their secrets. Look for:

• Pressure Plates: These are often hidden on the floor and trigger various traps like arrows or swinging blades.
• Tripwires: Sometimes hard to see, but if you notice something suspicious on the floor, it might be a tripwire.
• Strange Markings: Pay attention to markings on the ground or walls. They often signal an upcoming trap.

Listen to Your Surroundings

Sound is a big giveaway for traps. Some traps make distinct noises when they're about to activate. For example, a faint clicking or whirring sound might mean a trap is nearby. If you hear something out of the ordinary, protect yourself with a shield or dodge out of the way.

Use Items and Abilities

You have plenty of tools at your disposal to help with traps and puzzles:

• Torches and Lanterns: Light up dark areas to spot hidden traps.
• Arrows or Throwing Knives: Test suspicious areas from a distance.
• Mystic Visions or Spells: Some abilities might reveal hidden traps or prevent them from triggering.

Checking Corners and Ceilings

Enemies aren't the only things hiding around corners. Traps can be placed just out of sight. Always check corners and ceilings before moving forward. A slow, methodical approach can save you from many nasty surprises.

Use Bloodstains and Messages

One of the benefits of online play in Elden Ring is the ability to see where other players have died. Pay attention to bloodstains; they can give you hints about traps ahead. Similarly, messages left by other players often provide warnings like "Trap ahead" or "Watch your step." Always read these messages before proceeding.

Solving Puzzles

In addition to traps, Elden Ring is full of puzzles. Here’s how to keep them from driving you crazy:

• Stay Patient: Some puzzles require careful thought. Rushing through typically ends in frustration.
• Look for Clues: Many puzzles have clues nearby. These can come in the form of inscriptions, murals, or environmental hints.
• Interact with Everything: Sometimes the solution is simply interacting with objects in the environment like statues, levers, or buttons.

Practice Makes Perfect

It’s easy to get frustrated when traps and puzzles repeatedly kill you. Remember that Elden Ring, like other FromSoftware games, is designed to challenge you. Take each death as a learning experience. The more you practice, the better you'll become at spotting traps and navigating puzzles.

Navigating the treacherous world of Elden Ring can be a daunting task, but with these tips in mind, you’ll have a better handle on the devious traps and complex puzzles that lie in wait. Keep your wits about you, and remember to enjoy the journey!