How to Get Past the Leyndell Door in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
The gilded gates of Leyndell, Royal Capital stand as a formidable barrier in Elden Ring, guarding the path to further progression and challenging encounters. Getting past this imposing entrance requires proving your worth and demonstrating the power to claim the title of Elden Lord. Simply put, you need to defeat at least two Shardbearers and obtain at least two Great Runes to gain access to Leyndell.
Proving Your Worth: The Great Rune Requirement
Understanding Shardbearers and Great Runes
The Lands Between are fractured, and powerful demigods, offspring of Queen Marika, hold fragments of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. These demigods, referred to as Shardbearers, are the bosses you must overcome. Examples include Godrick the Grafted and Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
Which Shardbearers Count?
While there are multiple Shardbearers, you only need to defeat two of them. Common choices include:
- Godrick the Grafted (Stormveil Castle): A relatively early-game Shardbearer, offering a manageable challenge.
- Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon (Raya Lucarian Academy): Accessible after navigating the Academy and solving its puzzles.
- Radahn, Starscourge (Caelid): A significant difficulty spike, requiring careful preparation and utilization of the NPC summons.
- Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy (Volcano Manor): Involves a unique weapon and challenging boss fight.
It’s generally recommended to defeat Godrick first, as his Great Rune is relatively straightforward to activate. Rennala is also a good early-game choice. Radahn is often tackled later due to the higher level requirements in Caelid.
Activating Your Great Runes
Once you’ve defeated a Shardbearer, you must activate their Great Rune at a specific Divine Tower. The location of the appropriate Divine Tower is typically hinted at in the description of the Great Rune itself. For example, Godrick’s Great Rune is activated at the Divine Tower of Limgrave. Activating the Great Rune provides a significant stat boost when you use a Rune Arc.
Reaching the Leyndell Door
After acquiring and activating at least two Great Runes, return to the entrance of Leyndell. The massive doors that were previously sealed should now open, allowing you to proceed into the Royal Capital. A cutscene will likely play, signifying your acceptance into the capital.
Inside Leyndell: A New Set of Challenges
Entering Leyndell marks a major turning point in Elden Ring. Be prepared for:
- New Enemy Types: Expect more challenging and diverse enemy encounters compared to earlier areas.
- Complex Level Design: Leyndell is a sprawling city with multiple layers, hidden pathways, and verticality.
- Significant Boss Fights: Powerful bosses guard the way further, testing your skills and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I only have one Great Rune?
If you only have one Great Rune, the Leyndell door will remain sealed. You need a minimum of two to progress.
2. Does it matter which two Great Runes I have?
No, the specific Great Runes do not matter, as long as you possess and have activated at least two.
3. How do I activate a Great Rune?
You must travel to the corresponding Divine Tower for each Great Rune. These towers are usually found in the region where you fought the Shardbearer.
4. Where is the Divine Tower for Godrick’s Great Rune?
The Divine Tower of Limgrave is located east of Stormveil Castle. You can reach it by backtracking through Stormveil or taking the side path after defeating Godrick, avoiding most of the castle.
5. Where is the Divine Tower for Rennala’s Great Rune?
Rennala’s Great Rune, the Great Rune of the Unborn, doesn’t need to be activated at a Divine Tower. It is automatically applied to Rennala when she is defeated allowing you to rebirth your character by changing your stats at her location in the Raya Lucarian Grand Library.
6. Can I bypass Leyndell and go somewhere else?
While there are other optional areas and dungeons, progressing through Leyndell is mandatory to reach the final boss and complete the game.
7. What level should I be before entering Leyndell?
Ideally, you should be around level 80-90 before entering Leyndell. This will provide a decent foundation for the challenges that await.
8. What are some good weapons to use in Leyndell?
Weapons that deal physical and holy damage can be effective in Leyndell. Consider weapons like the Bloodhound’s Fang, Rivers of Blood, or weapons infused with holy damage through incantations or ashes of war.
9. Is there anything to do in Leyndell before defeating the main boss?
Yes, Leyndell is filled with secrets, optional bosses, and valuable items. Explore thoroughly to uncover hidden areas and strengthen your character.
10. What is the best way to deal with the knights in Leyndell?
The knights in Leyndell are tough enemies with strong armor. Use guard counters, jump attacks, and backstabs to break their poise and deal significant damage.
11. What happens if I die in Leyndell?
If you die in Leyndell, you will respawn at the last Site of Grace you rested at, just like any other area in the game.
12. Are there any missable items in Leyndell?
Yes, there are certain items that become unobtainable after progressing too far in the story. Explore thoroughly before defeating key bosses to ensure you collect everything. After a certain point, Leyndell, Royal Capital turns into Leyndell, Ashen Capital, which locks away certain items.
13. Can I summon other players for help in Leyndell?
Yes, you can summon other players for cooperative play in Leyndell. Use Furlcalling Finger Remedies to reveal summon signs near Sites of Grace.
14. What is the significance of the Erdtree in Leyndell?
The Erdtree is the massive golden tree that dominates the Leyndell skyline. It is a symbol of the Greater Will and the source of the Elden Ring’s power. It plays a central role in the game’s lore and story.
15. What do I do after defeating the main boss of Leyndell?
After defeating the main boss of Leyndell, you’ll need to progress further along the path towards claiming the title of Elden Lord. This will involve traveling to new areas, facing new challenges, and confronting other powerful enemies. You will also receive a Great Rune, which will need to be taken to another Divine Tower for Activation.
By following these steps and understanding the mechanics of Great Runes and Shardbearers, you’ll be able to conquer the challenge of the Leyndell door and continue your journey to become the Elden Lord. Good luck, Tarnished!