Highlights
- Legacy Dungeons in Elden Ring offer a challenging break from the overworld action, testing players’ skills and exploration prowess.
- Not all Legacy Dungeons are created equal; some, like Miquella’s Haligtree, offer frustratingly difficult challenges and unbalanced encounters.
- Unveiling the secrets of Legacy Dungeons like Volcano Manor and Shadow Keep rewards players with rich lore and intricate level design.
As a seasoned explorer of the Soulsborne realm, I can wholeheartedly attest to the intricate and captivating qualities that each of these locations in Elden Ring offers, from the enigmatic Stormveil Castle to the labyrinthine Volcano Manor, and not forgetting the hauntingly beautiful Shadow Keep and the majestic Leyndell, Royal Capital.
In the expansive world of Elden Ring, there are numerous instances when players must part ways with their steed, Torrent, and delve into the core elements of this Soulsborne game – the challenging labyrinths often referred to as dungeons or Legacy Dungeons. These areas are reminiscent of Dark Souls levels, strategically placed within the open world of the Lands Between to signify linear sections where Torrent’s speed cannot be utilized for a quick traversal.
Essentially, Legacy Dungeons serve as areas where players finally take action instead of delaying. Unlike the open world where they can heal up and gather Runes to boost their strength, Legacy Dungeons demonstrate the value of their grinding and exploration. However, it’s important to note that not every Legacy Dungeon is optimally designed or a balanced challenge. Some are more appealing than others.
20 Miquella’s Haligtree/Elphael
As a dedicated fan, I must confess that while Miquella’s Haligtree and Elphael offer breathtaking vistas and formidable final foes, they seem to lack the freshness I crave. It appears these regions have been populated with familiar adversaries, a choice that might have worked, had they not opted for the most vexing and unbalanced creatures to inhabit this late-game expanse.
It doesn’t help that Miquella’s Haligtree is room after room of death traps where players are funneled into gank fights and narrow pathways. Overall, it’s an area that seems to have been made to annoy players rather than test their late-game skills. That’s quite disappointing considering the effort needed to unlock this place.
How To Get There
As a dedicated Elden Ring gamer, here’s my journey to reaching Miquella’s Haligtree and Elphael: It takes some serious questing to get there, but here’s the breakdown:
- Head to the Village of the Albinaurics in Liurnia.
- Walk up the terrain incline in the village near the cliff wall and look for a lone jar. Hit the jar.
- The jar is an Albinauric who will give one-half of the Haligtree Medallion. This will unlock the secret elevator function that leads to the Consecrated Snowfields.
- Players can find the other half of the medallion at the end of Lakeside Crystal Cave, located along the cliffside walls directly south of Liurnia.
- Obtain the other half of the Haligtree Medallion at Latenna’s instructions at the end of Lakeside Crystal Cave.
- Head to Leyndell in Altus Plateau and defeat Morgott.
- This will unlock the Grand Lift of Rold. Go to the lift and unlock the Mountaintops of the Giants.
- Head to Castle Sol, north of Mountiantops of the Giants, and defeat Commander Niall. The other half of the Haligtree Medallion is in a tower after the boss arena.
- Use the secret function in the lift to unlock the Consecrated Snowfields.
- In the Consecrated Snowfields, keep heading north until Ordina, Liturgical Town.
- Behind the town is an Evergaol where players have to light four braziers up some towers in order to unlock the teleporter to Miquella’s Haligtree.
19 Crumbling Farum Azula
Just like Miquella’s Haligtree, Crumbling Farum Azula is a challenging area for later players in Elden Ring. Despite its captivating and awe-inspiring landscapes, this dungeon showcases one of the downsides of Elden Ring’s movement mechanics: its complex controls and camera system.
In this specific spot, players aren’t expected to navigate with ease, as platforming in a Souls game often isn’t smooth or swift, primarily due to the persistent issue with the camera. Additionally, the region houses some particularly challenging boss encounters.
How To Get There
A key aspect of the primary mission involves reaching the decaying Farum Azula. To accomplish this, players need to conquer the Fire Giant residing on the Mountains of the Giants first. Next, they should ignite Melina within a giant forge. This action will magically transport them to Crumbling Farum Azula.
18 Lake Of Rot/Nokstella
Initially, the swampy Lake of Rot and the city of Nokstella seemed promising. However, in actual gameplay, many players tend to bypass these areas to dodge Scarlet Rot and tiresome adversaries, making it a less engaging experience. Despite the fact that Nokstella offers valuable Larval Tears through enemies, the Lake of Rot area fails to deliver enjoyable or challenging content.
