Delving Deep: Exploring the Underground of Elden Ring
The underground areas of Elden Ring represent a significant departure from the surface world, offering unique environments, formidable challenges, and valuable rewards. These subterranean realms are not mere afterthoughts; they are integral parts of the game’s intricate tapestry, adding layers of depth and mystery to the already vast Lands Between. In essence, the underground in Elden Ring is comprised of expansive, interconnected zones that exist beneath the main overworld map. These areas are distinct visually and mechanically, featuring unique enemies, bosses, items, and even their own maps. Think of them as secret kingdoms lying beneath the surface, teeming with forgotten lore and hidden secrets. They are accessible through various means, including wells, lifts, and teleportation, often requiring exploration and puzzle-solving to discover. They’re not just a series of caves; rather, they’re sprawling networks that feel as extensive and significant as entire surface regions. They significantly broaden the scope of gameplay in Elden Ring, encouraging players to deviate from the main path and uncover the secrets lurking below.
The Three Main Underground Regions
Elden Ring’s underground is not one uniform space. It’s broken into three distinct major sections, each with its unique characteristics:
Siofra River
The Siofra River is a magical and mysterious underground river system. It’s accessible through the Siofra River Well in Limgrave’s Mistwood. This area is known for its ethereal beauty, with glowing trees, spectral Ancestral Followers, and a sense of ancient power. Here, you’ll encounter unique wildlife, and the remains of a great horned beast in the Hallowhorn Grounds. It’s also the location of a secret boss, the Ancestor Spirit, which is triggered by lighting all the brazier pillars scattered throughout the area. You’ll also encounter the Dragonkin Soldier here, who drops the Dragon Halberd.
Ainsel River
The Ainsel River is another major underground river system, more dangerous and eerie than Siofra. It’s interconnected with other areas, including the Lake of Rot. Ainsel is a dark and brooding place, often filled with rot and hostile creatures, including the Dragonkin Soldier who drops the Dragonscale Blade. This section also contains a portion of the Lake of Rot, making exploration hazardous due to the status ailment. It tends to feel more challenging than Siofra, with an overall darker atmosphere.
Deeproot Depths
Deeproot Depths is perhaps the most extensive and complex of the three. It is accessed from specific locations in other regions, and features many roots, ruins, and underground forests. Here, you’ll encounter a myriad of challenging enemies and bosses. It’s interconnected with other areas, making its map intricate and rewarding to navigate. This zone often feels more akin to the overworld in terms of its sheer size and complexity, offering many opportunities for discovery and encounters.
The Significance of the Underground
These underground areas are far more than just optional side content. They provide a range of important benefits for players:
- Valuable Runes: The underground is brimming with enemies and bosses that offer significant amounts of Runes, which are essential for leveling up your character.
- Unique Gear: Many powerful weapons, armor pieces, and talismans are found in the underground regions.
- Boss Encounters: Each region has its own unique bosses that offer not only a challenge but also valuable rewards. Optional bosses such as the Dragonkin Soldier and Ancestor Spirit test even seasoned players.
- Lore and Story: These areas contain fragments of lore that help deepen the player’s understanding of the world and its history. They reveal hidden truths and mysteries that are essential for fully understanding the narrative of Elden Ring.
- Exploration and Discovery: The underground’s intricate designs and interconnected paths encourage exploration and reward players who take the time to delve deep.
How to Navigate the Underground
Navigating the underground in Elden Ring can be different from exploring the overworld. Here are some essential tips:
- Underground Maps: These areas have their own separate maps. You can switch between overworld and underground maps by clicking the right stick.
- Multiple Access Points: Each area has multiple access points, so it’s important to thoroughly explore every zone for hidden paths.
- Lifts and Teleporters: Use lifts and teleporters to move between levels and regions. Often, you need to complete mini-puzzles or find levers to activate these mechanisms.
- Be Prepared: The enemies in the underground are often more challenging than those on the surface. Having suitable equipment and upgrades is crucial.
- Pay Attention to Your Surroundings: Hidden areas and optional bosses are often tucked away, so take time to explore all corners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of the underground in Elden Ring:
1. Are the underground areas optional?
Yes, the underground areas in Elden Ring are largely optional. You can complete the main story without exploring them. However, you’ll miss out on valuable Runes, powerful equipment, and important lore.
2. How do I access the underground maps?
You access the underground maps by clicking the right stick on your controller to switch between the overworld and underground views.
3. How many underground regions are there?
There are three main underground regions: Siofra River, Ainsel River, and Deeproot Depths.
4. Where is the entrance to Siofra River?
The entrance to the Siofra River is the Siofra River Well, located in Limgrave’s Mistwood.
5. What is in the Siofra River?
The Siofra River features spectral Ancestral Followers, various wildlife, the remains of a horned beast, and a secret boss called the Ancestor Spirit, triggered by lighting all brazier pillars.
6. How do you access the secret boss in Siofra River?
You access the Ancestor Spirit by lighting all eight brazier pillars scattered throughout the Siofra River.
7. Where is the Dragonkin Soldier in Siofra River?
The Dragonkin Soldier in Siofra River is located southwest of the Siofra Aqueduct. He drops the Dragon Halberd. Another Dragonkin Soldier is located southeast of the Lake of Rot Shoreside Site of Grace, in the Ainsel River, and drops the Dragonscale Blade.
8. Where is the Caelid underground entrance?
The entrance to the Caelid underground chamber is in the Caelid Waypoint Ruins, located southeast of Fort Gael.
9. What is in the Lake of Rot?
The Lake of Rot contains obelisks with pressure plates that activate pathways, as well as the Grand Cloister, a large area infested with rot.
10. What is the recommended level for Caelid?
While players can enter Caelid at any level, the recommended level is around 60-70 for a challenging but manageable experience.
11. Is Caelid the hardest area in Elden Ring?
Caelid is widely considered one of the most difficult areas, due to its high concentration of challenging enemies and the pervasive Scarlet Rot.
12. What does the triangle/Y button do in Elden Ring?
The triangle (Playstation) or Y (Xbox) button is used to assign items to your quick select Pouch, allowing you to quickly use consumables during gameplay.
13. Are there any bosses in Deeproot Depths?
Yes, Deeproot Depths has multiple bosses, adding to the challenging nature of this underground zone. These bosses and the sheer size of the region make Deeproot Depths a significant part of the game.
14. What do the red circles on the map mean?
The red circles on the map indicate areas that are active for player invasions and PvP.
15. Does Elden Ring have DLC?
Yes, Elden Ring is receiving DLC, given the immense popularity and success of the base game.
By understanding the intricacies of the underground areas in Elden Ring, players can uncover the full potential of this incredible game. The depth and complexity of these subterranean realms significantly contribute to the overall gaming experience, making them a crucial element for any dedicated player to explore.