Elden Ring Guide

Part 1/7: The Journey Begins -- Limgrave and Stormveil Castle

Starting Class & Keepsake

Select Samurai as your starting class for a strong Dexterity stat and the Uchigatana (a bleed katana that remains useful for a long time). For Keepsake, pick the Golden Seed (extra healing flask) -- this helps sustain you early. Alternatively, a Stonesword Key is useful to unlock imp-seal areas (we'll use one to get a good talisman early), but you can find keys later too. Upon beginning the game, you'll start at the Chapel of Anticipation. Fight the grafted Scion if you wish, but it's intended to kill you -- don't worry if you die. After the prologue, you'll revive in Limgrave, the first open area.

Tutorial & First Steps

In the Stranded Graveyard, head right into the pit to do the tutorial cave (optional but recommended if you're new). It teaches basics like guarding, dodge-rolling, and critical hits. Once done, exit into the open world of Limgrave. Immediately, prioritize these steps to get essential tools and power up quickly:

1. Unlock Leveling and Your Horse "Torrent": Follow the guidance of grace (the golden light trail) to the Gatefront Ruins Site of Grace. Activate the grace and rest; you will meet Melina in a cutscene. Accept her accord to gain the ability to level up and the spectral steed Torrent. Torrent lets you traverse the world faster and escape danger. (If Melina doesn't appear at Gatefront, rest at another nearby grace like Agheel Lake North.)
2. Obtain the Spirit Summoning Bell: From Gatefront, backtrack at night to the Church of Elleh (the ruins with the merchant Kale). At night, a witch named Renna appears here -- talk to her and she will give you the Spirit Calling Bell and Lone Wolf Ashes, enabling spirit summoning. (If you miss Renna and she's gone, you can buy the bell later from the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold, but getting it now is easiest.) Summons like the lone wolves can distract enemies and bosses, making fights more manageable.
3. Equip Your Weapon & Shield: The Samurai starts with a Longbow and katana. The Uchigatana's fast strikes and bleed buildup are excellent. Two-handing it (press Y/△ + RB/R1) will increase damage (and effectively let you meet higher strength requirements). You also have a shield -- useful for blocking minor enemies, but try to rely on dodging and only block if needed since our build will focus on agility and offense.
4. Grab the Crafting Kit and Map: Still at the Church of Elleh, purchase the Crafting Kit from Merchant Kale (300 runes) so you can craft basic items like arrows, bolts, and fire pots from collected materials. Also, pick up the Limgrave West Map Fragment at the stone stele along the road just south of Gatefront (marked on your mini-map). Map fragments reveal the area map and help navigation.
5. Early Power Boost (Fort Faroth Route): Now we'll do an efficient early-game run to grab a great talisman and lots of runes. From Gatefront, ride Torrent east through Mistwood to the Third Church of Marika (northeast Limgrave). Inside, loot the Flask of Wondrous Physick and two crystal tears from the basin -- this flask lets you mix tears for custom buffs. (For now, mix the Crimson Crystal Tear for a big heal and the Strength-knot Tear for +10 Str for 3 minutes, which helps meet weapon requirements early.) Behind the church, there's a hidden gateway -- examine the glowing Sending Gate to teleport to Bestial Sanctum in Caelid.
   • You'll appear in Greyoll's Dragonbarrow (northeast Caelid), a high-level area, but we're just here to grab loot. Mount Torrent and avoid fighting (the giant gargoyle guard will ignore you if you run past). Head directly south along the path from Bestial Sanctum to find Fort Faroth (use your map -- it's southeast, across a bridge into the red swamp area). With Torrent, ride quickly, ignore enemies (including a giant dragon you might see in the distance), and reach Fort Faroth.
   • In Fort Faroth, run inside past or through the bats (use a torch if needed -- it's dark). Climb the ladder on the right to the top of the fort. On the rooftop, loot the chest for the Dectus Medallion (Right) half. This will be crucial to access Altus Plateau later via the Grand Lift. Drop back down and carefully search the ground floor of the fort for a small corpse in a corner guarded by giant bats. On this corpse is Radagon's Sorseal -- a legendary talisman that raises Vigor, Endurance, Strength, and Dexterity by +5 each, at the cost of taking slightly more damage. This trade-off is worth it to meet weapon stat requirements and boost damage early. Equip Radagon's Sorseal immediately for +20 levels worth of stats.
   • (Optional Huge Rune Farm): Outside Fort Faroth, an enormous sleeping dragon named Greyoll lies across the ground. She won't fight back. If you have a bleed weapon (your Uchigatana causes bleed), you can slay Greyoll for a massive 80,000 Rune reward. This can be tedious (she has very high HP). Trick: use bleed buildup to your advantage -- each bleed proc takes off a chunk of her health. It takes roughly 7--8 bleed procs to kill her, so whack away with the Uchigatana (two-hand it for more damage) until she dies. Use Torrent to hit and reposition if needed (her baby dragons might aggro, but you can avoid or outrun them). With Radagon's Sorseal boosting your strength and dex, you'll deal more damage and trigger bleed faster. Once Greyoll dies, you'll instantly gain around 5 level-ups worth of runes -- a huge head start. Spend these runes at a Site of Grace (Fort Faroth or teleport back to Third Church grace) to level up: get STR to 18 and DEX to 17 right away (if you haven't already) to meet weapon requirements. Put most remaining points into Vigor (aim for 20+), with some Endurance if you feel stamina is an issue. You can also pop any Golden Runes from your inventory for extra level-ups.
   • Teleport (fast-travel) back to Limgrave -- either to Third Church or any grace in Limgrave. (Note: If you have trouble surviving the Caelid run or choose to skip it, you can still proceed with the guide. You'll just need to gather runes via normal combat and maybe come back later for the medallion and Sorseal.)
6. Limgrave Exploration & Gear Collection: Now back in the relative safety of Limgrave, take some time to collect a few useful items and prepare for the first main dungeon (Stormveil Castle). Here's an optimal checklist in Limgrave before facing any major bosses:
   • Fort Haight (Dectus Medallion Left): Head to Fort Haight on the southeast of Limgrave (east of Mistwood). Fight or run past the soldiers inside and climb the ladder to the chest at the top. Loot the Dectus Medallion (Left). Now you have both halves of the Dectus Medallion, which later lets us skip a whole dungeon by using the Grand Lift of Dectus to Altus Plateau. Also defeat the fort's boss, Knight Darrell, if you want the Bloody Slash ash of war (a ranged bleed slash -- can be infused on a spare sword/katana for a strong special move).
   • Mistwood: Meet Blaidd (for a Powerful Weapon): In the Mistwood (east Limgrave), you might hear a wolf howl near the ruins. Go to Mistwood Ruins and listen for the howling. Then fast-travel or run back to the Church of Elleh and tell Kale about the howl. He'll teach you the "Finger Snap" gesture. Return to Mistwood Ruins and use Finger Snap when you hear the howl -- Blaidd, the Half-Wolf NPC, will jump down from the tower. Talk to him; he's looking for a blood knight named Darriwil. Exhaust his dialogue. (This triggers Blaidd's assistance for an upcoming fight.)
   • Forlorn Hound Evergaol (Bloodhound's Fang): Just south of Mistwood (near the Bridge of Sacrifice leading to Weeping Peninsula) is the Forlorn Hound Evergaol -- a circular stone platform. Prepare for a fight and enter the Evergaol. Inside, you'll face Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, a fast-moving boss. Fortunately, since you freed Blaidd, you can summon him here: look for a gold summon sign on the ground and use it to call Blaidd to help. With Blaidd tanking and your now-buffed stats, Darriwil should go down quickly. Time your dodges against his lunges, and use a few heavy hits or Bloody Slash if you have it. Defeating Darriwil grants you Bloodhound's Fang, one of the best early-game weapons! This curved greatsword has high base damage, scales with STR/DEX, causes bleed, and its special skill Bloodhound's Finesse lets you hit and flip away safely. It will carry you through a large portion of the game. Equip it two-handed (requires 18 STR, 17 DEX -- which we have or are very close to). If you're just shy of requirements, level up or use the Strength-knot Physick to temporarily meet STR. After the fight, Blaidd thanks you and leaves (he gives you a Somber Smithing Stone [2], useful for upgrading the Fang).
   • Upgrade Weapons: With Bloodhound's Fang (BHF) in hand, try to upgrade it. Return to Table of Lost Grace (Roundtable Hold) -- Melina may have already invited you after you visited a few graces or defeated Margit (if not yet, you can actually access Roundtable early by fast-traveling: open map and select the Table of Lost Grace icon once it appears). At Roundtable, talk to blacksmith Smithing Master Hewg. You'll need Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade special weapons like BHF. You have a [2] from Blaidd; the [1] can be found in Limgrave (e.g., one is in the Limgrave Tunnels or near the beach by Coastal Cave). If you have them, get BHF to +2. Also upgrade your Uchigatana to +3 (using normal Smithing Stones) if you plan to dual-wield it or use it situationally. If short on stones, explore Limgrave caves like Limgrave Tunnels (near Agheel Lake north) which has many smithing stones.
   • Summonwater Village (Green Turtle Talisman): In east Limgrave, near where you met D, there's Summonwater Village (a ruins overrun by undead). In the village, use a Stonesword Key on the imp statue to open a cellar. Inside, loot the Green Turtle Talisman from a chest. This talisman vastly improves stamina recovery -- great for relentless attacking with heavy weapons. It's a perfect complement to our build, so equip it (it stacks nicely with endurance and lets you spam dodge or attacks more freely).
   • Murkwater Cave (Margit's Shackle & Patches): In the Murkwater River ravine (north of Agheel Lake), you'll get invaded by Bloody Finger Nerijus as you go deeper. Defeat him (Blaidd may show up to assist here as well). You'll receive Reduvia, a dagger that causes bleed rapidly with its skill -- keep it as a backup or for fun (it requires a bit of Arcane to use its skill). Continue north to Murkwater Cave. Inside is Patches, a NPC invader turned merchant. Open the chest to trigger a boss fight with Patches -- get him to half health and he'll surrender. Do NOT kill him. When he yields, stop attacking and the fight ends. Rest at the grace in his cave and talk to him -- he sets up shop. Importantly, buy Margit's Shackle from Patches (cost ~5,000 runes). This reusable item can freeze Margit (and later Morgott) in place for a brief time, twice per fight -- a huge help for those battles. Also consider buying a Stonesword Key if you used yours, as more will be handy later. (If you're short on runes, you can farm a few soldiers or use some Golden Rune consumables. Investing in Margit's Shackle is worth it.)
   • (Optional) Weeping Peninsula: If you want extra leveling or loot before challenging Stormveil, you can detour south across the Bridge of Sacrifice into the Weeping Peninsula (a level ~20 area). Notable things there: another Sacred Tear at the Church of Pilgrimage, a Golden Seed by the Minor Erdtree, the Opaline Bubbletear (in the minor Erdtree boss, gives a Physick mix effect that negates 90% of the next hit -- very useful for bosses) , and Castle Morne at the far south (boss there drops a rare greatsword, but it's optional). Weeping is not required, but if Margit is giving you trouble, the extra XP and tears can help. That said, with our current loadout (BHF +2, Sorseal, good talismans, wolves summon, etc.), we're ready to take on Margit directly.