As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that this game design element is nothing more than a frustrating obstacle for players like myself. Time and time again, I find myself vexed as I navigate through these seemingly illogical pathways, only to be met with the same result: running past yet another seemingly pointless barrier.
How To Get There
To reach both Lake of Rot and Nokstella, gamers must accomplish Ranni’s intricate quest, a challenge that stands out among those in Elden Ring. This journey might be lengthy but following this guide will help you navigate through it, ultimately leading you to the desired areas. Keep in mind that Ranni’s quest is one of the most complex in the game, so prepare for a challenging yet rewarding adventure!
17 Castle Sol
Almost omitted from the list of Legacy Dungeons due to its compact size, Castle Sol stands out instead because of the challenging foes within, compelling players to invest significant time despite numerous deaths. The spectral Banished Knights, capable of teleportation, are particularly formidable, offering minimal opportunities for error and overpowering any attempts at strategy.
After that, a battle with the boss awaits, which is just as absurd as it requires players to invoke particular abilities or strategies that undermine their character setup. However, the compensation for defeating the boss and the treasure in the castle provide some relief (no pun intended).
How To Get There
1) Players need to access the Mountaintops of the Giants first if they want to reach Castle Sol. Although it’s an optional area, traversing the Mountaintops of the Giants is compulsory before proceeding further. To find Castle Sol, players should make their way to the northernmost region of the Mountaintops of the Giants.
16 Caria Manor (Liurnia Of The Lakes)
After overcoming the initial fright from being attacked by colossal hands, Caria Manor isn’t as dreadful. In fact, its notorious for housing one of the scariest foes in the game, making it a standout Legacy Dungeon.
The only issue with it is that it’s too small for a Legacy Dungeon and an area governed by one of the demigods. If players are quick or experienced, they can rush this whole place in just five minutes— boss included.
How To Get There
Caria Manor stands on the north-eastern edge of Liurnia of the Lakes, perched atop a hill that offers a picturesque view of the lake below. One can reach it by following the road along the western shores of Liurnia.
15 Castle Ensis (Gravesite Plains)
The ancient fortress of Castle Ensis disappoints in several aspects, offering minimal activity within its Legacy Dungeon. The layout is primarily linear without many opportunities for exploration or discovery of hidden gems, lacks the possibility of backtracking, and provides no compelling reason to return once it has been thoroughly explored.
As a dedicated gamer, let me tell you that Twin Moon Knight, Rellana, has been my lifeline in this labyrinth. She’s undeniably one of the most thoughtfully crafted bosses I’ve encountered, managing to strike an ideal balance between demanding and fair.
How to Get There
Castle Ensis lies northeast from Ellac’s Greatbridge, situated in the north on the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace within the Gravesite Plains. Players can reach this location immediately upon entering the Land of Shadow, without needing to conquer Belurat or Tower Settlement first.
14 Redmane Castle
Redmane Castle isn’t typically considered a comprehensive Legacy Dungeon due to its compact size and limited activities within the vicinity. Yet, it exudes an abundance of ambiance and historical significance. It serves as Radahn’s castle and was once believed to be Caelid’s stronghold before Malenia devastated the entire continent with her destructive powers.
In this location, you’ll find a pair of lions acting as adversaries, along with just a handful of characters. There’s also a challenging boss fight that can be easily missed, plus Radahn himself. Even though there aren’t many activities in this region, the eerily beautiful music and stunning landscape make it worth visiting occasionally or for the first time.
How To Get There
Reaching Redmane Castle can be effortless by sticking to the primary path in Caelid. Radahn’s fortress is located southeast of Caelid, along this road. However, keep in mind that guards there may not welcome you friendly and could hurl catapult fire towards your direction. A teleporter exists before the large bridge, but it becomes accessible only after a significant milestone in Ranni’s questline.
13 Midra’s Manse (Abyssal Woods)
Midra Manse, unlike Castle Ensis, appears smaller but carries a labyrinthine, tunnel-like atmosphere instead of a traditional Legacy Dungeon feel. However, it offers more hidden surprises – secrets concealed behind false walls or only reachable through overlooked elevated paths.
Midra, the Flame Frenzy’s Master, maintains the pattern of top-notch bosses situated in unremarkable caves. The battle is balanced, featuring predictable attacks that can be skillfully evaded given an adequate reaction speed. What truly shines, however, is the background music, which ranks among the best offerings in this DLC expansion.
