Comprehensive Guide to Hidden Areas in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Discovering the hidden layers of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree can be both an exhilarating and daunting task. This guide will facilitate your adventure by detailing secretive locales, essential items, and tips to navigate through some of the game’s most elusive areas.

Hidden Areas and Secrets

1. Shadow Keep and the Sunken Chapel
– Location: Access the Shadow Keep from the main entrance on the south side or through the flooded Church District on the eastern side.
– Secret: Within the Church District, players can locate a lever that drains the water, effectively unveiling the Sunken Chapel. In this area, you can encounter formidable Lesser Ulcerated Tree Spirits and discover valuable loot, including the Iris of Occultation and the Fire Knight’s Seal.

2. Specimen Storehouse and the Secret Rite Scroll
– Location: This area is found within the Specimen Storehouse where the Secret Rite Scroll can be collected on the fourth floor.
– Tip: This scroll is crucial for progressing Ansbach’s quest. Use it judiciously; misplacing the timing of its usage when giving it to Ansbach can restrict your interactions with other essential NPCs.

3. Hidden Entrance to the Hinterlands
– Location: Locate a statue of Marika nearby the Back Gate Site of Grace in Shadow Keep.
– Secret: By employing the “O Mother” gesture, which you can find in Bonny Village, players can unlock a concealed pathway leading into the Hinterlands.
– Tip: The Hinterlands is significant for advancing the questlines of Ymir and Jolan.

4. Abyssal Woods
– Location: To access the Abyssal Woods, explore the keep to identify a hidden ladder. Navigate through a waterfall, and solve a painting puzzle to reach a teleporting coffin. This coffin will transport you to the Castle Watering Hole, leading subsequently to the darklight catacombs and finally to the Abyssal Woods.

5. Rauh Base and Cerulean Coast
– Location: Gain entry to Rauh Base through a relatively concealed cave situated in a pond northeast of the Moorth Ruins.
– Secret: This route will lead players through a perilous poison swamp to the Cerulean Coast and further into the Stone Coffin Fissure, a challenging optional dungeon rife with adventure.

6. Shaman Village and Finger Ruins
– Location: From Commander Gaius’ boss arena, players can discover a broken exterior wall that leads to an underground church. Apply the “O Mother” gesture in this location to unlock access to hidden areas.
– Secret: This action will grant you entry to the Hinterlands, which includes the Shaman Village and the Finger Ruins.

General Tips for Exploration
– Explore Thoroughly: The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is rich with concealed paths and hidden regions. Always be on the lookout for hidden levers, secret doors, and alternative routes that could lead to uncharted territories.
– Utilize Gestures: Gestures like “O Mother” are key to unlocking major pathways. Ensure that you have them at your disposal and use them strategically to unveil hidden areas.
– Follow NPC Quests: Various secrets are intertwined with NPC quests, so progressing through these narrative threads can reveal more of the map and its mysteries.
– Check for Map Fragments: Collecting map fragments will assist in unveiling parts of the landscape that might seem inaccessible or hidden at first glance.

With this guide, players can delve deeper into the mesmerizing and mysterious world of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, unearthing hidden secrets and advancing their journey in the Lands Between. Happy exploring!