Exploring the massive world of Elden Ring extends far beyond the surface of the Lands Between. Beneath the surface lies an intricate network of ancient cities, cavernous rivers, and terrifying depths that hold essential loot and crucial lore. Understanding how to navigate these underground spaces allows Tarnished players to discover hidden bosses, valuable upgrade items, and key questlines efficiently.
Descending into Siofra River and Ainsel River
Siofra River and Ainsel River serve as early gateways to the subterranean realms beneath Limgrave and Liurnia. Players can access these starry underground caverns via massive elevator wells scattered across the overworld. These areas feature stunning luminescent ceilings alongside challenging foes such as Ancestral Followers and Claymen.
Navigating Siofra River leads to lighting braziers required to unlock the Regal Ancestor Spirit boss fight. Meanwhile, exploring Ainsel River uncovers ancient palace ruins and critical paths tied to late-game character quests. Securing the map fragments for these regions makes tracking down key items far more manageable.
Uncovering the Eternal Cities of Nokron and Nokstella
Nokron and Nokstella are magnificent fallen cities tucked away deep underground. Accessing Nokron requires defeating Starscourge Radahn, which causes a meteor to blast open a massive entrance in Limgrave. Inside, players can locate powerful Spirit Ashes, unique weaponry, and essential quest items.
Nokstella sits further along the underground path and offers a vast urban landscape filled with Nox warriors and slime monsters. Navigating through Nokstella's elevated terraces rewards adventurous players with rare upgrading materials like Ghost Gloveworts. Completing these city zones is indispensable for players following Ranni's storyline.
Surviving the Deeproot Depths and Lake of Rot
Deeproot Depths rests at the absolute base of the Great Waterfall, serving as the roots of the Erdtree. This region is home to daunting bosses, ancient ruins, and crucial plot revelations regarding the Prince of Death. Reaching this area requires riding a stone coffin from the Siofra Aqueduct or descending through secret subterranean tunnels.
Adjacent to Nokstella lies the harrowing Lake of Rot, a treacherous zone filled with crimson waters that quickly inflict Scarlet Rot. Traversing this area demands careful preparation, including rot-clearing items and raised platforms. Crossing the lake leads explorers to the Grand Cloister and a battle against Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
Investigating the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds
Beneath the royal capital of Leyndell lies the dark and claustrophobic Subterranean Shunning-Grounds. This sprawling sewer system is filled with maze-like pipes, aggressive Omens, and hidden passages. It represents one of the most challenging non-open underground zones in the game.
Deep within the sewers lies the Cathedral of the Forsaken, where players face off against Mohg, the Omen. Defeating him grants access to the Frenzied Flame Proscription, a key area for unlocking a specific game ending. Diligent exploration in these depths reveals valuable armor sets and secret shortcuts back to the surface.