Stormveil Castle (Legacy Dungeon #1)

When ready, head to Stormveil. Approach the main gate up the Stormhill path. Margit, the Fell Omen will ambush you on the cliffside before the gate. This is your first major boss test. Make sure you have Margit's Shackle on a quick item slot and Lone Wolves (or Jellyfish) equipped as your summon. Also, use your Wondrous Physick flask (mix a healing tear + strength or stamina regen for example) just before entering the fog gate for buffs.

• Boss: Margit, the Fell Omen: Margit is fast and hits hard, but he's vulnerable to being staggered and to bleed. Summon Sorcerer Rogier just outside the boss fog (his sign appears on the ground if you're online, or offline if you met him earlier -- not mandatory, but he can distract Margit). Enter, and immediately use Margit's Shackle to slam him down. Get in a couple free heavy hits with Bloodhound's Fang. Your spirit wolves (or other ash) will appear and harass him too. In the first phase, whenever Margit is about to do a big combo, you can use the Shackle again to interrupt (it works twice in the first 50% of his health). The Bloodhound's Fang's weapon skill is excellent here: use L2 + R2 to perform a lunging upward slash then flip back -- it does great damage and lets you evade counterattacks. With bleed procs and BHF's damage, Margit's health will drop quickly. At ~60% HP he'll start using a glowing hammer and knives. Stay behind him as much as possible, and roll through his hammer slam attacks to punish. If you're unsure, play defensively -- block or dodge until you see a long recovery, then hit him. His tail swipe can surprise you if you stick too close in front, so try to circle. Tip: You can summon your wolves (or other spirit) as soon as you enter to divert Margit's attention. With summon + Rogier/Blaidd (if present) + Shackle usage, Margit can be overwhelmed easily. Don't get greedy; heal when needed (his combos can two-shot you if Vigor ~20). Eventually, he'll fall. Congrats -- Margit is down!
• After victory, activate the Castleward Tunnel Site of Grace. A finger reader NPC will congratulate you. Proceed into Stormveil Castle. You have two path options: the main gate (tough, swarming with ballista fire) or the side path. Speak to Gatekeeper Gostoc just inside -- if you refuse to open the main gate, he'll suggest the side path (which is recommended). Go left around the castle wall via a narrow ledge. This leads you into the castle courtyard side entrance. Work your way upward through towers and ramparts. Stormveil is a large area with many items; for this speed run, focus on reaching the top, but consider grabbing a few useful items/gear along the way:
• Claw Talisman: From the Rampart Tower grace, head out onto the rooftops, dispatch a few birds, and find a ladder up a tower. At the top, in a chest, is the Claw Talisman (boosts jump attack damage). Since jump attacks with heavy weapons are very strong for stance-breaking, this talisman is great if you like that style.
• Godrick Soldier Ashes: In a cellar guarded by rats (near a courtyard with explosive barrels and fire throwers) you can find this summon ash. They're decent early on if you want a group summon.
• Chrysalids' Memento: In the same area (a pile of corpses in a side room with hanging bodies) find this key item. Give it later to Roderika (she's the young woman at Stormhill Shack you met on the way to the castle) when you see her at Roundtable -- it will convince her to become the spirit tuner so you can upgrade your ashes later.
• Meet Nepheli Loux: In a room before Godrick (downstairs from his fog gate courtyard), Nepheli is an NPC summon option for Godrick. Talk to her to get her summon sign to appear for the boss.
• Boss: Godrick the Grafted (Shardbearer #1): At the Secluded Cell grace, prepare for the fight. Use a Rune Arc if you want to activate Godrick's Great Rune after winning (you likely don't have any Great Runes yet, so skip for now). Summon Nepheli Loux outside the boss fog if you spoke to her. She can tank some of Godrick's hits. Enter and summon your spirit (if you have a strong +2 or +3 Jellyfish or wolves, they help distract). Godrick has many arms and wide attacks but is quite slow. Get behind him and unleash charged heavy attacks or weapon skills. Bloodhound's Fang deals massive damage; its bleed will chunk Godrick's large health pool. When he roars wind, back off to avoid the whirlwinds. At ~60% HP, a cutscene plays -- Godrick grafts a dragon head onto his arm and gains new fire attacks. In phase 2, stay medium range; when he breathes fire, get behind or far to punish. Use pillars in the arena to break his line of fire. Nepheli and your summon will hopefully still be harassing him. Keep up your offense -- each bleed proc shaves off a big portion of his life. Jump attacks can stagger him for a critical hit opportunity. With aggressive play, Godrick will fall fairly quickly (this fight is easier than Margit for many). Dodge the final flurry and finish him off. Godrick's Great Rune and Remembrance of Godrick are your rewards. Well done -- you have defeated your first demigod!
• Activating Godrick's Great Rune: This rune can be equipped (at a Site of Grace menu) to grant a massive stat boost (+5 to all stats) when active. To activate it, you must take it to the Divine Tower of Limgrave. From Stormveil's courtyard, exit via the back door past Godrick's arena and cross the bridge to the divine tower. Climb to the top and touch the glowing sigil to power the rune. Now you can equip Godrick's Great Rune. Use a Rune Arc to activate its effect, which lasts until death. It's very strong (especially combined with Radagon's Sorseal, that's +10 to your main stats effectively). Consider using a Rune Arc before tough fights for a big edge.
• Roundtable Hold: After Godrick is defeated, Melina will invite you (if not done already) to Roundtable Hold when you rest at a grace. At Roundtable, you can now speak to Finger Reader Enia who lets you trade Godrick's Remembrance for a boss weapon (Axe of Godrick or Grafted Dragon). You can also save the Remembrance to duplicate later or consume for runes. Our build doesn't need those weapons, so feel free to consume it for 20k runes if you want some easy levels.

From here, your next main destination is Liurnia of the Lakes (north of Stormveil). If you exited via the main gate, you'll find yourself at Lake-Facing Cliffs Site of Grace overlooking Liurnia. Part 1 covered a lot: you should be roughly level 30-40 with a +2-+4 Bloodhound's Fang, Uchigatana, some good talismans, and upgraded flasks (don't forget to use Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears you found to increase flask uses + potency). You're well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. Onward to Liurnia!

Part 2/7: Liurnia of the Lakes -- Academy of Raya Lucaria & Second Great Rune

Liurnia is a sprawling lake region. Our primary goal here is to obtain the second Great Rune by defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon at Raya Lucaria Academy. We'll also take efficient side steps to set up key questlines and grab useful loot. By the end of this part, you'll have another major boss down, access to respecialization (rebirth), and progress toward some secret areas.

Through Liurnia to the Academy

1. Find the Map & Reach the Lake: From the cliff grace after Stormveil, follow the path down into Liurnia Lake. Grab the Liurnia East map fragment from the guide stele along the main road. The vast shallow lake is filled with ruins, enemy camps, and crab monsters. You can summon Torrent to ride across the water quickly. Head west toward the large cluster of ruins in the lake's center (Liurnia Highway North grace area). Your destination is the Academy Gate Town in the lake's southwest -- but without a key, we can't enter yet.
2. Unlocking Raya Lucaria Academy: First, you need the Academy Glintstone Key. Go to the small island directly west of the academy's south gate. There's a Site of Grace called Temple Quarter nearby. Just west of that grace you'll see the sleeping Glintstone Dragon Smarag guarding a corpse. On that corpse is the Academy Key. You do not need to fight the dragon -- you can sneak around or sprint in, loot the key, and get out (Torrent helps). If the dragon wakes, just gallop off; you can return to the grace to lose aggro. Now with the key in hand, go to the South Raya Lucaria Gate (there's a grace there). Examine the seal and use the key to gain entry. This teleports you inside the academy.
3. Academy of Raya Lucaria (Legacy Dungeon #2): Proceed through the magical academy, which is filled with sorcerer enemies. Our bleed build excels here -- most academy scholars have low health and will stagger from aggressive melee. Still, watch out for their spells (roll or use pillars for cover). Progress through:
   • Grace: Church of the Cuckoo -- after some hallways of zombie scholars and a rotating lift, you'll reach this grace.
   • Red Wolf of Radagon (Mini-Boss): A fast boss akin to a giant fox casting sorceries. Dodge its lunges and sword-like glintblade attacks. Your Bloodhound's Fang can take it down in a few hits (bleed is very effective on it). Summon wolves or any ash if you need distraction. Defeat the Red Wolf, rest at Debate Parlor Site of Grace beyond its room.
   • From the Debate Parlor, head outside into the courtyard. To your right, you can climb debris to reach a rooftop. In a chest on a balcony here is the Glintstone Whetblade (allows you to put Magic or Frost affinity on weapons when infusing -- not needed for us unless you want a Frost Uchigatana). Also on a chandelier above the church, you can drop down to get the Radagon Icon talisman (shortens spell cast time -- useful if you use any sorceries later).
   • Return and go left through the courtyard filled with puppet enemies. Climb the ladder on the west side, continue upward through the rotating staircases with marionette soldiers shooting at you. Push through to the top. Eventually you'll reach a lift that takes you to the Queen's Audience Chamber (Rennala's boss room). Before entering, prepare buffs (you can summon spirit ashes during the fight's second phase using a Summoning Pool sign inside).
4. Boss: Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon (Shardbearer #2): Rennala's fight has two phases:
   • Phase 1 (Egg Chamber): Rennala is protected by a golden shield and a host of chanting student minions. You must break the glowing aura of 3 specific chanting scholars (they're the ones with a golden glow around their bodies and who fling books). They hide among the many crawling students. Run around, smash the glowing students (one hit will break each one's glow and cause a section of the chandelier to fall). After you break three, Rennala's shield breaks and she falls to the ground. Rush in and hit her hard -- you can get 5-10 seconds of free damage. She's very weak to physical damage; you can take ~40-50% of her health in one cycle with Bloodhound's Fang. When she begins floating again, back off as the shield reforms. Repeat this (dodge or kill aggressive minions as needed) -- usually two cycles will push her to phase 2.
   • Phase 2 (Full Moon Queen): Now you're teleported to a dark lake arena. Rennala will fight you directly with powerful sorceries. Immediately on phase start, summon your spirit ashes (if you have a strong one like a upgraded Lone Wolf or the Godrick Soldiers, they help). Dodge the initial beam or moon attack she casts. Close the gap quickly -- rolling left or right tends to evade her spells. Bleed works extremely well on Rennala's relatively low HP. Unleash jump attacks or weapon skills when you're in melee range; stagger her out of casting if possible. She will periodically summon spirits (like wolves, a giant, even a dragon). These summons are distractions -- you can ignore them mostly and keep pressuring Rennala, as they disappear after a short time. Keep an eye out for her massive Full Moon spell -- she'll hover and summon a moon orb; sprint or roll away to avoid the explosion. Stay on her; each bleed proc will chunk her health. With your damage output, she should go down quickly. She has low poise, so she might not even get many spells off if you're aggressive. Defeat Rennala to claim her Great Rune of the Unborn (used for rebirth, not equippable for power) and Remembrance of Rennala.
   • Respec (Rebirth) Unlocked: After the battle, you can talk to Rennala at this grace to respec your character's stats by spending a Larval Tear. This is extremely useful if you want to adjust your build. For now, you likely don't need to (we planned our build well), but keep in mind you have this option if later you want to reallocate stats (for example, to shift some Dex into Arcane for a weapon, or try out an Intelligence build).

