Does Going to Altus Plateau Trigger Radahn in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: yes, activating a Site of Grace in Altus Plateau can trigger the Radahn Festival, but it’s not the only way. Reaching Altus Plateau is a common trigger, but there are alternative paths, and understanding the nuances is crucial for managing questlines and boss encounters in Elden Ring. Let’s delve into the details to ensure you’re well-prepared for your journey in the Lands Between!
Understanding the Radahn Festival Trigger
The Radahn Festival, a pivotal event leading to the boss fight against Starscourge Radahn, is initiated by satisfying one of several conditions. It’s more of a quest progression marker than a strict location trigger. The key to understanding the festival is recognizing that it’s linked to advancing the game’s narrative and opening up new possibilities.
The most common trigger is indeed activating a Site of Grace within Altus Plateau. This signals to the game that you’ve progressed far enough to warrant the festival’s commencement. However, it’s not just about being in Altus Plateau. It must be a Site of Grace within the region itself. Sites of Grace in Volcano Manor (accessed through other means) do not trigger the festival until you’ve actually reached Altus Plateau.
Another method of triggering the festival involves advancing Ranni’s questline. Progressing far enough in her quest can initiate the festival, even if you haven’t yet set foot in Altus Plateau. This provides an alternate route for players focused on specific storylines.
Finally, you can trigger the festival by reaching Altus Plateau through the Raya Lucaria teleport, by defeating either the Abductor Virgins or Rykard.
Once the festival is triggered, the Impassable Greatbridge Site of Grace near Redmane Castle becomes active, allowing you to access the Radahn boss fight.
Considerations Before Triggering the Festival
Before rushing to Altus Plateau or triggering the Radahn Festival prematurely, consider the potential implications for other quests. Several quests can be affected, and it is important to know what they are.
- Ranni’s Questline: Some questlines become inaccessible or altered if you defeat Radahn before completing certain steps in Ranni’s quest. For example, Blaidd may disappear entirely if you do not begin Ranni’s quest before defeating Radahn. Ensure you’ve made sufficient progress with Ranni and other related characters before facing the Starscourge.
- NPC Interactions: Triggering the festival alters the state of Redmane Castle, impacting the availability and dialogue of certain NPCs.
- Game Progression: Radahn’s defeat unlocks access to Nokron, Eternal City, a critical area for story progression and powerful item acquisition. Be prepared to explore this new region once you overcome Radahn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Radahn and Altus Plateau
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Altus Plateau, the Radahn Festival, and related aspects of Elden Ring.
1. What exactly is the Radahn Festival?
The Radahn Festival is an in-game event culminating in a grand battle against the demigod Starscourge Radahn. It involves multiple NPCs and significantly alters the state of Redmane Castle.
2. How do I get to Altus Plateau?
There are two main routes: The Grand Lift of Dectus (requiring the Dectus Medallion halves) or traversing the Ruin-Strewn Precipice dungeon. The Precipice is generally considered more challenging. You can also be teleported to Altus by the Abductor Virgins below Raya Lucaria Academy, who can then be killed to trigger the festival without using the other paths.
3. Can I reach Altus Plateau too early?
While technically possible, reaching Altus Plateau significantly underleveled will make progression extremely difficult. It’s generally recommended to be around level 60-70 before venturing into the region.
4. What level should I be to fight Radahn?
The recommended level for facing Radahn is between 50 and 60, with a weapon upgraded to at least +8. While skilled players can defeat him at lower levels, it will require significantly more effort.
5. Does killing Radahn lock me out of anything?
Potentially. If you defeat Radahn before progressing certain quests, particularly Ranni’s questline, some quest steps or NPC interactions may become unavailable.
6. How do I start Ranni’s questline?
Begin by speaking to Ranni at Ranni’s Rise in the Three Sisters area, located behind Caria Manor. Complete Caria Manor first.
7. Where is Blaidd after defeating Radahn?
After defeating Radahn, you can initially find Blaidd at the Forlorn Hound Evergaol, where you first fought Darriwil. His final location is outside Ranni’s Rise after completing Ranni’s questline.
8. What are Radahn’s weaknesses?
Radahn is particularly vulnerable to Scarlet Rot. Inflicting this status effect will significantly deplete his health. He is also weak to physical damage, especially when delivered to his head.
9. Is Radahn optional?
While not strictly required to reach the ending of the game, defeating Radahn unlocks access to Nokron, Eternal City, which is essential for completing several questlines and obtaining powerful items.
10. What should I do after reaching Altus Plateau?
There are several areas to explore: Leyndell, Royal Capital (the main legacy dungeon), Volcano Manor (another large legacy dungeon), and numerous smaller areas and side quests.
11. Is Altus Plateau harder than Caelid?
Altus Plateau generally presents a similar level of challenge to Caelid. Both regions contain difficult enemies and demanding environments.
12. What are some tips for fighting Radahn?
Utilize the numerous summoning signs available in the arena. Focus on dodging his attacks and striking opportunistically. Consider using ranged attacks or spells. Take advantage of the environment to create distance.
13. What is the Grand Lift of Dectus, and how do I use it?
The Grand Lift of Dectus is a massive lift connecting Liurnia of the Lakes to Altus Plateau. To activate it, you need both halves of the Dectus Medallion, found in Fort Haight (east of Limgrave) and Fort Faroth (in Caelid).
14. Are there missable quests in Elden Ring related to Altus Plateau?
Yes. As mentioned before, progressing too far without completing certain quests or talking to specific NPCs can render those quests unavailable or incomplete. Be sure to explore thoroughly before progressing to new areas.
15. Is Radahn related to Ranni?
Yes. Radahn and Ranni are siblings. They are both children of Radagon and Queen Rennala. Their complex family relationships play a significant role in the game’s lore.
Mastering Elden Ring’s Nuances
Elden Ring’s intricate world and interconnected questlines demand careful planning and exploration. Understanding the triggers for major events like the Radahn Festival is crucial for navigating the game effectively and maximizing your experience.
By being aware of the various conditions that initiate the festival and the potential consequences of doing so, you can make informed decisions about your path through the Lands Between and ensure that you don’t miss out on important content.
Remember to experiment, explore, and consult resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for further insights into the complex mechanics and lore of Elden Ring. The Games Learning Society offers valuable perspectives on the educational and cultural significance of games. Happy adventuring, Tarnished!