How to Reach Deeproot Depths in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
The Deeproot Depths is one of the most intriguing and challenging underground areas in Elden Ring, and gaining access to it requires navigating specific questlines and overcoming formidable bosses. This article provides a detailed guide on how to reach Deeproot Depths, along with answers to frequently asked questions to ensure you’re fully equipped for this crucial part of your Elden Ring journey.
Direct Answer: How to Access Deeproot Depths
The most common and straightforward method to reach Deeproot Depths involves progressing through the Nokron, Eternal City area. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Defeat Starscourge Radahn: This boss fight is crucial to unlocking access to Nokron. Radahn is located in Caelid, and defeating him will cause a star to fall, opening the way to Nokron.
- Explore Nokron, Eternal City: Once the star falls, you’ll find a crater in Limgrave that allows you to descend into Nokron. Navigate through this area until you reach the Siofra Aqueduct.
- Conquer the Valiant Gargoyles: At the end of the Siofra Aqueduct, you will face a boss encounter against the Valiant Gargoyles. Defeating them is mandatory to progress to Deeproot Depths using this method.
- The Coffin Ride: After defeating the Valiant Gargoyles, head to the back of the arena towards the waterfall. There, you will find a coffin. Interact with this coffin to initiate a cutscene, where you’ll ride it up the waterfall and emerge in Deeproot Depths. This will place you near a Site of Grace in the Deeproot Depths.
Alternative Access Point
There is an alternative, less common route to reach the Deeproot Depths that bypasses the Valiant Gargoyles:
- Subterranean Shunning-Grounds: This area is located beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital. It is accessible through a well near the Capital Rampart site of grace
- Frenzied Flame Proscription: Progress through the Shunning-Grounds until you reach the Frenzied Flame Proscription grace.
- Hidden Passage: Search for a hidden passage near this grace. This will lead you to Deeproot Depths.
However, the route through Siofra Aqueduct and the Valiant Gargoyles is the more conventional and intended progression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Deeproot Depths
1. What Is the Significance of Deeproot Depths?
Deeproot Depths is a key underground location that plays a vital role in several questlines, including those of Fia and the Duskborn ending. It’s also home to powerful enemies and unique rewards, making it a crucial area to explore.
2. Is Deeproot Depths Hard to Navigate?
Yes, the Deeproot Depths is known for being a challenging area with powerful enemies and intricate level design. It is often considered more difficult than areas like Caelid, so be prepared for a tough experience.
3. Is Deeproot Depths an Optional Area?
Yes, Deeproot Depths is an optional area. You don’t need to visit it to complete the main storyline of Elden Ring. However, exploring it unlocks significant content and endings related to specific questlines.
4. Can I Get to Deeproot Depths Early in the Game?
Reaching Deeproot Depths early is highly unlikely. The path through Nokron is blocked by the powerful boss Starscourge Radahn and the Valiant Gargoyles, making early access difficult.
5. How Does Fia’s Quest Relate to Deeproot Depths?
Fia’s questline is significantly tied to the Deeproot Depths. She asks you to find the Cursemark of Death, which is essential for her quest progression and can only be acquired through Deeproot Depths. Progressing her quest requires you to traverse this area.
6. What Happens If I Hug Fia in Deeproot Depths?
Hugging Fia in the Deeproot Depths, like elsewhere, will give you the Baldachin’s Blessing, a consumable item that temporarily increases your poise but reduces your maximum health until you use it. This debuff is temporary and can be removed by using the blessing.
7. Should I Let Fia Hold Me in Deeproot Depths?
Yes, you should. Letting Fia hold you in the Deeproot Depths is part of her questline and provides you with the Baldachin’s Blessing. It’s necessary to advance her story and doesn’t have long-term negative consequences.
8. How Do I Start Fia’s Quest?
You can begin Fia’s quest by first interacting with her in the Roundtable Hold. She will offer to hug you. Accepting her hug and progressing through dialogues will start her questline.
9. What is the Significance of the Weathered Dagger?
Fia will give you the Weathered Dagger, and you’ll need to give it to D, Hunter of the Dead. This dagger is a crucial component in Fia’s questline. Giving it to D opens up a new room at the Roundtable Hold, furthering the story.
10. Should I Give the Twinned Armor to D’s Brother?
Giving the armor to D’s brother will cause him to wake and kill Fia later in the quest. While this allows you to access the Mending Rune of the Death Prince, it also ends Fia’s questline early. If you don’t give him the armor, Fia will remain alive through the end of the game. Whether or not to give him the armor is a matter of player choice.
11. What is the Mending Rune of the Death Prince?
The Mending Rune of the Death Prince is a key item obtained through Fia’s quest, and it allows you to choose a specific ending for Elden Ring, known as the Age of Duskborn ending. This ending is tied to Fia’s and Godwyn’s story.
12. What Happens After D Kills Fia?
After D kills Fia, you can interact with her corpse to obtain the Mending Rune of the Death Prince. After defeating Lichdragon Fortissax, you will be able to use this rune at the end of the game to unlock the special ending.
13. Can I Do Both Fia and Ranni’s Quests?
Yes, you can complete both Fia’s and Ranni’s questlines. They do not conflict and you can choose to side with Ranni at the end of the game, even after completing Fia’s quest.
14. What Are the Benefits of Exploring Deeproot Depths?
Exploring Deeproot Depths provides access to unique weapons, armor, and other items. It’s also critical for completing certain questlines, notably Fia’s, and to achieve the Age of Duskborn ending. The area is also home to many unique bosses and enemies.
15. Is the Baldachin’s Blessing Worth Using?
While the Baldachin’s Blessing comes with a slight health debuff, the buff to your poise and physical damage makes it worthwhile in challenging situations. The health reduction is also temporary, so it’s a low-risk item to use.
By following this comprehensive guide and the related FAQs, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the Deeproot Depths and unlock its secrets in Elden Ring. Remember to be prepared for a tough but rewarding experience as you explore this crucial underground location.