How to Get into Volcano Manor Without an Invitation in Elden Ring

The answer to how to get into Volcano Manor without an invitation in Elden Ring is through a secret path located in Liurnia of the Lakes. This path bypasses the traditional invitation method given by Rya, a seemingly lost woman you encounter first near the Telescope in Liurnia. Climbing this treacherous route is a challenging but rewarding alternative for players eager to access the manor and its associated content early.

Bypassing the Invitation: The Secret Route

While obtaining the invitation through Rya is the intended method of entry, the Lands Between are filled with secrets and alternative pathways. This secret route involves navigating a series of perilous areas and utilizing skillful platforming to ascend to Volcano Manor. Let’s break down the steps:

Reaching the Starting Point

1. Head to Liurnia of the Lakes: Ensure you’ve progressed far enough to access the Liurnia region. You can reach it by defeating Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle and proceeding through the Lake-Facing Cliffs.
2. Locate the Ruined Labyrinth: Travel towards the northwest portion of Liurnia, specifically towards the region west of the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Look for a landmark called the Ruined Labyrinth. This area is easily identifiable on the map.
3. Find the Iron Virgin/Abductor: Within the Ruined Labyrinth, you’ll find a large, iron golem-like enemy known as the Iron Virgin or Abductor. There are two of them, but either will work. Let the Iron Virgin grab and “consume” you. This is crucial.

The Abductor’s Kidnapping

1. Allow yourself to be killed by the Iron Virgin’s grab attack. This initiates a unique transport sequence. Don’t just let it attack you normally; it has to grab and close its jaws around you.
2. Teleportation to Volcano Manor’s Subterranean Inquisition Chamber: Upon death by the Abductor’s grab attack, you will be teleported to a previously inaccessible area located underneath Volcano Manor, known as the Subterranean Inquisition Chamber. This is the starting point of your ascent.

Ascending to Volcano Manor

1. Navigate the Subterranean Inquisition Chamber: This chamber is a challenging dungeon filled with enemies, including Abductor Virgins and other grotesque creatures. You’ll need to fight your way through. Prepare for tight corridors, ambushes, and potential poison hazards.
2. Defeat the Abductor Virgins: The dungeon culminates in a boss fight against two Abductor Virgins. They share health, so focusing on one at a time is often the best strategy. They are resistant to physical damage, so consider using magic or elemental weapons.
3. Traverse the Lava Flows: After defeating the boss, the path forward leads into a lava-filled area. Be mindful of your health and utilize any fire resistance items you may have. Use the rocky platforms and ledges to carefully traverse the lava flows, avoiding prolonged exposure.
4. Scale the Cliffs and Caves: Following the lava flows, you’ll encounter a series of cliffs and caves. This section requires precise jumping and platforming skills. Look for spirit springs that can propel you upwards to higher areas. Watch out for enemies that can knock you off the cliffs.
5. Reach the Prison Town Church: After a series of challenging platforming sections, you’ll eventually reach the Prison Town Church Site of Grace. This is a welcome checkpoint and signifies you’re nearing Volcano Manor.
6. Final Ascent: From the Prison Town Church, continue ascending, following the winding paths and ledges. You’ll encounter more enemies and challenging platforming sections.
7. Enter Volcano Manor from the Back: Eventually, your ascent will lead you to an entrance at the rear of Volcano Manor, allowing you to bypass the main gate and the invitation process. You will arrive in a room relatively close to the manor’s main areas.

Why Bother Bypassing the Invitation?

While the invitation method is straightforward, bypassing it offers several advantages:

• Early Access: Gain access to Volcano Manor and its associated quests and rewards earlier in the game.
• Challenge: Experience a more difficult and rewarding path, testing your platforming and combat skills.
• Unconventional Exploration: Discover hidden areas and secrets that you might miss by following the intended route.
• Rya’s Questline Alteration: Bypassing her invitation changes the narrative slightly, offering unique dialogue options and potentially impacting the ending of her quest.

FAQs: Understanding Volcano Manor Entry

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity and assistance:

1. What level should I be to attempt this route?

It’s recommended to be at least level 50-60 before attempting the secret route to Volcano Manor. The enemies are challenging, and the platforming sections require good health and stamina.

2. What weapons and gear are recommended for the Subterranean Inquisition Chamber?

Weapons that deal magic or elemental damage are effective against the Abductor Virgins. A weapon with good range is helpful for dealing with enemies in tight corridors. For armor, prioritize physical defense and fire resistance.

3. Are there any specific items that are essential for this route?

• Flasks of Crimson Tears: Essential for healing.
• Flasks of Cerulean Tears: If you rely on magic, these are crucial.
• Fire Resistance Talisman/Armor: Reduces the damage taken from lava.
• Throwing Knives/Darts: Useful for luring enemies or triggering traps from a distance.

4. Can I get the invitation later even if I bypass it?

Yes, even if you enter Volcano Manor through the secret route, you can still find Rya and accept her invitation later. This will not prevent you from completing her questline.

5. What happens if I die during the ascent?

You will respawn at the last Site of Grace you rested at. This is why it’s important to activate the Prison Town Church Site of Grace as soon as you reach it.

6. Are there any merchants or vendors in the Subterranean Inquisition Chamber?

No, there are no merchants or vendors in this area. Make sure to stock up on supplies before entering.

7. Are there any unique items or equipment to find in the Subterranean Inquisition Chamber?

Yes, there are some items to be found, including upgrade materials, consumables, and potentially a weapon or armor piece. Explore thoroughly.

8. What is the best strategy for the Abductor Virgin boss fight?

Focus on dodging their grab attacks. They share a health bar, so focusing your attacks on one at a time is usually the most efficient strategy. Use magic or elemental weapons to exploit their weaknesses.

9. Is this the only way to access Volcano Manor early?

Yes, this is the only known method of accessing Volcano Manor before receiving the official invitation from Rya.

10. Does bypassing the invitation affect any other quests or storylines?

It primarily affects Rya’s questline, potentially opening up different dialogue options and altering the ending slightly. It generally does not affect other unrelated questlines.

11. What happens after I enter Volcano Manor through the secret path?

You can freely explore the manor, interact with its inhabitants, and accept assassination contracts from Tanith, the head of Volcano Manor.

12. Is this method considered a glitch or exploit?

While it bypasses the intended method of entry, it utilizes in-game mechanics (the Iron Virgin’s teleportation and the open-world exploration), making it more of an unintended alternative path rather than a glitch or exploit.

13. Will this method be patched out in future updates?

There’s no guarantee, but it’s been available since the game’s release and hasn’t been removed. FromSoftware often leaves these kinds of alternative routes in the game for players to discover.

14. How long does it take to complete the secret route?

The time it takes depends on your skill level and familiarity with the game. It can range from 1-3 hours depending on your exploration and combat prowess.

15. Is it worth it to bypass the invitation?

Ultimately, it depends on your playstyle. If you enjoy a challenge, want early access to Volcano Manor content, or want to experience a unique and unconventional route, then it is definitely worth it. If you prefer a more straightforward and less risky path, then sticking to the invitation method is recommended.