At this point, you have two Great Runes (Godrick's and Rennala's). Leyndell, the Royal Capital is now accessible, since the two-rune requirement is met. The main story path will have us go there next to face Morgott. However, Liurnia offers some important side content that's efficient to tackle now (or soon) and will enhance your strength for the late-game. We'll cover those briefly:

Important Side Quests & Loot in Liurnia

• Activate the Great Rune of the Unborn: Actually, Rennala's rune doesn't need activation at a tower -- it simply enables rebirth. So nothing needed here.
• Ranni's Quest (Optional, Start Now): This is a major questline that leads to an alternate ending and unlocks Nokron and other secret areas. It's also the path to getting the Dark Moon Greatsword and arguably the best spirit summon Black Knife Tiche. Even if you don't plan to finish it now, it's efficient to start it. To do so, travel to Caria Manor in northwest Liurnia (the path north of the Academy). Fight through the hand spider enemies and reach the boss Royal Knight Loretta. Defeat Loretta (dodge her sorcery and hit her with bleed -- she's not too bad). This opens access to the Three Sisters area behind the manor. Go to Ranni's Rise (the middle tower) and speak to Ranni (she calls herself Renna here). Agree to serve her. Talk to her three retainers downstairs (Blaidd, Iji, Seluvis) then speak to Ranni again to conclude introductions. This initiates Ranni's quest. (Blaidd mentions he'll search for a way into Nokron, the Eternal City, hinting that something must happen to make Nokron accessible... that something is killing Radahn, which we'll do soon.)
• Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left Half): While in Liurnia, you can snag an item crucial for a late-game secret area. Go to the far southwest corner of Liurnia's swamp, past the Village of the Albinaurics (you can reach it by heading south from the lake, then up a slope). In the village (by the big pot creature), there's an illusory pot NPC named Albus hiding as a pot -- hit the pot to reveal him. Talk to Albus and he will give you the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left). (This medallion's two halves together grant access to a secret lift route to the Consecrated Snowfield -- we'll get the other half later in the Mountaintops. It's for the optional Haligtree/Malenia area. Grabbing this now saves a trip later.)
• Varre's Quest (Optional for Mohg's Palace): If you wish to access Mohgwyn Palace (optional high-level area, Mohg boss) earlier, you can continue White-Faced Varre's quest. After you first met him at Limgrave, he moves to the Rose Church in Liurnia (an island south of Raya Lucaria). Talk to him there -- he'll give you Festering Bloody Fingers and ask you to invade other players 3 times. You can do this offline (they don't need to be successful wins). After 3 invasions, talk to Varre again. He'll then ask you to soak a cloth in maiden's blood. The easiest maiden corpse is at the Church of Inhibition in northeast Liurnia (be careful of the Madness tower on the way; approach from behind the plateau). At the church, touch the dead maiden and use the cloth. Return to Varre, and he rewards you with the Pureblood Knight's Medal, a reusable item that teleports you to Mohgwyn Palace later. (He also gives you a reusable Bloody Finger for PvP.) We won't go to Mohgwyn just yet (too high-level now), but having this means you don't need to find the portal later. Keep it for when we tackle Mohg.

At this stage, you should be around Level 50-60. Make sure your Vigor is at least 30 (for survivability in the tougher zones ahead), and pump Dexterity toward 40+. With Godrick's Great Rune active (if you choose to use a Rune Arc), your stats will be even higher. Bloodhound's Fang +4 or +5 should be achievable by now (if you found somber stones in Liurnia; the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable also sell unlimited somber [1] and [2] if you gave them Smithing Miner's Bell Bearing [1] from Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel, for example). Also consider upgrading a secondary weapon -- the Uchigatana with a Blood affinity (if you picked up a Whetstone Knife and Blood Ashes like Bloody Slash) to scale with Arcane for bleed, or even a second Uchigatana if you got one from Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave (dual-wielding two katanas can proc bleed extremely fast). However, BHF's raw damage is usually enough.

We are now ready to travel to the Altus Plateau and the royal capital Leyndell, where the next main storyline boss (Morgott) awaits. Before that, we have one more major shardbearer boss optionally available: General Radahn in Caelid. In Part 3, we'll cover Caelid and the Radahn fight (which unlocks Nokron and leads to even more powerful gear like the Mimic Tear summon). If you choose to skip Radahn for now, you can proceed directly to Part 4 for Altus Plateau and Leyndell. Otherwise, let's dive into Caelid's crimson wastes.

Part 3/7: Caelid & Redmane Castle -- Starscourge Radahn (Optional Great Rune)

(Part 3 is an optional but highly recommended detour through Caelid. We'll defeat Starscourge Radahn, an optional shardbearer whose death triggers new areas (Nokron) and yields a powerful Great Rune. This part also covers obtaining the Mimic Tear spirit ash -- one of the best summons -- and other valuable items. If you prefer to focus only on the critical path, you may skip to Part 4, but you'll miss out on gear that can make the late game easier.)

Travel to Caelid

From Liurnia or Limgrave, head into Caelid (the region east of Limgrave). If you did the teleport to Bestial Sanctum earlier, you already visited a chunk of it. The fastest way to reach Radahn is to go to Redmane Castle in southeast Caelid. You can ride there from central Caelid (past the Smoldering Wall grace and south-east across the plains, then south of the Impassable Greatbridge). Alternatively, use the Teleport waypoint at the Impassable Greatbridge (the broken bridge near Caelid's southern edge has a sending gate that ports you into Redmane Castle). By now (post-Godrick and Rennala), you'll find Redmane Castle largely empty of enemies and hosting the Radahn Festival. Several NPCs (Alexander the jar warrior, Blythe/Blaidd, etc.) gather here if you met them. Activate the Site of Grace and talk to Jerren (the castle announcer) atop the stairs to initiate the festival. Tell him you're ready to fight Radahn, and the lifts will take you down to a portal that leads to Radahn's boss arena on the Wailing Dunes.

Boss: Starscourge Radahn (Shardbearer, optional)

This is an epic battle in a wide-open battlefield. Radahn is extremely tough if fought straight up, but the game gives you a trick: summon a small army of NPC allies scattered throughout the arena. Here's how to handle it efficiently:

• Preparation: Ideally be Level ~60+. Use a Physick mix with Opaline Bubbletear (if you got it from Weeping Peninsula) to absorb a big hit, and maybe a strength or dex tear. Equip a bow if you have (for phase transitions). Radahn is susceptible to bleed and frost. If you acquired another Uchigatana, you could dual-wield with Bloodhound's Fang or use a Cold Uchi to apply frost -- but Bloodhound's Fang alone is fine. Consider using Torrent in this fight for mobility.
• Phase 1: When you enter the dunes, Radahn will rain giant gravity arrows at you from afar. Immediately you'll see golden summon signs around -- summon every ally you find (Blaidd, Alexander, Okina, Finger Maiden, etc.). Use the ruins to block arrow shots as you do this. Each summon you activate will run at Radahn and draw aggro. Mount Torrent and zigzag toward Radahn, grabbing more summon signs on the way. With multiple NPCs attacking, Radahn's attention will split. Feel free to also fire a few arrows or spells at him while closing the distance, but be ready to dodge his large arrows (when he draws his bow high, zigzag or hide behind a ruin).
• Once close, Radahn engages with massive curved swords. Dismount (fighting on foot can be easier to dodge his swings). Stay behind Radahn as much as possible -- his attacks are mostly forward sweeping. While your NPC friends distract him, whack at his legs. Bleed will chunk his enormous health for ~13% each proc, so it's very effective. Use Bloodhound's Finesse skill to hit and evade if Radahn turns on you. You can also fight on horseback, charging in hit-and-run attacks, but be cautious of his hitbox.
• Radahn will likely kill your summons swiftly (he's very strong). Keep re-summoning fallen allies: their signs reappear on the ground after they fall. Ride around and re-click their signs to bring them back into the fight -- this is key, you can endlessly resummon allies to keep Radahn occupied. It's a hectic battlefield, but use the distraction to get your damage in.
• Phase 2: At ~50% HP, Radahn leaps into the sky and disappears. Watch the sky -- after several seconds, he meteors back down in a flaming comet! This can one-shot if it lands on you, so when he vanishes, hop on Torrent and sprint horizontally to avoid the impact zone (or watch the sky and time a well-placed dodge at the last second). He'll come crashing down with a huge shockwave. After this, Radahn gains new gravity magic attacks (purple homing soul masses and huge gravity pulls). Keep summoning allies as they become available and dodge the homing projectiles (ride far to outrun them or if on foot, zigzag). If you see Radahn raise his swords and gravitational energy surges, back off or prepare to jump -- he can do a vacuum pull and explosive blast.
• Meanwhile, your strategy remains: let summons grab aggro, then attack Radahn's flank. Use Torrent to quickly close distance or reposition if needed. Don't stay locked on -- manual camera might help to keep awareness of incoming glint projectiles. Radahn's swings in phase 2 are more aggressive, but still avoidable by rolling into them or around him.
• With continuous pressure from you and your NPC army, Radahn will eventually fall. This fight can be chaotic, but remember you can play it safe by staying on Torrent and only striking when he's busy. In fact, an ultra-safe (if cheesy) method is to just gallop around re-summoning NPCs and let them do most of the work while you avoid combat. It's not honorable, but it works -- and Radahn might even die without you directly engaging much if the NPCs get enough hits in while you keep them coming.

