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What to Do After Volcano Manor in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve conquered the trials of Volcano Manor in Elden Ring, purged the blasphemous and aided Tanith in her peculiar quest. Congratulations, Tarnished! But the Lands Between are vast and full of secrets. The natural question arises: What do you do now? The answer is multifaceted, depending on your current level, build, and completionist desires. However, in general, you should focus on progressing the main storyline, exploring the Mountaintops of the Giants, and tackling the Forbidden Lands. These areas unlock vital resources, challenging encounters, and, most importantly, bring you closer to becoming Elden Lord. This article will guide you through your next steps, ensuring you don’t miss out on crucial content and effectively navigate the challenges ahead.

Progressing the Main Storyline

Following your escapades at Volcano Manor, the primary objective remains clear: advance the main storyline. This involves heading towards the Mountaintops of the Giants. However, to reach this area, you must first complete the Leyndell, Royal Capital.

Finishing Leyndell, Royal Capital

Defeat Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Golden Shade): This challenging boss awaits within Leyndell and is a mandatory step. He’s a formidable opponent who tests your combat prowess.
Confront Morgott, the Omen King: Morgott, found guarding the Erdtree, is another major hurdle. Overcoming him is crucial for progressing further.

Once Morgott is defeated, Melina will instruct you on how to reach the Mountaintops of the Giants. This involves activating the Rold Medallion at the Grand Lift of Rold, located at the northern end of Leyndell.

Venturing into the Mountaintops of the Giants

The Mountaintops of the Giants are a vast, snow-covered region filled with formidable enemies and crucial story elements.

Explore the Area: Take your time to explore the Mountaintops. You’ll find valuable resources, including upgrade materials like Somber Smithing Stones and Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones.
Defeat the Fire Giant: This colossal boss guards the path to the Forge of the Giants. Defeating him is essential for progressing the main quest.
Reach the Forge of the Giants: After defeating the Fire Giant, you’ll be prompted by Melina to make a crucial decision at the Forge. This decision significantly impacts the game’s ending, so consider its consequences carefully.

Exploring Optional Areas and Content

While progressing the main storyline is paramount, don’t neglect the optional areas and content that Elden Ring offers.

Consecrated Snowfield and Miquella’s Haligtree

Before burning the Erdtree, consider visiting the Consecrated Snowfield, a hidden area accessible via the Haligtree Secret Medallion. This medallion is obtained in two parts: one from the Village of the Albinaurics and the other from Castle Sol. The Consecrated Snowfield leads to Miquella’s Haligtree, a challenging but rewarding area with unique bosses and items.

Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree: This boss guards the entrance to the Haligtree and requires a strategic approach.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella: Found deep within the Haligtree, Malenia is arguably the most challenging boss in Elden Ring. Defeating her rewards you with her Great Rune and a sense of immense accomplishment.

Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum

Located beneath the Consecrated Snowfield and accessible through a portal or Varre’s questline, the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum is a challenging area with unique enemies and a powerful boss.

Mohg, Lord of Blood: Mohg is a formidable opponent who uses bloodflame attacks. Defeating him grants you his Great Rune and access to valuable items.

Cleaning up Volcano Manor Quests and Unexplored Dungeons

Review your Volcano Manor quest log and ensure you’ve completed all available assassination contracts. Also, revisit any unexplored dungeons or areas within Volcano Manor and its surroundings to uncover hidden treasures and secrets.

Preparing for the Endgame

As you approach the endgame, it’s crucial to prepare your character for the challenges ahead.

Leveling Up and Upgrading Equipment

Focus on Key Stats: Based on your build, focus on leveling up your primary stats, such as Vigor, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane.
Upgrade Your Weapons: Utilize Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade your preferred weapons to their maximum potential.
Enhance Your Armor: While armor doesn’t provide as significant a defensive boost as weapon upgrades, consider upgrading your armor to improve your survivability.

Collecting Talismans and Spells

Gather Essential Talismans: Acquire powerful talismans that enhance your character’s abilities, such as the Erdtree’s Favor, Green Turtle Talisman, and Radagon’s Soreseal/Scarseal.
Collect Powerful Spells and Incantations: If you’re a magic-based character, collect powerful spells and incantations that can aid you in combat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) After Volcano Manor

1. Is it necessary to complete all Volcano Manor assassinations?

While not mandatory for completing the main story, completing all assassinations rewards you with unique items and advances the Volcano Manor storyline. It’s recommended for completionists and those seeking specific gear.

2. What level should I be before entering the Mountaintops of the Giants?

Ideally, you should be around level 80-100 before venturing into the Mountaintops of the Giants. The enemies there are significantly stronger than those in previous areas.

3. Where do I find Somber Smithing Stone [7] after Volcano Manor?

Several Somber Smithing Stone [7] locations exist. They can be found in Mountaintops of the Giants and through some optional areas such as Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum. Check detailed guides for specific locations.

4. How do I access the Consecrated Snowfield?

You need to collect both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. One half is in the Village of the Albinaurics, and the other is in Castle Sol. Once you have both, use the Grand Lift of Rold and select the “Switch Action” option to use the medallion.

5. What is the best weapon to use in the Mountaintops of the Giants?

The best weapon depends on your build. However, weapons that deal Frostbite or Fire damage are effective against many enemies in the area. Weapons with good range can be very effective, as well as high stagger damage.

6. What are the consequences of burning the Erdtree?

Burning the Erdtree triggers a significant change in the game world and locks you into a specific ending path. Be sure you’ve explored everything you want to before proceeding. It also impacts some NPC questlines.

7. Can I return to Volcano Manor after completing it?

Yes, you can return to Volcano Manor at any time to explore, complete unfinished quests, or fight any remaining enemies.

8. Where can I find Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones after Volcano Manor?

Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are rare upgrade materials found in various locations throughout the late-game areas. One is located at Mohgwyn Palace and several can be obtained after burning the Erdtree.

9. How do I defeat the Fire Giant?

The Fire Giant is weak to Frostbite and Bleed. Target his ankles in the first phase and the eye on his leg in the second phase. Using Torrent is highly recommended for mobility.

10. Is Malenia, Blade of Miquella, a mandatory boss?

No, Malenia is an optional boss. However, she offers a significant challenge and rewards those who defeat her with her Great Rune and a sense of immense satisfaction.

11. What Great Rune should I use after defeating Mohg?

Mohg’s Great Rune is powerful for online play as it heals summoned allies when the Lord of Blood uses a flask. However, it also boosts invader’s power. If you play mostly offline, other Great Runes may be more beneficial.

12. What are the best talismans to use in the Mountaintops of the Giants?

Essential talismans include the Erdtree’s Favor (for increased HP, stamina, and equip load), Green Turtle Talisman (for faster stamina recovery), and talismans that boost your damage output, such as Shard of Alexander or Ritual Sword Talisman.

13. How do I trigger different endings in Elden Ring?

Different endings are triggered by completing specific NPC questlines and making certain choices throughout the game. Research the requirements for each ending carefully.

14. What should I do if I’m struggling with the enemies in the Mountaintops of the Giants?

If you’re struggling, consider leveling up further, upgrading your equipment, summoning spirits for assistance, or revisiting earlier areas to collect more powerful gear.

15. After beating the main story can I still finish side quests that were locked before?

Yes, after beating the main story and choosing to start New Game Plus, you can go back and finish previous side quests you did not complete. Some, however, might not be completable in that save file, depending on the choices you made during your first playthrough.

By following this guide and answering these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges that await you after Volcano Manor and progress towards becoming Elden Lord. Good luck, Tarnished!

What to do after Volcano Manor?