How to Get There
Midra’s Manse can be found at the far edge of the Abyssal Woods. To get her, players will first need to take the hidden ladder behind one of the flaming boats in the area just before the bridge leading to the Storehouse, First Floor Site of Grace. Follow the route down to the painting room with the illusory wall next to it. Take the ladder down to a coffin that will drop to lower Scadu Altus. Head southwest through the water all the way to the Darklight Catacombs. Clear this dungeon to access the Abyssal Woods. Head to the southwestern edge of the Abyssal Woods to reach Midra’s Manse.
12 Ainsel River
Players first catch a glimpse of Elden Ring’s extensive underworld at the Ainsel River. This Legacy Dungeon serves as an extension of the wondrous subterranean landscapes found in Siofra River, a semi-open world area. The Ainsel River is vast, mysterious, and intimidating due to a particularly challenging mini-boss.
In my exploration of Ainsel River, I stumble upon not just breathtaking scenery but also hidden tales subtly woven into the environment. Swarms of Clayman enemies and ants are common sights here, adding a sense of mystery and danger. Catching a glimpse of the Lake of Rot in the distance serves as a chilling reminder of what lies ahead for adventurers like myself.
How To Get There
Visitors can locate the entryway to Ainsel River at the well known as Ainsel River Well, which is situated on the eastern side of Liurnia. The river entrance lies right ahead if you head east from the Church of Vows.
11 Subterranean Shunning-Grounds (Leyndell, Royal Capital)
Transitioning to contentious yet intriguing locales, the sewers beneath Leyndell have sparked much debate. While some find it terrifyingly enjoyable, resembling a haunting labyrinth reminiscent of horror classics like the Resident Evil series.
On a different note, some players might find the platforming sections excessive, particularly those involving imps on pipes. Additionally, including large lobsters in tight spaces could be seen as unnecessary cruelty. However, many gamers will admire the ingenuity that went into crafting this expansive dungeon design.
How To Get There
I stumbled upon the sewer entrance hidden behind a well not far from the elegant balcony of Leyndell’s royal capital. It seems like the perfect place to start my underground adventure!
10 Castle Morne (Weeping Peninsula)
Castle Morne serves as an excellent illustration of a well-executed minor Legacy Dungeon. Despite being designed to be smaller than the primary ones, it unexpectedly extends in length due to numerous secret passages and navigational challenges.
Additionally, here’s an engaging tale that plays out in this location, making it intriguing on its own. The conflict within is dynamic, allowing players to observe enemies carrying out their normal routines rather than merely anticipating an attack.
How To Get There
Begin your journey southward from the Third Church of Marika. Pass by a stretch of forest and a bridge as you continue along this path. Keep moving southwards until Castle Morne becomes visible on the horizon.
9 Ruin-Strewn Precipice (Liurnia Of The Lakes)
A Haphazardly Constructed Challenging Pathway is what transpires when developers opt to expand a modest cave or dungeon into an intricate level akin to that found in Dark Souls. This fittingly describes this location as it serves as a shortcut leading to the Altus Plateau.
Essentially, the Ruin-Strewn Precipice is actually an old mine that extends from its opening to the Altus Plateau at the back. It houses a diverse collection of enemies, each complementing the other effectively. Additionally, the platforming challenges are well-controlled, making it an enjoyable Legacy Dungeon overall.
How To Get There
Head for the northernmost tip of the lake in Liurnia of the Lakes.
8 Enir-Ilim
Nothing quite matches the revelation gained by setting ablaze the Sealing Tree, uncovering the ominous secret that has loomed over the world throughout the game’s course – a secret unfolded during the exploration of the final dungeon, Enir-Ilim, in Shadow of the Erdtree. This climactic event heralds the start of the epic concluding phase of the journey.
As a passionate fan, I must admit that exploring the dungeon feels somewhat incomplete, as if the developers intended to expand it with an extra three wings but ran out of time. The encounters with each of the four Horned Warrior minibosses could have benefited from a more gradual build-up, a grander arena, and a greater sense of anticipation to create the impression that these battles were leading up to something truly spectacular.
How to Get There
In the game “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree,” Enir-Ilim is the final Legacy Dungeon. To access it, players must first overcome Messmer the Impaler in Shadow Keep and then Romina, the Saint of the Bud in the Ancient Ruins of Rauh. After defeating both, they should burn the tree that seals the entrance to Romina’s boss arena to teleport to Enir-Ilim.
