How to Open Secret Walls in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

The Lands Between, the vast and treacherous world of Elden Ring, is filled with secrets, hidden passages, and tantalizing loot. Among the most common (and frustrating) discoveries are the illusory walls, or secret walls, that conceal valuable items, shortcuts, and even entire hidden areas. But how do you actually open these deceptive barriers? The answer is simpler than you might think: hit them. Yes, that’s right, most secret walls in Elden Ring are opened by simply attacking them with a weapon or rolling into them. There are, however, a few exceptions and nuances worth knowing to maximize your exploration and unearth every hidden treasure.

The Key to Unlocking Elden Ring’s Hidden Depths

While the method is straightforward, the challenge lies in identifying which walls are actually illusory. There’s no magical spell or obvious visual cue most of the time. You’ll need to rely on observation, experimentation, and sometimes, sheer luck. Let’s delve into the specifics of how to reliably discover and open these secret passages.

The Universal Method: Physical Attacks

As mentioned, the primary way to reveal a secret wall is to attack it. Any weapon will do: swords, axes, hammers, even your bare fists. The key is to repeatedly strike the wall you suspect is illusory. Generally, one or two hits are enough. If the wall disappears, congratulations! You’ve uncovered a hidden path.

Rolling is another viable method. If you prefer a more evasive approach, try rolling directly into a suspicious-looking wall. This can be especially useful if you’re conserving FP or want to avoid accidentally aggroing nearby enemies while testing a wall.

Subtle Clues and Environmental Cues

While there isn’t a guaranteed method, some clues can suggest the presence of a secret wall:

• Repetitive Architecture: Pay close attention to repetitive patterns in dungeon layouts. If you notice a dead end that mirrors a passage you just went through, there’s a chance the dead end is actually illusory.
• Suspicious Alcoves: Empty alcoves or corners that seem out of place within the overall architecture could be hiding something.
• Enemy Placement: Sometimes, enemies are strategically placed near secret walls to obscure them or to surprise unsuspecting players. Be wary of unusually positioned foes.
• Messages from Other Players: While not always reliable, player messages can often point out the location of secret walls. Look for messages near suspicious walls and read them carefully. Note that these messages can also be trolling you, so take them with a grain of salt.
• Unusual Sounds: While rare, sometimes hitting a secret wall produces a slightly different sound effect than hitting a normal wall. Listen carefully as you test potential candidates.
• Lack of Cobwebs: Sometimes, a wall will appear cleaner or less dusty than the surrounding walls, indicating it might be used more than one thinks.

The Exception: Illusory Walls Requiring Interaction

While most secret walls are opened by attacking or rolling, a very small number require a different method: interaction. These are often found in specific locations, usually involving statues or other interactive objects. Typically, you’ll need to press the interact button (usually Triangle on PlayStation or Y on Xbox) while facing the wall to reveal the hidden passage. Keep an eye out for prompts when approaching suspicious walls, as they may indicate an interactive element.

Remembering Hidden Walls

Once you discover a secret wall, it remains open for the rest of your playthrough. You don’t need to re-attack it each time you pass by. This makes mapping and revisiting previously discovered secrets much easier. Consider marking their locations on your map with custom markers to help you remember where they are.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Secret Walls in Elden Ring

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of secret walls in Elden Ring:

1. Are all dead ends in dungeons secret walls?

No, not all dead ends are secret walls. While a dead end might be suspicious, it’s essential to test the wall by attacking or rolling to confirm if it’s illusory.

2. Can summons open secret walls?

No, summons cannot directly open secret walls. Only the player can reveal them.

3. Do certain weapons reveal secret walls more easily?

No, the type of weapon doesn’t matter. Any weapon will work as long as you physically attack the wall.

4. Is there a spell that reveals secret walls?

No, there is no spell in Elden Ring that automatically reveals secret walls. The primary method remains physical attacks or rolling.

5. Do stats affect my ability to open secret walls?

No, your stats do not affect your ability to open secret walls. This mechanic is purely based on physical interaction with the environment.

6. Do buffs or talismans increase my chances of finding secret walls?

No, there are no buffs or talismans that increase your chances of finding or opening secret walls. It all depends on the player physically hitting or rolling at the secret wall.

7. Are secret walls in every dungeon?

Not every dungeon contains secret walls, but many do. It’s always worth exploring thoroughly and testing suspicious areas.

8. Can secret walls lead to boss fights?

Yes, some secret walls can lead to optional boss fights. These fights often reward you with valuable items or spells.

9. Do secret walls respawn?

No, once a secret wall is opened, it remains open permanently for the rest of your playthrough. They do not respawn upon resting at a Site of Grace.

10. What is the rarest item hidden behind a secret wall?

The items hidden behind secret walls vary greatly in rarity. Some contain common consumables, while others hide powerful weapons, armor, or talismans.

11. Can other players see me open a secret wall in multiplayer?

Yes, if you are playing cooperatively with other players, they will see you open a secret wall.

12. Are there any secret walls in the open world?

While less common, secret walls can exist in the open world, often integrated into cliffsides or ruins.

13. How many hits does it usually take to open a secret wall?

Typically, one or two hits are sufficient to reveal a secret wall. If it doesn’t open after a few strikes, the wall is likely not illusory.

14. Are there any secret walls that require more than hitting or rolling?

Yes, as mentioned earlier, a small number of secret walls require interaction, such as pressing a button near a statue.

15. How do I mark secret walls I have discovered on my map?

You can use the custom map markers to mark the locations of discovered secret walls. This will help you remember where they are for future reference.

By mastering the art of identifying and opening secret walls, you’ll unlock a deeper level of exploration and discover the many hidden treasures that Elden Ring has to offer. So, grab your weapon, roll strategically, and prepare to uncover the secrets hidden within the deceptive walls of the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished!