How to Reach the Underground Rivers in Elden Ring
The world of Elden Ring is vast and complex, with sprawling landscapes above and intricate networks of underground rivers and caverns below. Accessing these subterranean realms is crucial for unlocking new storylines, obtaining powerful items, and facing unique bosses. To get to the underground rivers, you need to discover specific entrances scattered throughout the Lands Between, each leading to distinct underground areas. No single “river” exists, but rather several large underground regions connected by waterways. Primarily, you’ll want to aim for the Siofra River and the Ainsel River, both of which offer unique experiences.
Reaching the Siofra River
The Siofra River is one of the most accessible underground areas and offers a fantastic early-to-mid-game experience. The primary route involves using the Siofra River Well, located in East Limgrave.
Finding the Siofra River Well
From the Mistwood Ruins in East Limgrave, head eastward along the cliff edge. You’ll eventually find the Siofra River Well elevator. Be cautious of the giant bears in the Mistwood area. Descend using the elevator to reach the Siofra River region. Prepare for a dramatic transition as you descend into a starlit cavern.
Accessing the Ainsel River
The Ainsel River is another significant underground area, but accessing it is generally a more involved process, often tied to progressing specific character questlines. There are two main ways to reach it:
Via the Ainsel River Well
Similar to the Siofra River, the Ainsel River has its own well. The Ainsel River Well is located in the eastern part of Liurnia of the Lakes, specifically near the Church of Vows. This area becomes accessible after significant progression in the game.
Through Renna’s Rise (Ranni’s Questline)
A more common path is through Renna’s Rise, a tower located north of the Caria Manor in Liurnia. Access to Renna’s Rise becomes available only after progressing Ranni the Witch’s questline.
- Start Ranni’s Quest: Find Ranni in Ranni’s Rise after defeating Royal Knight Loretta at Caria Manor.
- Progress Through the Quest: Follow the steps Ranni outlines, which involve speaking to her spectral advisors, finding the Nokron, Eternal City entrance (see below), and retrieving the Fingerslayer Blade.
- Gain Access to Renna’s Rise: After giving Ranni the Fingerslayer Blade, she will grant you access to Renna’s Rise.
- Use the Waygate: At the top of Renna’s Rise is a waygate that teleports you directly to a section of the Ainsel River Main area. This is the most direct and typically the first way players access this river system.
Exploring Nokron, Eternal City & the Ancestral Woods
While not direct river access points, exploring Nokron, Eternal City and the connected Ancestral Woods area is crucial. You need to access Nokron to progress Ranni’s quest, which, as stated above, leads to the Ainsel River.
Gaining Access to Nokron
- Defeat Radahn: The primary way to access Nokron is by defeating Starscourge Radahn in Caelid. Radahn’s defeat triggers a meteor strike that opens a large chasm in Limgrave.
- Find the Crater: The chasm is located south of the Mistwood Ruins in East Limgrave, roughly the same area as the Siofra River Well.
- Descend into Nokron: Carefully navigate the collapsed structures and debris inside the crater to reach Nokron. This area is not directly a river, but progression here is vital for reaching areas connected to the Ainsel River.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elden Ring’s Underground Rivers
1. What is the difference between the Siofra River and the Ainsel River?
The Siofra River is generally considered an early-to-mid-game area, accessible relatively early in the game. It features a stunning starlit environment and unique enemies. The Ainsel River, on the other hand, is often tied to later-game content and character quests, specifically Ranni’s questline. It contains more challenging enemies and important story elements.
2. Can I access both rivers early in the game?
You can access the Siofra River relatively early through the Siofra River Well in East Limgrave. Accessing the Ainsel River fully, particularly through Renna’s Rise, typically requires progressing further into the game and completing sections of Ranni’s quest. The Ainsel River Well in Liurnia is available earlier, but it is far from the main Ainsel River area.
3. What level should I be to explore the Siofra River?
The Siofra River is manageable for players around level 30-50. However, some areas and bosses may require a higher level. Focus on upgrading your weapon and leveling up your Vigor, Endurance, and primary damage stat.
4. What level should I be to explore the Ainsel River?
The Ainsel River is recommended for players around level 60-80 or higher, especially if you’re progressing through Ranni’s questline. The enemies are more challenging and the area requires more exploration and resourcefulness.
5. Do I need to defeat Radahn to access any underground river areas?
Defeating Radahn is crucial for accessing Nokron, Eternal City, which is a necessary step to progress Ranni’s quest and gain full access to the Ainsel River through Renna’s Rise. While you can access parts of the Ainsel River without defeating Radahn (via the Ainsel River Well), the primary progression is tied to his defeat.
6. What are some key items to find in the Siofra River?
The Siofra River contains several valuable items, including the Ancestral Infant’s Head, various crafting materials, and upgrade materials. It’s also home to the Spirit Ashes, which can significantly aid you in combat. Defeating the Ancestor Spirit also grants you its Remembrance, which can be traded for powerful items.
7. What are some key items to find in the Ainsel River?
The Ainsel River is home to several important quest items related to Ranni’s questline, as well as powerful weapons and spells. Keep an eye out for the Miniature Ranni Doll, which is vital for progressing her story in the Ainsel River area. You can also find potent talismans and crafting materials.
8. Are there any bosses in the underground river areas?
Yes, both the Siofra River and the Ainsel River contain unique bosses. In the Siofra River, you’ll face the Ancestor Spirit and the Regal Ancestor Spirit. In the Ainsel River, you’ll encounter various challenging enemies and bosses related to Ranni’s quest, including the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella and other formidable foes.
9. How do I navigate the dark areas of the underground rivers?
Using a torch or a lantern is crucial for navigating the dark areas of the underground rivers. Certain spells and items can also provide light. Furthermore, be observant of environmental light sources, like the glowing moss and crystals, to guide your way.
10. Can I use Torrent in the underground river areas?
No, Torrent is not available in the underground river areas. Exploration is done on foot, which encourages more cautious and deliberate navigation.
11. How do I reset the Siofra River and Ainsel River’s puzzles?
The puzzles in Siofra River involve lighting braziers to unlock the boss fight. If you are having difficulty, make sure you are using the correct weapon to light them (e.g., fire-based attacks). You cannot “reset” the puzzles once completed. The Ainsel River doesn’t have similar puzzles that can be “reset”. Progress in that area is tied to the questline.
12. Is there a “best” underground river to explore first?
The Siofra River is generally considered the better option to explore first due to its lower difficulty and accessibility. It provides a good introduction to the underground environments and their mechanics.
13. Are the underground rivers interconnected?
While the Siofra River and the Ainsel River are not directly connected by navigable waterways, they are part of the same larger underground network. Some areas within each river system may lead to dead ends or other points of interest that suggest a vast, interconnected underground world.
14. What happens if I die in the underground river areas?
Dying in the underground rivers functions the same as anywhere else in Elden Ring: you’ll respawn at the last site of grace you rested at, leaving your runes where you died. Be cautious and strategically place your rune retrieval attempts.
15. Are there any secret entrances to the underground rivers that aren’t well known?
While the main entrances are through the wells and Renna’s Rise, some less obvious paths exist through specific questlines and areas. Thorough exploration of every nook and cranny in the Lands Between might reveal other minor pathways or shortcuts, though these are often tied to specific conditions or events. Paying close attention to NPC dialogue and item descriptions can sometimes hint at these hidden routes.