Reaching New Heights: A Tarnished’s Guide to the Altus Plateau Without Boss Battles
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Altus Plateau, a breathtaking vista and pivotal region in Elden Ring, beckons many a Tarnished. While the most common routes involve conflict, clever players can ascend to this elevated land without spilling boss blood. The primary method to achieve this is through the Grand Lift of Dectus, which requires both halves of the Dectus Medallion. Collecting these medallion pieces, one located in Fort Haight in Limgrave and the other in Fort Faroth in Caelid, doesn’t necessitate defeating any major bosses. Once reunited, the medallion grants access to the lift, transporting you directly to Altus Plateau without a single boss encounter.
Unlocking the Altus Plateau: A Boss-Free Journey
Let’s break down the process step-by-step:
-
Gather the Dectus Medallion (Left): Head to Fort Haight, situated in the eastern part of Limgrave. Navigate through the fort, defeating the regular enemies within (soldiers and a knight), and climb to the top of the tower. You’ll find the left half of the Dectus Medallion in a chest at the summit. No boss stands in your way.
-
Acquire the Dectus Medallion (Right): Your next destination is Fort Faroth in Caelid. This fort is notorious for its rot-inducing enemies and bats, but you can often sprint through most of it. The right half of the Dectus Medallion is located in a chest inside the fort. Again, you don’t need to defeat any bosses. Exercise caution, as dragons may roam near the fort, but engaging them is optional.
-
Ascend the Grand Lift of Dectus: With both medallion halves in your possession, travel to the base of the Grand Lift of Dectus in Liurnia of the Lakes, north of Raya Lucaria Academy. Approach the two statues flanking the lift platform, and you’ll be prompted to “Present Medallion.” Activating the lift will trigger a cinematic and transport you to the Altus Plateau.
This method provides the most straightforward and boss-free route to the Altus Plateau. While other methods exist, they typically involve boss fights or more complex procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide more clarity and context:
Is there a “secret” way to reach Altus Plateau?
Yes, there is a less conventional route. Getting swallowed by the Abductor Virgin at the bottom of the water wheel in Raya Lucaria Academy will teleport you to an area within Volcano Manor. After a challenging area featuring Abductor Virgin bosses, you can reach the Altus Plateau. However, this method involves boss fights, contradicting our boss-free goal.
Can I teleport directly to Altus Plateau?
Not initially. Once you’ve reached Altus Plateau, you’ll discover teleporters within the region that allow for fast travel. One such teleporter is located near the Forest-Spanning Greatbridge.
Is Altus Plateau considered a late-game area?
Yes, the Altus Plateau is generally considered a mid-to-late game area. You typically access it after exploring areas like Limgrave, Liurnia of the Lakes, and possibly Caelid.
Why can’t I activate the Grand Lift of Dectus?
The lift requires the complete Dectus Medallion. Ensure you have both the left and right halves. Without both, the lift will remain inactive.
Does reaching Altus Plateau impact any quests?
Potentially, yes. Progressing to certain areas can influence questlines. For example, accessing Altus Plateau might skip certain parts of Ranni’s questline, but this often has remedies such as killing Radahn. Always be mindful of your quest progress and consult a guide if you’re concerned about missing content.
How do I find the maps for Altus Plateau?
The Altus Plateau Map Fragment is located along one of the main roads leading north from the southern Capital Entrance. It’s a relatively straightforward find, patrolled by a few enemies.
Is there a secret tunnel to Altus Plateau?
Yes, there’s a hidden route that bypasses the Grand Lift of Dectus. This involves venturing through a difficult dungeon, Ruin-Strewn Precipice, which involves significant combat. For a boss-free approach, stick to the lift.
Is Altus Plateau more difficult than Caelid?
Difficulty is subjective, but many players find Altus Plateau to be less challenging than Caelid overall, although certain areas like Volcano Manor can be quite tough.
What missable quests are related to not visiting Altus Plateau?
While reaching Altus Plateau itself doesn’t directly make a quest missable, delaying your arrival may alter the order in which you encounter certain NPCs, and potentially lock you out of content due to other actions. Nepheli Loux’s quest, which starts in Limgrave, will progress regardless of your travels to Altus.
What are some notable creatures in Altus Plateau?
The Altus Plateau is home to various creatures, including the Fallingstar Beast, a challenging boss that appears in a crater in the southeastern part of the region. However, you are not required to fight this boss.
What do I do with the Dectus Medallion after reaching Altus Plateau?
The Dectus Medallion remains in your inventory, ready to activate the lift again if you need to travel back to Liurnia of the Lakes.
How many Sacred Tears are in Altus Plateau?
There are two Sacred Tears to be found in the Altus Plateau, located in Churches. These are essential for upgrading your Sacred Flask.
How many Golden Seeds are in Altus Plateau?
There are eight Golden Seeds in the Altus Plateau and the outskirts of Leyndell, Royal Capital, scattered across various locations. These are used to increase the number of Flasks you can carry.
Should I join Volcano Manor as soon as I reach Altus Plateau?
The decision to join Volcano Manor is a personal one. Joining unlocks several quests and grants access to Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. However, these quests often involve questionable actions. There are no known negative consequences for joining, though it’s up to you to decide if those questlines align with your character.
This comprehensive guide ensures you can reach the Altus Plateau in Elden Ring without confronting a single boss. By carefully collecting the Dectus Medallion halves and utilizing the Grand Lift of Dectus, you can ascend to new heights and continue your journey through the Lands Between. Understanding the intricacies of the game’s world and mechanics can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, which is something we champion at the GamesLearningSociety.org. We hope that this guide has helped you on your quest!