Is There Only One Way to Get to the Mountaintops of the Giants in Elden Ring?
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The short answer is: yes, there is essentially only one primary path to reach the Mountaintops of the Giants in Elden Ring. While the game world offers numerous secrets and optional areas, the main story progression funnels you towards a specific method of accessing this late-game region. This article will clarify that path and address common questions about reaching this area.
The Grand Lift of Rold: Your Key to the Summit
The journey to the Mountaintops of the Giants is gated by the Grand Lift of Rold, a colossal elevator mechanism located east of Leyndell, Royal Capital. This lift is not operational from the start; it requires the Rold Medallion to be activated. This progression system ensures that you’ve cleared significant hurdles before attempting the dangers of the Mountaintops.
Gaining Access to the Grand Lift
To reach the Grand Lift of Rold, you must first navigate through Leyndell, Royal Capital, and defeat the final boss of the legacy dungeon – Morgott, The Omen King. After the victory, Melina will then guide you towards the Grand Lift and mark it on your map. This is where the main linear path of the game directs you towards the next significant area. There is no alternative, secret path to bypass this.
Activating the Lift and Ascending
Once you reach the Grand Lift, with the Rold Medallion in your possession, the lift will begin its ascent. This grand and somewhat eerie journey marks the transition to a completely different landscape. The Mountaintops of the Giants are characterized by snowy peaks and challenging enemies, significantly raising the difficulty of Elden Ring.
The Importance of Progression
The game’s design intentionally funnels you through the Leyndell dungeon and the Morgott boss fight to ensure that you are of a sufficient level and equipment to handle the increased difficulty of the Mountaintops of the Giants. Trying to get there any other way, will unfortunately not progress the game’s main story. While you can technically explore some parts of the Mountaintops early, they are often dangerous without progressing through the main storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mountaintops of the Giants
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to provide additional information regarding the Mountaintops of the Giants in Elden Ring.
Can I go to the Mountaintops of Giants before Morgott?
No, you cannot access the Mountaintops of the Giants before defeating Morgott, The Omen King. The Grand Lift of Rold is locked until this main boss is defeated and Melina guides you to the lift.
How do I get to the Giants Mountaintop map?
The East Mountaintops Map Fragment can be found along the path towards the summit of the mountains, after passing through the Guardians’ Garrison and crossing the narrow chain bridge to the Giants’ Gravepost Site of Grace. It will be on a plinth, easily visible.
What is the highest point in Elden Ring?
While there are high mountain peaks, the highest point in Elden Ring, when measured from the ground level, is the Erdtree, which reaches a height of 4,454 meters (14,606 feet).
What level is Caelid?
Caelid is a challenging area in Elden Ring, and it’s recommended that players are around levels 60-70 with decent weapon upgrades and armor to explore this area.
How do I get to the snow area (Mountaintops of the Giants) in Elden Ring early?
You cannot get to the Mountaintops of the Giants early in terms of game progression. The game blocks access via the Grand Lift of Rold requiring you to defeat Morgott first, and get Melina’s direction to activate it.
What level should I stop at in Elden Ring?
The current “meta level” for PvP and co-op in Elden Ring is often cited as 125, though many players also participate at levels up to 150. For solely PVE you can level as much as you please.
Is Castle Sol required to reach the Mountaintops of the Giants?
Castle Sol is an optional minor dungeon in the Mountaintops of the Giants region. It is not required for the main storyline to continue, and is not needed for accessing the region.
Where is Millicent at Mountaintops of the Giants?
You can find Millicent at the Ancient Snow Valley Ruins Site of Grace, south of Castle Sol. She will offer assistance in battle and move along her questline from there.
Can you fight the Fire Giant before Morgott?
No, you cannot fight the Fire Giant before defeating Morgott. The path to the Mountaintops, guarded by the lift and Morgott is required before this fight.
In what order should I fight the bosses in Elden Ring?
A common boss order includes: Margit, Godrick, Rennala, Radahn, Rykard, Godfrey (Golden Shade), Morgott, Fire Giant. This order helps to increase the difficulty curve properly.
How do I get to Zamor Ruins early?
The Zamor Ruins are located along the main path shortly after using the Grand Lift of Rold to enter the Mountaintops of the Giants, so you don’t need to get them early – they are practically unmissable on the path up to the mountains.
What is Commander Niall’s weakness?
Commander Niall is weak to bleed damage. Spirit ashes that serve as tanks, or the Mimic Tear can also make the fight far easier.
Do the Castle Sol lions respawn?
No, once killed, the Lion Guardians in Castle Sol do not respawn.
What level should I be at for Crumbling Farum Azula?
The recommended level for Crumbling Farum Azula is around 120-150. This area is a very high difficulty level and is intended as one of the final game areas.
What level should I be at for Haligtree?
The recommended level for Haligtree is also around 120-150, and players should aim for 60 Vigor, at a minimum, due to the high enemy damage and health pools.
Conclusion
While Elden Ring offers an open world with freedom of exploration, the main story progression of the game is linear when it comes to accessing the Mountaintops of the Giants. There is only one method to access this area which involves defeating Morgott in Leyndell, and using the Grand Lift of Rold. Understanding this progression helps players navigate the game effectively and ensures you are adequately prepared for the challenges that await in the snow-covered region. The other aspects of the Mountaintops, such as Castle Sol, Millicent’s location, and even the Zamor Ruins can be accessed once you have progressed to this region.