How to Access the Real Roundtable Hold in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

The Roundtable Hold is a vital hub in Elden Ring, serving as a sanctuary where Tarnished can rest, upgrade their equipment, and interact with various NPCs. However, there’s some confusion surrounding the existence of two different versions of this location. This article will clearly explain how to access the main Roundtable Hold, often referred to as the “real” one, and address common questions players have about this essential area.

Unlocking the Roundtable Hold: The Key Requirements

The Roundtable Hold is not directly accessible from the start of the game. It is automatically unlocked by progression through the early game. There are two methods to trigger the initial unlock of the Roundtable Hold:

Method 1: Defeating a Main Boss

• The most common way to unlock the Roundtable Hold is by defeating Margit, the Fell Omen, who guards the entrance to Stormveil Castle. Once Margit is defeated, Melina, your maiden, will appear to transport you to the Roundtable Hold.
• Alternatively, you can access the Hold by progressing through Stormveil Castle and defeating Godrick the Grafted at the castle’s end. Upon resting at a Site of Grace after defeating Godrick, you will be invited to the Roundtable Hold by Melina.

Method 2: Reaching a Specific Region

• If you avoid engaging either of the above bosses and venture outside the starting area of Limgrave, you will eventually trigger an invitation from Melina. Upon resting at a Site of Grace outside of Limgrave, she will appear and assess your progress, deeming you worthy to access the Roundtable Hold. This method is less common but a valid alternative.

In summary, the “real” Roundtable Hold is not a secret location hidden within the Lands Between, but a location unlocked through game progression. The method depends on your play style, but access will be granted by either defeating key bosses or exploring beyond the starting area.

Why are there two Roundtable Holds?

A common point of confusion is the reference to two versions of the Roundtable Hold. Players often inquire about accessing the “original” version. The truth is, there is only one functional Roundtable Hold that players can travel to throughout the game. The “original” Roundtable Hold was located in Leyndell, the Royal Capital. It was destroyed during The Shattering. This event scattered the forces of the Lands Between and rendered the Leyndell location useless. The version players utilize is a construct, a safe haven created by Marika in a different realm mirroring the original. This explains why it can be accessed via fast travel.

Navigating the Roundtable Hold

The Roundtable Hold serves as a central hub for players. It provides access to various vital services:

• Weapon Upgrades: Blacksmith Hewg allows players to upgrade their weapons using Smithing Stones.
• Spirit Ash Upgrades: Roderika, the Spirit Tuner, upgrades Spirit Ashes.
• Merchant Services: The Twin Maiden Husks offer a wide range of items for purchase.
• NPC Interactions: Players can interact with key characters, receiving quests, lore, and other beneficial assistance.
• Safe Haven: It is a safe location, with no hostile encounters, except for a few specific invasion instances.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Roundtable Hold

1. What is the purpose of the Roundtable Hold?

The Roundtable Hold serves as a hub for players. It provides access to upgrades, merchants, and key NPCs, as well as a safe space to retreat. It’s essential for progressing through the game and learning about the lore of the Lands Between.

2. Can I be invaded in the Roundtable Hold?

Generally, no, the Roundtable Hold is designed as a safe zone. However, there is an exception. The NPC invader Mad Tongue Alberich will appear in the main area after exploring a specific part of the game. After he is defeated, invasions in this location will cease.

3. Who is the red guy in the Roundtable Hold?

The “red guy” is the Dung Eater. He appears in a newly opened room next to the Twin Maiden Husks later in the game, after reaching Leyndell. He has an essential questline, and it’s crucial to resist attacking him until he leaves the area initially.

4. Who is the hug girl in the Roundtable Hold?

The “hug girl” is Fia, the Deathbed Companion. Embracing her offers a buff (Baldachin’s Blessing) but at the cost of reduced maximum health. Her story is linked to the game’s main narrative and progression.

5. Who are the Two Fingers at Roundtable Hold?

The Two Fingers are vassals of the Greater Will, and their purpose is to select Empyrean candidates for inheriting the Elden Ring. They are also responsible for guiding the Tarnished.

6. Who is the girl in the basement of Roundtable Hold?

The girl in the room outside the library is Nepheli Loux. She is the adoptive daughter of Gideon Ofnir and a character with her own questline that overlaps with other key characters.

7. What happened to the real Roundtable Hold in Leyndell?

The original Roundtable Hold in Leyndell was destroyed during The Shattering. The version players use is a mirrored construct, allowing access to a safe haven despite the original’s destruction.

8. Why does the Roundtable Hold burn?

The Roundtable Hold burns when the Erdtree burns, signifying its connection to the Erdtree. Some theories suggest the current Hold might even exist inside the Erdtree’s essence itself.

9. How do I access the secret area in the Roundtable Hold?

There are no secret areas inside the Hold. The rooms that open are linked to story progression and the arrival of different NPCs, such as the Dung Eater’s room.

10. Is the Roundtable Hold a safe zone for all NPCs?

While the Hold is a safe area for the player, not all NPCs are safe from conflict. In particular, pursuing certain questlines will cause some NPCs to leave or go elsewhere.

11. Can I kill any of the NPCs in the Roundtable Hold?

Yes, most NPCs in the Hold can be attacked and killed. However, doing so will likely lock you out of questlines and vendor services. Killing these NPCs should only be considered once you are done with them, and are aware of any consequences.

12. Is it advisable to hug Fia in the Roundtable Hold?

The choice to embrace Fia is a personal one. The Baldachin’s Blessing provides a temporary boost to poise and physical damage but lowers your maximum health. You should consider whether this is beneficial to your build or not.

13. How do I use the weapon upgrades in Roundtable Hold?

You must find and utilize Smithing Stones in conjunction with Blacksmith Hewg to upgrade weapons in the Hold.

14. What is the importance of Dung Eater’s questline?

The Dung Eater’s questline, while dark and disturbing, provides an alternative ending to the game. Pursuing it will have significant consequences for the world.

15. Is the Roundtable Hold ever permanently destroyed?

While the Roundtable Hold burns in the late game, it is not permanently destroyed. It remains accessible, even after the Erdtree burns, allowing you to finish questlines.

The Roundtable Hold is central to your experience in Elden Ring. Understanding its purpose, inhabitants, and how to unlock it will prove critical to your journey. This guide will help you access and navigate this crucial location with confidence.