Does Roundtable Hold Go Away in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether Roundtable Hold disappears in Elden Ring is a common one among players, given its vital role as a hub area. The short answer is: no, Roundtable Hold does not completely go away, but its state does change significantly throughout the game. While it remains accessible via fast travel, its appearance and atmosphere are affected by your progress, and key events drastically alter its functionality. This article will delve deep into the specifics of Roundtable Hold, its transformations, and address some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this crucial location in Elden Ring.
Understanding Roundtable Hold’s Function
Roundtable Hold is not just another location on the map; it’s a pivotal safe haven for the Tarnished. It serves as a central hub for:
- Rest and recovery: Players can rest, level up, and manage their inventory.
- NPC interactions: Several key characters reside here, offering questlines, services, and lore.
- Gear upgrades: The blacksmith Hewg allows players to enhance their weapons.
- Guidance: The Two Fingers and other NPCs provide guidance on the player’s quest.
It is important to understand that the Roundtable Hold is entirely inaccessible from anywhere in the Lands Between. You cannot physically walk, ride, or otherwise reach it through normal exploration. Access is granted exclusively through fast travel after being invited by Melina.
Transformations and Changes to Roundtable Hold
While the Roundtable Hold doesn’t vanish entirely, it undergoes significant changes as the story progresses.
The Burning of the Erdtree
The most dramatic transformation occurs after the burning of the Erdtree. The peaceful haven is engulfed in flames, reflecting the state of the Lands Between. This destruction is not just cosmetic; it signals a significant shift in the game’s narrative. Although the Roundtable Hold is on fire, the NPCs seem strangely unconcerned. Hewg, for instance, remains at his anvil despite the destruction, eventually experiencing memory loss.
Accessibility Remains Intact
Even with the burning, access to Roundtable Hold via fast travel is unaffected. You can still teleport to the “Table of Lost Grace” shrine, represented by its icon on the map, at any time (provided you’re not in combat or within a dungeon). The core functionality of the hub, such as the ability to level up and upgrade gear, is maintained, even as the setting changes around you.
NPC Interactions
While the core NPCs remain, their interactions and dialogue might change to reflect the altered environment and the broader narrative events. The lore and atmosphere of the Roundtable Hold drastically shifts, further reinforcing its importance as a setting closely tied to the fate of the Lands Between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To better understand the intricacies of Roundtable Hold, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. How do you get to Roundtable Hold initially?
You are invited to Roundtable Hold by Melina after activating a Site of Grace outside of Limgrave or the Weeping Peninsula. Sites of Grace within dungeons, caves or catacombs do not count for this invitation.
2. Can you leave Roundtable Hold by walking?
No, the only way to leave Roundtable Hold is by fast-traveling to a previously discovered Site of Grace on the world map.
3. Is Roundtable Hold located on the physical map?
No, Roundtable Hold is not accessible through exploration. It can only be reached through fast travel. It appears at the bottom-left of your map as the “Table of Lost Grace.”
4. Does the burning of Roundtable Hold mean it’s no longer useful?
No, even after the Erdtree is burned and Roundtable Hold is in flames, it remains fully functional. You can still use all its facilities, including levelling up and upgrading gear.
5. Does anything significant happen in Roundtable Hold after the Erdtree is burned?
Yes, the environment transforms significantly, and NPC dialogues might change. The atmosphere becomes more somber and reflects the state of the Lands Between.
6. Who is Ensha of the Royal Remains and why does he invade me in Roundtable Hold?
Ensha is a silent NPC in the service of Gideon Ofnir. He invades you after you retrieve the first half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, presumably to steal it for Gideon.
7. Who is the red figure I see in Roundtable Hold?
That’s the apparition of the Dung Eater. He appears in a room next to the Twin Maiden Husks after you reach Leyndell, Royal Capital.
8. Who is the silent character that stares at you in Roundtable Hold?
That would be Ensha of the Royal Remains. He never speaks and only stares at the player.
9. What happens if I let Fia hold me in Roundtable Hold?
If you accept Fia’s embrace, you receive the Baldachin’s Blessing, which temporarily boosts your Poise but also gives you a minor HP debuff until used.
10. Why isn’t Roderika in Roundtable Hold?
Roderika appears in Roundtable Hold after progressing her questline. If she’s not there, check back at Stormveil Shack to progress further.
11. Who is the cursed character in Roundtable Hold?
The cursed character is the Dung Eater. He can be found in a room near the Twin Maiden Husks, and he’ll ask for Seedbed Curses.
12. Does Roundtable Hold exist within the Erdtree?
The burning of Roundtable Hold alongside the Erdtree suggests a strong connection between the two, with the possibility that Roundtable Hold may reside within the Erdtree’s confines.
13. Why does Sir Gideon Ofnir turn against the player?
Gideon turns against you after discovering the truth about Queen Marika’s goals, which leads him to abandon the pursuit of becoming Elden Lord and try to prevent any Tarnished from doing so.
14. What triggers Melina to invite you to Roundtable Hold?
Melina invites you to the Roundtable Hold after you activate a Site of Grace outside of Limgrave or the Weeping Peninsula.
15. Should I let the Dung Eater out of his cell?
Releasing the Dung Eater progresses his questline, which is necessary for his quest completion, but it also leads to him killing another NPC, Boggart.
Conclusion
Roundtable Hold is a constant presence in Elden Ring, despite undergoing significant changes. It does not disappear; instead, it evolves in response to the player’s journey and the events shaping the Lands Between. Its importance as a central hub is never diminished, even after its fiery transformation. Understanding these changes and the lore surrounding Roundtable Hold is key to fully appreciating the depth and complexity of Elden Ring. Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has clarified any doubts about the fate of this critical location and provided a deeper insight into its purpose within the game.