Defeating Radahn rewards the Remembrance of the Starscourge and Radahn's Great Rune. His Great Rune, once activated at the Divine Tower of Caelid (the one by Bestial Sanctum), grants a massive +15% max HP, +12% stamina, +5% FP boost when activated -- very strong for general usage. (You can stick with Godrick's for balanced stat increases, or Radahn's for a big health pool -- your choice.)

Most dramatically, Radahn's defeat triggers a falling star that crashes into Limgrave, opening a path to Nokron, the Eternal City. A cutscene shows a star plummeting -- that impact site is in the Mistwood in Limgrave (south of Fort Haight). We'll go there next.

Before leaving Caelid, a couple optional pickups:

• If you helped Alexander the Iron Jar (met at Radahn's fight or earlier in Limgrave), you can find him stuck in ground near the Starscourge crater after the battle. Smack him out again for some Exalted Flesh and his thanks. He'll move on to Liurnia then Mt. Gelmir (we'll see him later).
• Meteorite Staff & Rock Sling (for casters): In central Caelid swamp (Street of Sages Ruins), there's a chest with Rock Sling (a powerful gravity spell) and on a corpse nearby, the Meteorite Staff (S-tier early sorcery staff). This is only if you want a hybrid Int option or to use these for fun; our build doesn't need it, but it's a notable early-game nuke combo that some speedruns use.
• Golden Scarab Talisman: If you want to boost rune acquisition, the Abandoned Cave in Caelid (near Smoldering Wall, across a canyon) contains this talisman (increases runes gained by 20%). The cave is poisonous and has two Cleanrot Knight bosses -- a bit annoying, so only do this if you feel like farming runes faster. Otherwise skip.

Nokron, Eternal City (opened after Radahn)

Fast-travel to Fort Haight West grace (Mistwood). Go west and you'll see a huge crater in the ground with floating rocks -- that's the star impact site. Carefully platform down the rocks and cliffs to enter Nokron. Follow the path, defeat the spectral enemies, and you'll reach a fog gate for the Mimic Tear boss. This boss copies your character's gear and moves. Pro tip:

• Cheese the Mimic: Before entering, unequip your weapon (and potentially armor). Step through; the Mimic will spawn copying your current state -- if you're basically unarmed, it's far weaker. Then simply reequip your gear and beat it down. The Mimic Tear will go down easily. This yields a Larval Tear and Silver Tear Mask (if you want an Arcane-boosting headpiece).

Proceed forward to the Nokron city proper. Grab the Nokron map fragment at the start. Our main target is the Night's Sacred Ground:

• From the first Nokron Site of Grace, head east along rooftops. You'll eventually drop into a wooded area with ruins. You'll see a majestic building ahead -- that's the entrance to Night's Sacred Ground. Navigate the rooftops and ledges (watch for blobs and silver tears ambushing). Eventually, cross a narrow arch where a giant ball enemy rolls at you (run or dodge aside). Past that, enter a church-like building.
• Acquire the Mimic Tear Ash: In this building, there's a fog-sealed door you can unlock with a Stonesword Key. Inside is a chest containing the Mimic Tear Ashes. This summon literally creates a copy of you (with your current weapons/armor) at the cost of HP instead of FP. The Mimic Tear at +10 is arguably the strongest summon in the game, effectively doubling your damage output and taking aggro. This ash will become a cornerstone of our strategy for tough late-game bosses. We'll want to upgrade it as soon as we can (ghost gloveworts can be found in Nokron and later Nokstella).
• Also, in Night's Sacred Ground, make sure to loot the treasure in the final hall: the Finger Slayer Blade (key item for Ranni) and the Great Ghost Glovewort (which instantly upgrades a summon to +10 if you have the upgrade level unlocked). Give the Blade to Ranni back at Ranni's Rise when you return -- she'll reward you with the Carian Inverted Statue, which is used to unlock a secret area in Carian Study Hall (for the cursemark needed in Fia's quest) and ultimately leads to Ainsel River Main (Ranni will eventually send you there).

At this point, you can either continue deeper into Ranni's quest (which involves exploring Ainsel River, Nokstella and fighting another major boss Astel, then reaching the Moonlight Altar, etc.), or hold off. Pursuing it now is optional -- it yields legendary items and the Age of Stars ending, but we can also do it later. The most important things we got from Nokron for our playthrough efficiency are the Mimic Tear Ash (ensure you upgrade it; you can find Ghost Glovewort [3]-[6] in Nokron's Ancestral Woods area if needed, and [7]-[9] in later underground zones).

Now, having conquered Caelid's major boss and plundered Nokron, you should be significantly stronger:

• Level ~70 (the Radahn remembrance is worth 40k runes if consumed, plus all Nokron loot and enemy runes).
• Weapons: Bloodhound's Fang +6 or higher (you can get Somber 5,6 from Nokron and buy Somber 3-4 from Iji or Roundtable after giving appropriate bell bearings).
• New Weapon Option: Winged Scythe (if you detoured to Tombsward Ruins in Weeping) or Moonveil Katana (if you defeated Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel, Caelid) -- optional weapons if you want variety (Moonveil requires Int 23, not in our build currently unless you respec).
• Summon: Mimic Tear (upgrade this as much as possible, at least to +5-+6 with what you found).
• Great Runes: You have Godrick's, Rennala's (passive), and Radahn's. You can activate Radahn's at Divine Tower of Caelid (north in Dragonbarrow, same route as Bestial Sanctum -- use the tower elevator to restore it). Consider equipping Radahn's Great Rune -- the max HP boost is huge for survivability going forward.

Everything optional we set out to do is now done. From here on, we'll rejoin the critical path at Altus Plateau and Leyndell. Use the Dectus Medallion at the Grand Lift of Dectus (if you haven't already) or if you did Rya's quest, you might have a Volcano Manor invite (we'll cover that in Altus section). Let's proceed to Part 4, ascending to Altus Plateau and infiltrating Leyndell, Royal Capital.

Part 4/7: Altus Plateau & Leyndell, Royal Capital -- The Road to Morgott

With two (or three) Great Runes attained, head to the Altus Plateau -- the upland region leading to the capital. We'll use the Grand Lift of Dectus to get there quickly (since we collected both medallion halves). In this part, we'll traverse Altus, optionally stop by Mt. Gelmir (Volcano Manor) for another shardbearer (Rykard), and then enter Leyndell, Royal Capital to defeat Morgott, the Omen King -- the final hurdle before the path to the Erdtree opens. We'll also pick up the second half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion and other key items in the region to prepare for late-game optional areas.

Grand Lift of Dectus to Altus Plateau

• Fast travel to the Bellum Highway (Liurnia Northeast) or the last Liurnia grace you have near the path to the lift. From the Ravine-Veiled Village or East Raya Lucaria Gate, head north past the camp and up the hill to the great elevators. Stand on the circle and hoist the Dectus Medallion. Enjoy the cutscene as you ascend to Altus Plateau.
• You'll arrive at the Altus Plateau Site of Grace. Grab the Altus Plateau Map Fragment just west along the road. The environment is golden with autumnal trees -- welcome to Altus.

Altus Plateau Overview

Altus has two main story destinations: east leads to the Capital outskirts (Lyndell), and west leads to Mt. Gelmir (Volcano Manor). First, let's set up a few things:

• Just north of the lift, find the Altus Tunnel if you want some upgrade stones (optional).
• Golden Seed: On the main road toward the Capital, there's a Golden Seed by a small encampment.
• NPCs: At Altus Plateau grace, you might find Latenna (if you did the Lakeside Crystal Cave quest in Liurnia) but not crucial for us. Also, Brother Corhyn and Goldmask's quest will have Corhyn moved from Roundtable to Altus Highway Junction grace, and Goldmask is on the collapsed bridge north of there -- but this quest is only for an alternate ending and the Golden Order Rune, which isn't needed for our goals (skip unless you aim for the Age of Order ending).

Optional: Mt. Gelmir & Volcano Manor (Shardbearer Rykard)

If you want to take down another optional shardbearer and get the powerful Blasphemous Blade (greatsword) for a Faith build, you can head west at the Altus Junction to Mt. Gelmir. You can also wait until after capital; however, doing it now is viable. Summarizing:

• From Altus Highway Junction grace, go west through the forest, past the Bridge of Iniquity to the Mt. Gelmir region. Follow the path with ladders and camps up the mountain. Eventually, you reach Volcano Manor at the summit.
• At Volcano Manor, talk to Lady Tanith and consider joining. If you join, you get the Drawing-Room Key and can do assassination quests instead of exploring the volcano dungeon. For speed, you might skip straight to Rykard: Fast method: In the Drawing-Room, there's an illusory wall leading to the prison town. Navigate through the lava-filled prison town, past an Iron Maiden, up an elevator, and you'll find the boss portal to Godskin Noble. Defeat the Noble (bleed wrecks him; he's portly but has dangerous black flame attacks -- roll through them and counter). After Noble, proceed to Rykard's lair.
• Boss: Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy (Shardbearer, optional): In the audience chamber, pick up the Serpent-Hunter spear from the ground. This special weapon is meant for this fight -- it fires wind blades and does massive damage to Rykard. Two-hand it (stats don't matter, it's super-buffed in this arena). Lock on to the giant God-Devouring Serpent (phase 1) and spam heavy attacks with the spear from mid-range to stagger it. Phase 2, Rykard himself emerges with a flaming skull-snake form. Continue using Serpent-Hunter's unique attacks; dodge or block the skull vomit and sword swings. With this weapon, Rykard will go down fast. He drops Rykard's Great Rune (when equipped, it heals you for each enemy kill -- interesting but situational) and a Remembrance for the Blasphemous Blade (a greatsword that lifesteals on kill and has a strong flame wave skill).
• After Rykard, if Alexander the jar was met at Radahn, he'll be here in Volcano Manor's audience room (if you missed him, he might not appear). Talk to him. Also, Tanith will leave eventually and can be found consuming Rykard's remains (you can kill her for her gear if desired).
• Note: Volcano Manor content is optional. If you skip Rykard, it doesn't affect your ability to complete the game since he's not required. We include it for thoroughness and runes/gear.

