Can You Skip Loretta Haligtree in Elden Ring?
The short answer is no, you cannot directly skip Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree, if your goal is to reach Malenia, Blade of Miquella, and complete the Haligtree Legacy Dungeon in Elden Ring. Loretta serves as a mandatory boss encounter barring your progress deeper into the area. She guards the path leading further into Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, and ultimately to Malenia’s boss arena.
However, the Haligtree itself is an entirely optional area. Therefore, while you can’t skip fighting Loretta within the Haligtree if you intend to progress through it, you can skip the entire Haligtree Legacy Dungeon altogether. The entire path to reach her and the whole Haligtree branch of the game is not necessary to complete the Elden Ring main story.
Understanding the Haligtree’s Role in Elden Ring
The Haligtree and its associated areas – the Consecrated Snowfield, Ordina, Liturgical Town, and Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree – are considered late-game optional content. They house challenging enemies, valuable items, and ultimately lead to the fight against Malenia, widely considered one of the toughest bosses in the game.
The Haligtree is connected to Miquella, one of the children of Queen Marika, and a powerful Empyrean. Miquella attempted to create his own Erdtree, the Haligtree, in hopes of defying the Golden Order and creating a safe haven for the ostracized.
Why You Might Want to Skip the Haligtree
Several reasons might compel players to skip the Haligtree:
- Difficulty: The Haligtree and Elphael are notoriously difficult areas populated by powerful enemies. Many players find the enemy density and attack patterns overwhelming, especially on higher New Game cycles.
- Time Commitment: Exploring and completing the Haligtree requires a significant time investment.
- Focus on Main Story: Players primarily interested in completing the main story may choose to bypass the Haligtree to reach the final boss battles quicker.
- Specific Builds: Certain character builds might struggle more than others in the Haligtree’s environment, making it a less enjoyable experience.
How to Skip the Haligtree (Entirely)
If you decide to skip the Haligtree, here’s what you need to do:
- Complete the Main Story: Focus on completing the required bosses and areas to progress the main storyline. This includes defeating major bosses such as Rennala, Radahn, Godfrey, Morgott, and the Fire Giant, among others.
- Head to Leyndell, Royal Capital: Progress through Leyndell and defeat the necessary bosses there.
- Reach the Mountaintops of the Giants: After Leyndell, make your way to the Mountaintops of the Giants and defeat the Fire Giant.
- Proceed to Crumbling Farum Azula: After defeating the Fire Giant, you will be transported to Crumbling Farum Azula. Complete this area, defeating the main boss there.
- Continue to the Final Bosses: Following Crumbling Farum Azula, you will be able to finish the game without visiting the Haligtree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Loretta, the Haligtree, and skipping content in Elden Ring:
1. What are the rewards for defeating Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree?
Defeating Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree, rewards you with a significant amount of Runes and access to the next area, Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. You will also receive Loretta’s Mastery, a powerful Sorcery.
2. Is Malenia required to beat Elden Ring?
No, Malenia is an optional boss. You can complete the game without ever fighting her.
3. What level should I be to fight Loretta in the Haligtree?
A recommended level range for tackling Loretta is 120-150, with well-upgraded weapons (ideally +20 or higher for standard weapons, and +8 or higher for somber weapons). This ensures you have sufficient stats and damage output.
4. How do I get to the Haligtree in the first place?
You need both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. The Right half is found in the Village of the Albinaurics in Liurnia of the Lakes, given by Albus. The Left half is in Castle Sol, located in the Mountaintops of the Giants, dropped by Commander Niall. After acquiring both halves, use them at the Grand Lift of Rold to access the Consecrated Snowfield. From there, solve the puzzle in Ordina, Liturgical Town to unlock the portal to the Haligtree.
5. What are the main challenges of the Haligtree?
The Haligtree is known for its high enemy density, challenging enemy types, and complex level design. Many enemies inflict status effects like Scarlet Rot and Madness, making survival difficult.
6. Are there any alternative routes to reach Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree?
No, there are no alternative routes. Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree, guards the only entrance to Elphael.
7. What are some good strategies for defeating Loretta?
Magic builds can exploit her weakness to magic damage. Summons can provide valuable distraction. Pay attention to her attack patterns and dodge effectively. Using weapons with high stagger potential can interrupt her attacks.
8. Does skipping the Haligtree affect any of the game’s endings?
No, skipping the Haligtree does not prevent you from achieving any of the available endings in Elden Ring.
9. What valuable items can I find in the Haligtree?
The Haligtree contains numerous valuable items, including Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones, Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones, unique weapons, armor sets, talismans, and powerful spells and incantations.
10. Is it worth exploring the Haligtree even if it’s optional?
For many players, yes. The Haligtree offers a unique challenge, rewarding exploration with powerful gear and an encounter with one of the game’s most difficult bosses. It also provides significant lore related to Miquella.
11. Can I return to the Haligtree later if I skip it initially?
Yes, you can return to the Haligtree at any point before completing the game. Progress through the main story will not lock you out of accessing the area later.
12. What happens if I use a Larval Tear to respec after progressing through the Haligtree?
Respecing your character will not impact your progress in the Haligtree. You can freely reallocate your stats without losing access to areas you have already unlocked.
13. Are there any NPCs with important questlines in the Haligtree?
Yes, there are a few NPCs with minor questlines or interactions within the Haligtree, including Millicent. Completing her questline, which begins elsewhere, can impact the ending you receive and can drastically change your Haligtree playthrough.
14. How does summoning work in the Haligtree?
Summoning works the same way as in other areas of the game. You can summon other players for co-op assistance by using a Furlcalling Finger Remedy. You can also use Spirit Ashes to summon AI companions.
15. What are some common mistakes players make when exploring the Haligtree?
Common mistakes include underestimating enemy damage, neglecting to upgrade weapons and armor, failing to manage status effects, and rushing through the area without careful exploration. Take your time, learn enemy attack patterns, and be prepared for a challenging experience.
In conclusion, while you cannot bypass Loretta to progress further within the Haligtree, the entire Haligtree Legacy Dungeon itself is an optional area. You can choose to skip it entirely and still complete the game and see the end credits. Whether you decide to tackle its challenges or not depends on your preferred playstyle, build, and desire for high-difficulty content.