Unlocking the Secrets of North Altus Plateau in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the northern reaches of the Altus Plateau in Elden Ring isn’t a matter of simply flipping a switch. It’s a journey intertwined with exploration, key items, and a little bit of combat prowess. While the initial ascent to the Altus Plateau provides access to a significant portion of the region, venturing further north requires specific actions. Essentially, reaching the true north of the Altus Plateau involves progressing toward the capital city of Leyndell and exploring the surrounding areas. This often means following the main road northward, dealing with the challenges it presents, and gaining access to the Outer Wall Battleground and eventually, the capital itself. The northern areas are accessible as you follow the main quest and the roads leading towards Leyndell, Royal Capital.

Navigating the Northern Altus Plateau: A Detailed Walkthrough

Once you’ve made it to the Altus Plateau, whether by the Grand Lift of Dectus or the Raya Lucaria Abductor Virgin route, your immediate goal should be to explore the immediate vicinity and secure Sites of Grace. This establishes your presence and provides crucial respawn points. However, to truly unlock the northern parts, consider these steps:

1. Follow the Main Road: The primary path to the north is the main road leading from the Grand Lift of Dectus area. This road winds through the plateau and towards Leyndell, Royal Capital. Be prepared for encounters with enemies and environmental hazards.
2. Explore Minor Dungeons and Points of Interest: Deviate from the main road to discover minor dungeons, ruins, and other points of interest. These locations often contain valuable items, upgrades, and lore that will aid your progress. The Altus Tunnel, for example, is a mine containing valuable resources.
3. Navigate the Outer Wall Battleground: As you approach Leyndell, you’ll encounter the Outer Wall Battleground. This is a heavily guarded area with formidable enemies and siege weaponry. Proceed with caution and utilize stealth or strategic combat to overcome the challenges.
4. Gain Access to Leyndell, Royal Capital: Conquering the Outer Wall Battleground will eventually grant you access to Leyndell, Royal Capital. This marks a significant progression point and unlocks the true northern area of the Altus Plateau.
5. Engage with NPCs and Quests: Pay attention to any NPCs you encounter along the way and engage with their quests. Certain quests might provide you with essential information or items that facilitate your journey northward.
6. Collect Map Fragments: Finding map fragments significantly eases navigation. The Altus Plateau Map Fragment can be found along one of its main roads after breaking off North from the road leading to the southern Capital Entrance.

Essential Tips for Conquering the North

• Level Up: Ensure your character is appropriately leveled and equipped for the challenges ahead. The Altus Plateau is considered a late-game area, so you should be prepared for tough encounters. A recommended level range is generally 60-80.
• Upgrade Weapons: Regularly upgrade your weapons and armor to maximize your damage output and survivability. Smithing Stones and other upgrade materials can be found throughout the region.
• Utilize Spirit Ashes: Spirit Ashes can provide valuable assistance in combat, acting as distractions or dealing additional damage. Experiment with different ashes to find the ones that best suit your playstyle.
• Be Observant: Pay close attention to your surroundings, as there are often hidden paths, secrets, and ambushes waiting to be discovered.
• Embrace Exploration: Elden Ring rewards exploration, so don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and uncover the hidden treasures and challenges of the Altus Plateau.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Altus Plateau

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the Altus Plateau and its northern reaches more effectively:

1. How do I get to the Altus Plateau if I don’t have the Dectus Medallion?

   You can reach the Altus Plateau without the Dectus Medallion by being intentionally swallowed and killed by the Abductor Virgin at the bottom of the Raya Lucaria waterwheel. This transports you to an area within the Volcano Manor, from which you can access the Altus Plateau after defeating the Abductor Virgins boss fight.

2. What level should I be before entering the Altus Plateau?

   It’s generally recommended to be around level 60-80 before venturing into the Altus Plateau. This will ensure you have the stats and equipment necessary to handle the challenges the area presents.

3. Where can I find the Dectus Medallion halves?

   The Left Dectus Medallion is located at Fort Haight in Mistwood after defeating an elite knight in a battle arena. The Right Dectus Medallion can be found in Fort Faroth in Caelid.

4. Can I skip Stormveil Castle to reach the Altus Plateau faster?

   Yes, you can skip Stormveil Castle by using the collapsed bridge on the right side of the castle to reach the cliffside and proceed to Liurnia. From there, make your way to Glintstone Dragon Smarag to obtain the key to the academy without fighting him.

5. What is the secret path in Altus Plateau?

   The secret path is the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, an ancient tunnel that can be used to get to the Altus Plateau, bypassing the Grand Lift of Dectus. The ghost near the entrance to the lift will tell you about it.

6. What should I do first when I arrive at the Altus Plateau?

   Your first priority should be to secure Sites of Grace in the area. After that, follow the road leading to Leyndell, Royal Capital.

7. Are there any Golden Seeds in the Altus Plateau?

   Yes, there are several Golden Seeds located throughout the Altus Plateau. They can be found near the Altus Highway Junction, Minor Erdtree, Highway Lookout Tower, Outer Wall Phantom Tree, Ulcerated Tree Spirit, and near a Finger Reader.

8. Where can I find the Altus Plateau map fragments?

   The Altus Plateau Map Fragment is located along one of its main roads after breaking off North from the road leading to the southern Capital Entrance.

9. What is the maximum level in Elden Ring?

   The maximum level in Elden Ring is 713.

10. Is the Altus Plateau a late-game area?

    Yes, the Altus Plateau is considered a late-game area, accessible after progressing significantly through the game.

11. Does going to Altus Plateau ruin any quests?

    Advancing to the Altus Plateau can affect certain quests, particularly Ranni’s questline. It’s advisable to complete certain quest stages before progressing to the plateau.

12. What medallion do I need for Altus Plateau?

    You need the Right and Left halves of the Dectus Medallion to activate the Grand Lift of Dectus, connecting Liurnia to the Altus Plateau.

13. Should I beat Radahn before going to the Altus Plateau?

    While not strictly required, it is recommended to beat Radahn before fully exploring the Altus Plateau. This is because completing Radahn’s quest and proceeding to the Altus Plateau can affect some other questlines.

14. Is the Altus Plateau harder than Caelid?

    While both areas present significant challenges, the Altus Plateau can be considered more difficult than Caelid, owing to the higher level of enemies and the complexity of the environments.

15. Are there teleporters in the Altus Plateau? Yes, there is a teleporter next to the Site of Grace at the Forest-Spanning Greatbridge in the center of the Altus Plateau. Understanding these intricacies will allow you to not only reach the North Altus Plateau but also make the most of your experience within this captivating region.

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