Capital Outskirts (Altus Plateau East)

From the Altus Junction, head east up the hill along the road. You'll reach the Outer Wall Phantom Tree Site of Grace (there's a Minor Erdtree nearby with an Erdtree Avatar boss -- killing it yields two good Crystal Tears, one of which is the Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear that boosts holy damage, not critical for us). Follow the path around the outer wall:

• Golden Seeds: Two seeds can be found along the outer wall path (one at Phantom Tree grace, one further along at another grace called Outer Wall Battleground).
• NPC Summon Sign: Near the Outer Wall Battleground grace, you can find a gold summon sign for Recusant Henricus (if you did Bernahl's quest) -- not important unless doing that NPC storyline.
• Head left (north) to grab the Capital map fragment. There's a map stele by the road just before the big gate to Leyndell.

Capital Entrance -- Draconic Tree Sentinel

The main gate of Leyndell (at the end of the bridge) is guarded by a tough field boss: the Draconic Tree Sentinel. You must defeat him to enter the capital (the gate seal only opens after he falls). Prepare for a challenging fight:

• The Draconic Tree Sentinel is like the earlier Tree Sentinel but with red lightning moves. Ensure you have a +7 or higher weapon by now. Summon your Mimic Tear or another strong spirit -- they can distract him. This boss hits very hard; have ~35+ Vigor so you don't get one-shot.
• Strategy: Stay on foot (Torrent can be used, but you can't summon spirit on horseback, and on foot you can roll better). Bait his three-hit combos and either roll through or block with a 100% phys shield (though lightning will chip you). After his combo, punish with a jumping heavy or a Bloodhound's Fang skill. If using Mimic Tear, your clone will also do massive damage with your gear -- together you can stagger-lock him at times. Watch out for his lightning slam (he raises his shield which glows, then slams -- roll away from the impact) and his fire-breathing shield in phase 2. When he breathes fire, get to his side and hit him. When he charges lightning on his mace and does an AOE smash, get clear. You can also parry his regular swings (if you're confident), but not necessary.
• Bleed and jump attacks will whittle him down. If you struggle, consider summoning a human cooperator (he's a common wall for players). Eventually, persistence pays off and he falls. Victory opens up Leyndell, Royal Capital for exploration!

Leyndell, Royal Capital (Legacy Dungeon #3)

This is a massive area with multiple bosses. Your goal is to reach Morgott at the throne room inside the Erdtree Sanctuary. Key steps:

• Activate the Capital Rampart grace right inside the gate. From here, progress by going down the stairs, through buildings, until you reach the main street of the capital. There's a round plaza with patrolling Tree Sentinel enemies -- be cautious or sneak behind them.
• Sightseeing/Items: Leyndell has some valuable loot:
  • Erdtree Favor +1 Talisman: In the pipewell under the Avenue Balcony grace, behind an imp statue fog door (need Stonesword Key). It raises max HP, stamina, equip load.
  • Bolt of Gransax (Legendary Spear): Stuck in the giant spear in the city's downtown (after defeating Godfrey, but before burning the Erdtree). You can jump onto the spear from the Erdtree Sanctuary upper balcony. Grab it if you want all legendary armaments.
  • Dragoncrest Shield Talisman +1: in the area accessible via the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds well (if you explore below, but not critical now).
• From Avenue Balcony Site of Grace, head south, platform up some rooftops (to avoid a tough Erdtree Avatar in the street below, or fight it). Eventually, you'll reach the upper districts. Find the Erdtree Sanctuary Site of Grace (after defeating mini-boss Godfrey, First Elden Lord -- Golden Shade).
• Godfrey Shade Mini-Boss: This golden spirit of Godfrey is relatively straightforward. Roll through his axe swings and jump attack him. Your Mimic Tear trivializes this fight -- two of you wailing on him will stagger him quickly. Defeat him to clear the way.
• At Erdtree Sanctuary, climb the nearby tree branch up to a balcony to get Marika's Soreseal (increases Mind/Int/Faith/Arc by +5, but you likely stick with Radagon's Soreseal for physical stats).
• Proceed onward to the Queen's Bedchamber Site of Grace (one grace before Morgott).
• Summon sign for Melina (the Finger Maiden) is available outside Morgott's arena if you want an NPC helper in lieu of Mimic (you can't have both).

Boss: Morgott, the Omen King (Shardbearer #3)

Morgott is essentially Margit's true form -- faster and with new holy attacks, but you have grown much stronger too. Prepare by equipping Margit's Shackle again -- it works on Morgott in phase 1 up to 2 times. Use Godrick's or Radahn's Great Rune activated for extra stats/HP.

• Summon your Mimic Tear + whatever (or Melina/other player) for distraction. At fight start, immediately use Margit's Shackle twice to stun Morgott, giving you and your summon time to land heavy hits. Morgott moves fast and has a long combo with his cursed sword -- but with two of you, he'll be interrupted often. He still throws daggers -- dodge or block those.
• At ~60% health, Morgott powers up, gaining holy blade and hammer moves. Back off when he plunges his sword to create explosive holy puddles on the arena floor. They'll erupt after a short delay -- avoid those areas. Continue applying pressure; bleed again works well on him. Between you and your Mimic, he should stagger (you can get a critical hit). Watch your health and don't stand in the holy pools. He has an overhead slam that sends a shockwave -- roll through it.
• Overall, you'll find Morgott is easier than he looks, especially with your Mimic or Melina tanking him. Keep the assault up and he'll fall. This grants you Morgott's Great Rune (when activated later at East Altus Divine Tower, it raises max HP a ton like Radahn's does -- similar effect) and the Remembrance of the Omen King.

After victory, light the Erdtree Sanctuary grace if you haven't. Melina appears to congratulate you and gives you the Rold Medallion, which is needed to access the Grand Lift of Rold to the Mountaintops of the Giants (the next main region). You attempt to approach the Erdtree entrance but the thorns block you -- only the flame of ruin can burn them, hence your next mission is to journey to the mountaintops and sacrifice the Fire Giant.

Leyndell Wrap-Up

• Before leaving the capital, consider exploring the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath (a well in Avenue Balcony leads down). This sewer area is optional but contains the Dung Eater quest, a secret Frenzied Flame ending route, and the Lord of Blood's Exultation talisman (boosts damage when bleed occurs -- very good for our bleed build). If interested: fight the Mohg, the Omen boss at the end of the sewers to get that talisman. (This Mohg is a weaker omen version of the later Mohg, but still tough -- you can also wait and come back later when overleveled).
• Also, now that Morgott is defeated, you can open the chest in the Erdtree Sanctuary to get the Blessing of Erdtree spell.
• Make sure to pick up the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right half) from Castle Sol in Mountaintops (coming up in Part 5). We'll do that to unlock the secret area later.

With Morgott's defeat, the main path points north. Use the grace to teleport to the Forbidden Lands (or exit the capital via the East Capital Rampart where Melina teleports you). Next, we ascend the Mountaintops of the Giants, confront the Fire Giant, and trigger the path to the game's endgame areas.

Checkpoint: At this stage, you likely are around Level 80-90. Ensure your primary weapon is near max (Bloodhound's Fang +8 or +9). You can get Somber [7] and [8] in Leyndell (e.g., one in the subterranean sewer, one on a roof in capital). Visit Roundtable to upgrade. By now, you might switch your equipped talismans to things like Lord of Blood's Exultation (if obtained, for +20% damage on bleed procs), Erdtree's Favor +1 (HP/stamina), Shard of Alexander (if you did Alexander's quest up to Farum Azula, boosts skill damage), or others that complement your playstyle. Refill supplies -- buy some Preserving Boluses (for rot) and Neutralizing Boluses (for poison) from merchants if low, since the upcoming areas have status effects. When ready, continue.

Part 5/7: Mountaintops of the Giants -- Fire Giant & Crumbling Farum Azula

Having secured the medallion from Melina, we now venture into the Mountaintops of the Giants, the snowy region beyond the Forbidden Lands. Here we must retrieve the fire of ruin by defeating the Fire Giant, then use it to burn the Erdtree's thorns. This will transition us to Crumbling Farum Azula, a late-game area where we'll face the penultimate boss, Maliketh. This part focuses on efficiency: we'll grab the Haligtree medallion half in Castle Sol (for later optional content), then go straight to Fire Giant. Optionally, we'll mention the Forge of the Giants choice and things to do before initiating the burn (like completing Millicent's quest if desired). Finally, we cover Farum Azula and Maliketh.

Forbidden Lands to Grand Lift of Rold

• From Leyndell's East Capital Rampart grace, head east into the Forbidden Lands (dark foggy area). It's a fairly linear path. Use a torch as needed. There's not much to collect here aside from a few Golden Runes and a Black Blade Kindred boss at the lift (which you can ignore by just running past into the lift portal).
• Reach the Grand Lift of Rold. Use the Rold Medallion given by Melina to operate it. (Note: If you have both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, you could also "Hoist secret medallion" here, but we only have one half so far, so just use Rold's.)
• This takes you up to the Mountaintops of the Giants -- West side. Activate the grace at the top.

