The Secrets Unveiled: What’s the Point of the Four Belfries in Elden Ring?
The Four Belfries in Elden Ring, perched majestically in Liurnia of the Lakes, serve as a unique nexus, a crossroads of sorts that allows players to briefly revisit the past, explore otherwise inaccessible areas, and even skip ahead in the game’s narrative. Their primary purpose is to offer teleportation to three distinct locations within the Lands Between, each accessible by using a Imbued Sword Key on the corresponding waygate. These destinations include the Chapel of Anticipation (the game’s starting area), a section of Nokron, the Eternal City, and a small section of Faram Azula. While the rewards offered are not game-breaking, they provide an opportunity to re-experience key moments, acquire unique items early, and subtly influence the pacing of your Elden Lord journey.
Exploring the Lore and Functionality of the Four Belfries
The Four Belfries are more than just convenient fast travel points; they are subtle reminders of the shattered world and the fractured timeline within Elden Ring. The fact that only three of the belfries have active waygates hints at a deeper, perhaps incomplete, story. The presence of the Imbued Sword Keys, finite and consumed upon use, adds an element of choice and consequence to the exploration. The location of the first key at the top of the hill, guarded by a spectral giant, further reinforces the idea that these portals are not meant to be easily accessed or casually used. They represent a deliberate choice by the developers to offer players glimpses into different parts of the game’s timeline and map, often rewarding curiosity with unique encounters and items. Understanding the context of the destinations, like the Chapel of Anticipation or Nokron, enhances the player’s appreciation of the world’s history and the ongoing conflict for the Elden Ring. Exploring these destinations allow access to things otherwise missed and is a way to diversify the gameplay experience.
Four Belfries Walkthrough: A Guided Tour
Navigating the Four Belfries is relatively straightforward. The zone has four belfry towers that are connected to Waygates. However, maximizing their potential requires a clear strategy:
- Locate the Four Belfries: Head to Liurnia of the Lakes. The belfries are situated on a hill in the western part of the region, north of Stormveil Castle. There is also a Site of Grace near the first Belfry.
- Acquire the Imbued Sword Keys: The first key is found in a chest at the top of the hill, beneath the fourth belfry (the one without a waygate). Others are available by playing through the game or finding them within dungeons.
- Identify the Destinations: Each waygate is labelled with its destination. The options are:
- “Precipice of Anticipation”: Returns you to the Chapel of Anticipation, where you fight the Grafted Scion.
- “Night Sky Unceasing”: Leads to an inaccessible part of Nokron, the Eternal City.
- The third location is a brief but crucial area in Faram Azula, the Crumbling Farum Azula.
- Choose Wisely: Once a key is used, it’s gone. Consider which destination offers the most immediate benefit or appeals to your playstyle.
- Explore the Destinations: Each location accessed through the belfries offers unique challenges and rewards. Be prepared for a fight!
Strategic Considerations for the Discerning Tarnished
While the Four Belfries offer a fascinating glimpse into different parts of the game, their strategic value lies in the early access they provide to certain items and areas. Returning to the Chapel of Anticipation early allows you to acquire the Ornamental Straight Sword and Golden Beast Crest Shield from the Grafted Scion. However, the Grafted Scion can be difficult to defeat at a low level. Accessing Nokron, the Eternal City, through the belfries lets you grab some crucial items earlier than intended, potentially giving you an edge in the early to mid-game. Remember, these are not meant to trivialize the game but to provide alternative paths and opportunities for those who seek them. The belfries offer a unique way to experience the story and the world itself, while giving the player flexibility on where they can go and when they can go there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Four Belfries
1. Where exactly are the Four Belfries located?
The Four Belfries are located in the western region of Liurnia of the Lakes, north of Stormveil Castle. They’re situated on a prominent hillside, making them easily visible from a distance.
2. How many Imbued Sword Keys are there in Elden Ring?
There are three Imbued Sword Keys to be found, each usable only once. One is found at the Four Belfries, another is located in the Raya Lucarian Academy, and the last is found at Sellia, Town of Sorcery.
3. Which belfry takes me back to the starting area, the Chapel of Anticipation?
The belfry with the waygate labelled “Precipice of Anticipation” will transport you back to the Chapel of Anticipation.
4. What is the reward for defeating the Grafted Scion at the Chapel of Anticipation?
Defeating the Grafted Scion rewards you with the Ornamental Straight Sword and the Golden Beast Crest Shield.
5. Is it possible to defeat the Grafted Scion the first time you encounter it?
While challenging, it is indeed possible to defeat the Grafted Scion during your initial encounter. However, the rewards remain the same regardless of when you defeat it.
6. What does the “Night Sky Unceasing” waygate lead to?
The “Night Sky Unceasing” waygate takes you to an otherwise inaccessible part of Nokron, the Eternal City.
7. Are there any other benefits to visiting Nokron early through the Four Belfries?
Visiting Nokron early allows you to acquire valuable items and potentially complete certain quests earlier than intended, giving you a strategic advantage.
8. Do the Imbued Sword Keys respawn?
No, the Imbued Sword Keys are one-time use items and do not respawn. Once used, they are gone.
9. What happens if I use an Imbued Sword Key on the wrong waygate?
Unfortunately, once you use an Imbued Sword Key on a waygate, it’s consumed. So, choose your destination carefully.
10. Is there a Site of Grace near the Four Belfries?
Yes, there is a Site of Grace called “The Four Belfries” located near the first belfry.
11. What level should I be before attempting the Four Belfries?
There’s no strict level requirement, but being around level 30-40 will make the encounters in the destinations more manageable.
12. Can I use multiplayer summons in the areas accessed through the Four Belfries?
Yes, you can use multiplayer summons in these areas, provided you have the necessary summoning items and are within the appropriate level range.
13. How do the Four Belfries contribute to the overall lore of Elden Ring?
The Four Belfries, and specifically the location to which one leads in Crumbling Farum Azula, offers clues to the state of the world. The Belfries themselves act as a connector between these points, which have all been affected by the shattered Elden Ring. Exploring these locations offers glimpses into the game’s history and the events that led to the current state of the Lands Between. This also contributes to Games Learning Society members when learning about storytelling and lore of video games.
14. Is there a best order in which to use the waygates at the Four Belfries?
This depends on your playstyle. However, returning to the Chapel of Anticipation is often prioritized to acquire the early-game weapons.
15. Are the areas accessed through the Four Belfries missable if I progress too far in the game?
No, the areas accessed through the Four Belfries are not missable. You can return to them at any point in the game as long as you have an unused Imbued Sword Key.
The Four Belfries are a captivating feature of Elden Ring, offering a unique blend of exploration, challenge, and lore. Understanding their function and strategic value can significantly enhance your journey through the Lands Between, providing you with early access to valuable resources and a deeper appreciation for the game’s intricate world.
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