Mountaintops of the Giants (West Side)

Bitter cold and new tough foes (imps, runebears, hands, and minotaur-like warriors). Our aims:

1. Map Fragment: Straight ahead from the lift, follow the path and grab the Mountaintops West map at the stele.
2. Castle Sol (Haligtree Medallion Right): If you plan to do the Haligtree later (Malenia's area), detour north now. From the lift, ride northeast through the snowfield past Stargazer's Ruins to Castle Sol. Fight through the castle (lots of spectral Banished Knights). At the top, defeat Commander Niall (a challenging fight similar to Commander O'Neil but with two Banished Knight summons). Use bleed and summons (Mimic is great) to take him down -- focus the two knights first or use freezing pots to slow them. After Niall, climb the tower behind him and loot the chest for the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right). Now you have both halves! We'll use them after Farum Azula to access the Haligtree optional area. (There's also a legendary armament Sword of Night and Flame in a chest in Sol, if interested.)
3. Fire Giant (Main Story): From the lift or Castle Sol, make your way to the southeast side of the western mountaintop. Cross the long frozen lake (watch out for the giant Death Rite Bird at night -- you can sprint past or avoid at day). Continue south to the Whiteridge Road grace. Ascend the chain-linked bridge to the Giants' Gravepost grace, which is just before the Fire Giant's area. Grab the Mountaintops East map fragment on the way (on a stele near Giants' Gravepost grace).

Ensure you prepare for the Fire Giant: he deals physical and fire damage. Equipping a Fireproof Dried Liver or the Flame-Drake Talisman +1/2 (if you have) can help mitigate damage. Allocate your flasks (maybe more HP flasks than FP -- Mimic uses HP anyway). Summon signs for NPCs aren't present here, so rely on spirit ash.

Boss: Fire Giant (Shardbearer #4)

This massive boss has two phases focusing on his legs. Key points: stay mounted on Torrent for mobility (you can do this entire fight on horseback, which is recommended for speed), and target his weak left ankle (the one with the cracked red scar).

• Phase 1: The Fire Giant rolls around and stomps. Torrent strategy: Gallop towards his left side (our right when facing him) and strike his wounded leg (the one without the big plate). When he prepares to snowbowling (launch a giant snowball that explodes), ride perpendicular to avoid it. If he does a flame platter attack (spreads fire on ground), dash out of the area. Try to stay near or under him -- many of his attacks will miss if you're at his feet. Dual-wield or two-hand your weapon for max damage; jump attacks on the ankle are very effective. After enough damage, he'll flinch and transition.
• Phase 2 (50% HP): He rips off his leg (ouch) and fights from range more. A fire eye opens in his chest. He'll start using immense fire AoEs -- when he slams the ground sending fire shockwaves, jump with Torrent or iframe through them. When he summons a giant fire orb (sun-like), run far as it will spew flames continuously around him. Continue to attack his remaining leg or hands when you can. If you dismount, you can roll under some attacks and hit his hands too, but staying mounted helps you reposition quickly especially when he jumps away.
• Use Mimic Tear at the start of phase 2 (or phase 1 if you prefer) -- it'll distract him and double your DPS. With bleed procs, you'll chunk him down. He has a lot of HP, but stick and move. Each bleed removes a big % of his health. Watch out for his meteoric flame projectiles (keep moving to avoid).
• Eventually, the giant will fall, granting a huge rune reward, Fire Giant's Remembrance, and unlocking the path to the Forge of the Giants.

Rest at the Foot of the Forge grace after Fire Giant. Important: Point of No Return coming up. When you approach the Forge of the Giants (the enormous cauldron), you will need to trigger the burning of the Erdtree:

• Talk to Melina at the Forge site. She will perform the sacrifice (if you have not inherited the Frenzied Flame; assuming you followed this guide, you did not meet the Three Fingers, so Melina burns). Choosing to commit the burn triggers a cutscene and transports you to Crumbling Farum Azula automatically.
• Warning: Once you burn the tree, Leyndell becomes the Ashen Capital and some content in the capital (like the sewers quest, certain item locations) changes or becomes inaccessible. Make sure you have done anything you wanted in Leyndell (e.g., got Bolt of Gransax, finished Dung Eater quest, etc.) before doing this. Also, if you embraced the Frenzied Flame (again, unlikely here), Melina would leave and you'd have to use a different method to burn the tree (the game handles this).
• When ready, proceed. If you want to explore optional Consecrated Snowfield/Mohgwyn/Haligtree before endgame, you don't have to do it now -- you can still do them after burning, except Goldmask/Corhyn quest ends. We will cover those in Part 6 as optional content you can undertake before finishing the game.

Go ahead and allow Melina to ignite the flame. The Erdtree starts to burn and you (the player) are whisked off in a storm to Crumbling Farum Azula, a floating ruin outside time.

Crumbling Farum Azula

This is a late-game storm-wracked region with fierce foes (Farewell, Torrent -- you cannot ride the horse here). Our aims here: reach and defeat Maliketh, the Black Blade, the keeper of Destined Death. Additionally, we can get more Somber stones to max out our weapon, and possibly complete NPC Bernahl's invasion and Alexander's quest.

• Site of Grace: You start at Crumbling Beast Grave grace. Progress through the ruins, facing beastman enemies (they're not too tough singly, but can swarm -- use your range or heavy swings).
• Along the way, pick up upgrade stones: Somber [9] is available on a corpse in a gazebo you drop to on a floating debris (this can allow you to get Bloodhound's Fang to +9 or +10 if you have an Ancient Somber). Regular smithing [8][9] can also be found if you need for other weapons.
• Bernahl Invasion (Devourer's Scepter): If you completed Volcano Manor quests or not, at the Beside the Great Bridge grace area, Recusant Bernahl will invade (near the great bridge before Maliketh's arena). Defeat him to get the Devourer's Scepter weapon and Bernahl's armor set. He's aggressive but by this stage you should out-damage him, especially with a summon or by parrying.
• Alexander's Final Meeting: Just before Maliketh, on the Great Bridge, you will find Iron Fist Alexander one last time (if you did Radahn and found him in Liurnia/Gelmir). He challenges you to a duel. Accept and fight him -- it's a friendly duel but you need to actually defeat him. Be careful; Alexander hits surprisingly hard with his lava attacks. Stay mid-range to avoid his explosion and strike when he cools down. After beating him, Alexander will sadly crack and die, giving you Alexander's Innards (key item for Jar-Bairn quest) and the Shard of Alexander talisman, which boosts your skill attack power by 15% -- an excellent talisman especially since we use Bloodhound's Fang skill often. Equip that for sure.
• Godskin Duo (Mini-Boss): Midway through Farum Azula, you'll enter a church and get ambushed by the Godskin Duo (Godskin Apostle + Godskin Noble at once) in a large arena. This fight can be rough due to two strong bosses tag-teaming. Use the Sleep Pots or Sleep Arrows trick if you have -- 2-3 sleep pots can put one of them to sleep allowing you to focus the other. Alternatively, summon your Mimic Tear for distraction. Focus on taking one down at a time (often the Noble first since he's slower but soakier, or Apostle first since he's aggressive -- decide based on who your summon distracts). When one dies, it'll revive after a short while if the other isn't dead yet, but each has a shared total HP bar you must deplete. Use pillars to break line of sight and isolate them. Bleed helps, and your weapon skill can hit both if lined up. Defeating them yields the Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing [4] (buy infinite smithing 7-9 at Twin Husks now) and unlocks a grace in that room.
• Continue past the Tempest-facing balcony grace, through some crumbled courtyards with flying beastmen and lightning dragons (you can often just run past the dragons -- fighting is optional).
• Bolt of Gransax (if missed in Leyndell) -- too late now; hope you got it. Somber Ancient Dragonstone: There's one on a floating platform puzzle after beating Maliketh (so don't leave Azula immediately after Maliketh if you want it; you can grab one in a chest behind an illusory wall in the area above where you fought the Godskin Duo, which you can access by dropping down near the great bridge).
• Eventually you reach the Beside the Great Bridge grace (just before Maliketh).

Boss: Maliketh, the Black Blade

This is a two-phase fight: Phase 1 against the Beast Clergyman, and Phase 2 against Maliketh proper. Maliketh's attacks can inflict a debuff that reduces your max HP for a time and prevents healing from restoring the lost portion -- very dangerous, so avoid getting hit consecutively.

• Phase 1 -- Beast Clergyman: He's very aggressive, throwing rocks (Beast Claw, etc.) and slashing with his dagger. He's basically Gurranq on steroids. Use pillars in the arena to block his rock flings. When he jumps at you with Beast Claw, roll under/through it and attack. Try to get as much damage in this phase as possible (some say don't summon yet, to save your Mimic's health for phase 2 when the real challenge begins). However, you can also summon Mimic at the start to double-team him and try to push phase 2 quickly -- just be mindful Maliketh's attacks will chew up a Mimic's HP if it doesn't dodge well.
• Around 50% health, cutscene to Maliketh, the Black Blade. He now is acrobatic, with a huge range and very damaging strikes that cause the red max HP burn debuff. Now is the time to definitely use your Mimic Tear if not already -- it can distract Maliketh (though he jumps around a lot).
• Maliketh's weakness is frost and stance-breaking. If you have a weapon or pots that do Frostbite, it can help (frost staggers and increases damage taken). But pure melee works -- jump attacks to break his poise. Whenever he does a big slam and sword sticks in ground, get hits in, but watch out: he often follows up a combo with a sudden sword beam (he'll leap and slice sending a wave) -- roll through it. Staying mid-close is ideal so he uses melee more than ranged blade beams. If you see him jump up spinning and raining blades, sprint or dodge continuously until it's over.
• We want to burst him down before he can kill us with chip damage. Flask of Wondrous Physick: if you have the Opaline Bubbletear, use it pre-fight so you can survive one big hit. Also, the Crimsonwhorl Bubbletear can convert one hit's damage to heal (but these are optional).
• With two of you attacking, Maliketh will hopefully split attention or get stance broken for a critical. Use Shard of Alexander talisman to amplify your Bloodhound's Finesse or other skill -- a few heavy combos can bring him down. Don't give him room to breathe -- the more you pressure, the less fancy moves he does.
• After a tense battle, Maliketh falls. This grants the Remembrance of the Black Blade and you'll see a dramatic in-game event: Destined Death is unleashed, Farum Azula crumbles, and you awaken back in Leyndell -- now completely ashen and ruined.

Congratulations -- you have essentially completed the main required bosses! After Maliketh, all that's left is to face the final bosses back in Ashen Capital and decide on an ending. We'll handle that in Part 7. But before we conclude, Part 6 will address the remaining optional areas -- namely the Haligtree and Malenia, and Mohgwyn Palace. These are entirely optional for completion, but we'll cover them for thoroughness. If you wish, you can tackle them now before the final boss, as the game lets you explore even after burning the Erdtree (just teleport out of Leyndell after Maliketh, as long as you don't enter the final boss area yet).

At this point, your character is likely ~Level 100-120. You should have your weapon at max (Bloodhound's Fang +10) -- if not, use the Somber Ancient Dragonstone from Farum Azula or from completing Latenna's quest. Your bleed build is extremely potent; coupling it with buffs like Golden Vow (if you got that incantation) or Flame Grant Me Strength incantation can push damage further. With Mimic Tear +10 by now, you have a top-tier summon. You're fully ready for the hardest optional boss -- Malenia -- should you choose to face her.

Part 6/7: Optional Secret Areas -- Miquella's Haligtree & Mohgwyn Palace

(Part 6 is optional content -- you can proceed to Part 7 for the finale if you wish to finish the game now. This section covers the two major endgame optional areas: Miquella's Haligtree (home of Malenia, Blade of Miquella) and Mohgwyn Palace (home of Mohg, Lord of Blood). These areas offer some of the toughest fights and best rewards in the game. We will outline efficient ways to explore them now that you're at endgame power.)

Entering Hidden Areas

With both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion (obtained from Albus in Liurnia and Castle Sol in Mountaintops), return to the Grand Lift of Rold (use the Avenue Balcony grace and run to the Forbidden Lands lift). This time, select "Hoist secret medallion." This triggers a different path -- taking you to the hidden Consecrated Snowfield.

• In the Consecrated Snowfield, grab the map fragment (hard to see in the blizzard -- it's near the internal side of the region, look for the stele). Beware of strong enemies and very low visibility. Use the guiding statues or the map to navigate.
• Optional: Latenna's Quest -- If you brought Latenna (the Albinauric woman from Liurnia's quest) here via the secret medallion, you can find the Apostate Derelict church in the north of Snowfield. Use "Summon Latenna" there and she will reward you with a Somber Ancient Dragonstone. Not necessary if you already maxed your weapon, but good to note.
• Ordina, Liturgical Town (Haligtree portal puzzle): On the west side of the Snowfield is Ordina. Activate the evergaol by the town statue. Inside the evergaol, you must light 4 flame beacons located around town while avoiding deadly enemies (invisible assassins and archers). This is a stealthy platforming puzzle. Tips: Immediately crouch and sneak behind buildings to avoid the sniper on the roof. Light the first flame on ground level by the entrance. Then head up ladder in far west to second flame (beware an assassin up there). Third flame is across rooftops guarded by a second sniper -- you can run in zigzag to avoid his arrows and climb that tower. The fourth is lower in town behind a patrolling assassin. Using a Sentry's Torch can reveal invisible assassins if you have one. Once all four are lit, the evergaol dispels. A waygate in Ordina is now active -- use it to teleport to Miquella's Haligtree.

Miquella's Haligtree (Optional Legacy Dungeon)

This is a late-game secret area, extremely challenging. It's essentially a gigantic downward spiral tree area filled with pests and guardians.

• Work your way down branches and structures carefully -- one slip can mean a fall to death. The first grace is Haligtree Canopy. From there, drop to branches, fight Haligtree Soldiers, avoid or kill giant ants, make it to lower balconies.
• Next grace: Haligtree Town. The town is swarming with Kindred of Rot (giant pests that cause Scarlet Rot) and pest enemies. Equip Immunizing Horn Charm or craft Preserving Boluses to handle rot buildup. You can largely run past sections if needed, hitting only critical enemies.
• Navigate across rooftops and roots to reach Haligtree Roots at the bottom of Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree (the city at base of tree). You'll fight Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree mid-way (similar to Carian Manor Loretta but now spectral and stronger). Use the same tactics as before: dodge her glintstone sorcery and jump attacks, then punish. With your level, she should be manageable. Defeating her gives Loretta's Mastery sorcery and her War Sickle weapon.
• Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree: A grace is right after Loretta. This is a difficult gauntlet: crystalized rot swamp sections (walk slow, cause rot), ulcerated tree spirits, many tough knights. If your goal is Malenia, you can sprint through a lot here:
• From Elphael grace, go down and around, you'll find a room with Prayer Room grace -- use it as checkpoint.
• From Prayer Room, run out, drop down through a hole on the left to bypass some enemies, head toward the far end of the zone where a large stone structure leads to the roots. It's easy to get lost -- use prism stones or memorize the route from guides.
• Make sure to grab any Somber Ancient Dragonstones (one is in a chest guarded by knights in a side chapel behind an imp statue door).
• Eventually, you reach a bridge with a Cleanrot Knight duo and beyond it, the Haligtree Roots Site of Grace -- the final grace before Malenia.
• At this point, prepare thoroughly: Malenia, Blade of Miquella is arguably the hardest boss in FromSoftware history. She is optional but we assume you want to try. Ensure your Mimic Tear is +10 and consider adjusting build slightly: Malenia is very susceptible to bleed and frost but resistant to fire. If you have a spare weapon to apply Frostbite (like a Cold-infused Uchigatana or the Dark Moon Greatsword from Ranni's quest), it can help apply extra damage. But pure bleed works fine.
• Equip Lord of Blood's Exultation (boost damage on bleed) and Alexander's Shard (boost skill damage). Also, Waterfowl Dance countermeasures: her infamous attack can one-shot. One strat is to use a shield with high physical and stack endurance + Barricade Shield ash to block it, or simply run far and time a dodge at final flurry. Another is use the White Reed armor set (highest poise) to tank a hit and roll. There's also a frost pot + bloodhound step cheese. We'll assume using Mimic plus aggressive DPS to interrupt her.

Boss: Malenia, Blade of Miquella / Goddess of Rot

• Phase 1 (Blade of Miquella): Malenia is quick and every hit she lands heals her. So the key is don't get hit. Summon your Mimic immediately to draw some aggro. Two of you attacking can stagger-lock Malenia fairly often, as her poise is low. Use jumping attacks and weapon skills to force her into defense. She often will dodge and try to counter with thrusts -- dodge to her side and punish. Watch for Waterfowl Dance: When she leaps up and hangs then dives, either sprint directly away (if you're far enough, the whole combo can miss) or try to time dodges for each sequence (hard). If you are caught, spam roll and chug a flask after; or hope your Mimic hits her to stagger out of it (rare but possible). Bleed procs take big chunks of her health, so keep pressure. If your Mimic dies in phase1, it's okay -- you can possibly solo phase2 or consider retrying with a different plan (maybe using a spirit like Black Knife Tiche which dodges well).
• Phase 2 (Goddess of Rot): Malenia gains Scarlet Rot attacks and a new Scarlet Aeonia dive bomb where she explodes into a giant rot flower. When she ascends slowly and shouts, immediately run far to avoid the bloom, or try to time an iframe jump. The bloom causes rot buildup -- stay out of it. After the bloom, she'll hover slowly -- this is a good moment to hit her with a ranged attack or approach carefully as she emerges. She retains all phase1 moves (including Waterfowl). New moves: she can send out clones that strike (dodge through them) and a grab that does massive damage/rot (avoid at all cost). Try to keep your Mimic alive into phase2 by maybe not summoning it until phase2 begins (some solo Malenia to 80% then summon so it's fresh). In phase2, a useful tactic is Rotten Breath or Swarm of Flies incantation -- ironically, she can be inflicted with Scarlet Rot! But since we have bleed, stick to that. Stay aggressive but cautious; if she starts Waterfowl and you're mid-range, one trick is to spam roll into her -- surprisingly, being very close, rolling into the first flurry and hugging her can sometimes avoid most hits, then you roll again for second and third flurries. Alternatively, keep distance and let Mimic eat it (Mimic often dies to it though).
• It may take a few tries, but each attempt learn her patterns. With bleed procs, you might push her quickly. A well-timed Bloodhound's Finesse can knock her down out of some attacks. Eventually, you can triumph. The reward is Remembrance of Malenia (which can be traded for the Hand of Malenia katana or Scarlet Aeonia spell) and the satisfaction of having beaten her. Also, you can find Miquella's Needle via completing Millicent's quest here (not covered in full; it's used to undo Frenzy flame ending if needed).

Malenia is completely optional for game completion. Don't worry if you skip her -- you already have what you need to finish the game. But for the sake of the guide, we included her as major optional content.

Mohgwyn Palace (Lord of Blood)

The other major optional area. If you did Varre's quest, you have the Pureblood Knight's Medal. Use it from your inventory to teleport to Mohgwyn Palace (otherwise, reach here via a portal in the west Consecrated Snowfield, but Varre's way is quicker).

• You'll arrive at Dynasty Mausoleum Midpoint grace. The blood swamps cause rapid bleed buildup -- use Torrent to traverse and equip a Flame Cleanse Me incantation or Stanching Boluses to counter bleed if needed.
• Navigate up through caverns (beware giant crows and skeletons). Pick up Map: Mohgwyn Palace along the way (mid-swamp).
• Reach Palace Approach Ledge-Road grace -- a famous rune-farming spot (Albinaurics that give tons of runes with AoE spells). From here, proceed up the blood-soaked stairs, fight through some very tough red phantom Sanguine nobles (they hit hard; you can run past or take them one at a time).
• At the top, activate Dynasty Mausoleum Entrance grace. The door to Mohg is just ahead. This is a good time to use a Purifying Crystal Tear in your Physick if you have it (gotten from the invader Eleanora at Second Church of Marika). This tear specifically negates Mohg's cursed blood explosion phase. If you don't have it, you can still survive with healing timing.
• Boss: Mohg, Lord of Blood: Mohg is a shardbearer (Great Rune). Fight is similar difficulty to Morgott/Radahn level.
• Mohg's attacks are mostly fire/blood arcane. He will periodically cast "Nihil" ritual -- announcing in Latin as I, II, III -- during which red rings form around you. These signify he's about to detonate a curse-blood ritual in phase 2 that will hit you 3 times for heavy damage. Normally, you can't avoid that damage. But if you mixed Purifying Crystal Tear in your Wondrous Physick and drink it during fight, it will significantly reduce that ritual damage. If not, you must heal through it (save your flask charges).
• Phase 1: Fairly straightforward -- avoid his trident combos, dodge blood flames on ground. Punish when he does a long animation (like summoning blood). Bleed works on him, but ironically he's quite resistant to it because he is master of blood. Still, your raw damage from BHF is fine.
• When you knock him to ~60%, he transitions. He will rise in air, become invulnerable, and initiate the 3-hit curse ritual (you'll see the Roman numerals count down). Quick tip: Right when he says the second "Nihil", chug your Physick with Purifying Tear -- it will negate the curse damage. Otherwise, immediately spam heal after the 3rd explosion to not die.
• Phase 2: Now he has wings and more aggressive attacks including summoning burning blood. This is chaotic -- use your Mimic Tear for distraction. Stick close to him and behind if possible to avoid his forward cone blood flame attacks. Roll his trident swipes and jump attack him. Each time you bleed him it does decent chunk (even if resist, he has high HP). When he flies up to rain blood spears, keep moving.
• With Mimic and strong DPS, Mohg should fall. You earn Remembrance of the Blood Lord (which gives an awesome spear or Bloodboon spell) and Mohg's Great Rune (when activated, it lets you grant +HP regen to summoned spirits after you bleed yourself at site -- more for multiplayer gimmicks).

That covers Mohgwyn. If you gave Mask of Varre the blood of a maiden, return to him at Rose Church to get your Bloody Finger for unlimited invasions (if you care).

With all optional content now addressed (we defeated or at least covered all major bosses: Godrick, Rennala, Radahn, Morgott, Fire Giant, Maliketh, optional Mohg, Rykard, Malenia, and even Placidusax if you chose to fight the secret dragon in Farum Azula -- which we mentioned earlier), you are truly ready to finish the game.

Part 7/7: Endgame -- Ashen Capital & Final Boss (Choosing an Ending)

It's time for the final confrontation. Return to Leyndell, Ashen Capital (which is what the Royal Capital becomes after burning). You'll spawn at the Leyndell, Capital of Ash Site of Grace (after Maliketh, you were automatically teleported here). The city is now mostly empty white ash dunes. The path to the Erdtree is open, but a couple challenges remain:

• As you move toward the ruined Erdtree, at the foot of the tree you'll encounter Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing (he has turned hostile, determined to stop you). Gideon's fight is more of a lore fight -- he's basically a human NPC with a variety of spells (he'll cast things like Comet Azur, Crucible incants, etc., based on what knowledge he has of your progress). He's not too hard: aggressive melee will stagger him. Just don't let him free-cast something like Azur beam at you -- run behind him or around a pillar. Take him down, and he yields his armor set and talisman.
• Rest and move onward up the ash to the throneroom area. There you meet the final foe before the Elden Beast: Godfrey, First Elden Lord/Hoarah Loux. This is a two-phase fight (like Maliketh).
• Phase 1: Godfrey, First Elden Lord -- This golden ghost is more powerful than the shade you beat earlier, with new moves. He does huge axe sweeps and foot stomps that cause shockwaves. Use your Mimic (or Tiche) to split aggro. Roll through his axe combos, and punish after his big overhead slam (which leaves his axe stuck for a moment). When he stomps creating a shockwave, either iframe jump or be off the ground (shockwave won't hit you mid-air).
• At ~50%, cinematic where he throws aside the lion Serosh and becomes Hoarah Loux, Warrior -- a shirtless wrestling champ.
• Phase 2: Hoarah Loux -- Hoarah fights bare-handed. Be very careful of his grab -- if he lifts his arms and charges, get the heck away; if he catches you, it's a suplex that deals massive damage. He does ground shockwave punches -- jump or roll those. He's very aggressive but somewhat predictable: lots of combo punches then a pause -- that's your opening. Mimic Tear helps immensely here by taking some hits or opening him for backstabs.
• Our bleed strategy still is effective; Hoarah can be bled. Two heavy weapons smashing him will stagger eventually. Watch stamina; his barrage can tempt panic rolling -- time your dodges to not run out of stamina. When he roars and does an earth-shattering stomp flurry, run out of range or spam roll with iframes.
• Defeat Hoarah Loux to receive Remembrance of Hoarah Loux (which can give his axe or an AoE stomp Ash of War).
• Now the path is clear into the Erdtree to confront the final boss. Take a moment: If you have any last things to do (e.g., you followed Ranni's quest and want to trigger her ending, ensure you gave her the Dark Moon Ring after Astel, so her summon sign will appear; or if you have Frenzied Flame and want to use Miquella's Needle to remove it for a different ending, you must do that at Dragonlord Placidusax arena now). You can still fast-travel anywhere in Ashen Capital even now, but once you enter the final arena and defeat the boss, the game will end (you can opt to remain in the world before starting NG+ though).
• Final Boss: Radagon of the Golden Order / Elden Beast: This is a two-part fight with no break in between. You must defeat Radagon, then immediately the Elden Beast, in one go (if you die to Elden Beast, you start back at Radagon).
• Radagon of the Golden Order: Radagon has heavy holy damage and teleporting strikes. You cannot summon spirits for Radagon (but you can for Elden Beast -- however, a known bug sometimes prevents it, so consider summoning Mimic right as Radagon dies so it carries into Elden Beast fight). We'll assume solo Radagon, then summon at Elden Beast start.
• Radagon's moves: massive hammer swings (dodge sideways), a grab (dodge back), ground holy explosions (roll right when the glow bursts). He often teleports mid-combo -- watch his reappearance flash to react. He is vulnerable to stance breaks -- jump attacks and heavy hits can stagger him for a critical hit. He's somewhat resistant to status (bleed/frost), but still possible to apply after many hits. Just focus on learning his timing. Use your Crimson Bubbletear in physick if you have, to survive a hit.
• With patience, Radagon falls. Immediately the Elden Beast spawns from his body.
• Elden Beast: This cosmic creature is large and fights in the arena of stars. You can summon your Mimic now (if it wasn't bugged -- try to do it as Beast spawns). The Beast uses holy attacks:
• A swimming sword slash (like a giant fly-by -- roll as it swings).
• A homing constellation of golden rings (if you see a gold ring form around you, jump through it to avoid a damaging effect).
• Breath of gold fire -- get behind or far.
• A triple flame sword combo -- roll each hit.
• Most deadly: Elden Stars spell -- a tiny golden orb appears and starts chasing you, releasing a spray of projectiles over time. If you see this, sprint away and keep running -- it lasts long. Try to survive until it expires, as fighting while it's active is annoying.
• The Elden Beast's weakness: Black Knife Tiche summon works well as it dodges and does %HP damage, but if you didn't invest in that, Mimic is fine. Also, Elden Beast is weak to Bleed! Our bleed build shines here -- successive hits will chunk its health. Stay near its belly/tail -- many attacks go forward. Mount attacks when it's stationary, then when it swims away, chase with Torrent... oh wait, no Torrent here -- you must hoof it.
• Use pillars of ruined arena as cover from some projectiles if possible. Keep locking on -- sometimes camera can be an issue due to its size.
• Eventually, through persistence, you will slay the Elden Beast. Congratulations! 🎉

When Elden Beast falls, you will get 151,000 runes and a prompt to mend the Elden Ring. Do not rush -- consider which ending you want:

• Default ending (Age of Fracture/Elden Lord): Touch Fractured Marika and choose to mend the ring. You become Elden Lord in a fractured age.
• Age of Stars (Ranni's ending): Instead of touching Marika, look around for a summon sign for Ranni on the ground (it appears if you did Ranni's entire quest). Use it to summon Ranni and trigger the Age of Stars ending.
• Lord of Frenzied Flame: If you became the Lord of Frenzy (by meeting Three Fingers and not using Miquella's Needle to cure it), you will automatically get the Frenzied Flame ending when you interact with the stone -- unleashing chaos. (If you have Frenzy and want a different ending, you must have used Miquella's Needle in Placidusax's arena to nullify it before beating final boss).
• Age of Duskborn (Fia's ending): if you did Fia's quest fully and have the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince, after beating boss you can choose to use that Mending Rune to restore Death, triggering Duskborn ending.
• Blessing of Despair (Dung Eater): if you gave Dung Eater 5 Seedbed Curses for the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse, you can use that for the Blessing of Despair ending.
• Age of Order (Goldmask): if you followed Goldmask/Corhyn and got the Rune of Perfect Order, use it for the Age of Order ending.

Select whichever you want -- since this is a first playthrough speed guide, likely you'll do Age of Fracture or Age of Stars (the latter being considered a "best" ending by many). For completeness: if you got Ranni's summon sign, that's a fan-favorite ending, so consider using it.

Once you choose and see the ending cutscene, Congratulations -- you've completed Elden Ring! 🎉

Epilogue & New Game Plus

After the credits, the game will ask if you want to begin Journey 2 (NG+) or stay in your current state. You can say "No" to NG+ to be put back at the Roundtable Hold in post-game -- this lets you still roam the world, finish any missed side content, or just PVP/coop. When ready, you can enter NG+ from the Table of Lost Grace or at a Site of Grace.

Conclusion & Recap

This comprehensive walkthrough took you through Elden Ring's fastest (glitchless) route to story completion while also covering all major optional bosses and questlines. By prioritizing a bleed-focused build with high Dexterity and leveraging powerful weapons like the Bloodhound's Fang (upgraded through Smithing) and later the Rivers of Blood katana, we maintained excellent damage output and adaptability throughout the game. The guide highlighted efficient progression -- obtaining two Great Runes early (Godrick and Rennala) to access Leyndell, using key items like Margit's Shackle to ease boss fights, and minimizing backtracking by collecting medallions and quest items at opportune times.

Your character by endgame is an unstoppable force -- a testament to smart routing, optimized leveling (hitting key stat breakpoints for weapon requirements and damage), and effective use of summons and Ashes of War. From humbling Margit with an early +4 Bloodhound's Fang to conquering late-game bosses with dual-bleed power and the trusty Mimic Tear, you have risen to become Elden Lord (or perhaps something even greater...).

We hope this guide made your first journey through the Lands Between a thrilling and manageable adventure. There is still much in Elden Ring to explore -- alternate builds, secrets (did you find all the legendary armaments and sorceries?), and perhaps future DLC. But for now, enjoy the well-earned triumph of beating Elden Ring! Long may you bask in your victory, Tarnished.