7 Shaded Castle (Altus Plateau)
In Elden Ring, not all poison swamps are dreadful; in fact, one was tactically employed to create an illusion of a larger area than it truly is. A prime example of this is the Shaded Castle, where the entire moat is contaminated with poison. This forces players to explore the castle walls and search for shortcuts as an alternative route.
In this game, the opponents aren’t excessively unjust and they work harmoniously together. There are just a few tense battle zones to navigate. Additionally, the region offers a moderate level of rewards, featuring a challenging boss arena where death doesn’t result in excessive punishment for the players.
How To Get There
The Shaded Castle is located between the Altus Plateau and Mt. Gelmir. From the Grand Lift of Dectus, players only need to head north into the valley until they see this castle.
6 Raya Lucaria Academy (Liurnia Of The Lakes)
Regarding the dungeons found in Elden Ring, the Raya Lucaria Academy stands out as one of the largest. What makes it particularly noteworthy is its vertical intricacy, enhanced by a waterwheel elevator that transports players to hidden depths and provides a shortcut, offering a secret passageway.
As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this Legacy Dungeon stands out as one of the most interactive and immersive experiences I’ve encountered in a long time. What sets it apart is its seamless connection to the overworld, which adds an element of exploration and discovery that I found truly captivating. With several entry points scattered throughout the game, players are encouraged to use their wit and resourcefulness to find the best paths.
How To Get There
Raya Lucaria Academy is located near the center of the lake in Liurnia of the Lakes.
5 Belurat, Tower Settlement
The layout of Belurat, Tower Settlement brings to mind the classic feel of both Dark Souls 1 and 3. Its winding paths, frequent backtracking, and intricate connectivity would seamlessly blend into any Dark Souls expansion.
The types of adversaries could use some improvement; only the graves-birds and the horned troops stand out as being memorable in any way. However, the ultimate foe, the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, certainly compensates for this.
How to Get There
Travel along the western path from the Three Way Crossroad in the Graveyard Plains, passing through a tunnel, which will take you straight to the gateway of Belurat, the Towered City.
4 Stormveil Castle (Limgrave)
In Elden Ring, Stormveil Castle embodies the characteristics of a role-playing game (RPG). From the initial entrance, players are given two options: charge the gates or discover a concealed route. Although the secret path offers more engaging content, Stormveil Castle is essentially a captivating puzzle that invites you to unravel its mysteries.
In Stormveil Castle, you’ll encounter numerous intricate passageways and locked chambers that are sure to catch your curiosity. Navigating the unmarked paths and discovering them takes just as much effort. Getting lost within these walls might happen, but it’s worth noting that such a mistake is rewarded generously in this part of the castle.
How To Get There
You can reach Stormveil Castle by following the path from Stormhill Shack, located in Limgrave. Continue on the road until it splits to the west. At that point, take a left (westward) and keep going until you find the entrance to Stormveil Castle.
3 Volcano Manor (Mt. Gelmir)
Beyond the reception area of Volcano Manor lies an entire legacy dungeon, often overlooked by players who aren’t particularly inquisitive or curious. This is why delving into this part of the manor can be so satisfying. Each tap against a seemingly insignificant wall or branching path reveals something intriguing and worthwhile.
Delving off-course within this castle unearths the greatest mysteries hidden within Volcano Manor. This labyrinth is exceptionally crafted among the Legacy Dungeons in Elden Ring, making it a strong candidate for one of the finest levels in any Soulsborne game.
How To Get There
There are three methods of getting to Volcano Manor:
- Through Rya’s questline starting from Liurnia of the Lakes.
- Through Raya Lucaria Academy. At the bottom of the area housing the giant water wheel elevator, there’s an Abductor Virgin. Getting killed by that particular Abuductor Virgin will transport players to an area of Volcano Manor.
- Manually finding Volcano Manor starting from Windmill Village grace in Altus Plateau. From Windmill Village, players need to follow the road that leads southwest toward Mt. Gelmir. Once they’re past a large bridge, there’s a camp with a hidden ladder to the left side (starting from the bridge) near a cliff wall.
2 Shadow Keep (Scadu Altus)
In the realm of Elden Ring, the Shadow Keep stands out as one of the most exceptional Legacy dungeons, undeniably leaving a lasting impression within the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Its layout is thoughtfully designed, offering intricate layers that unfold like an onion as players delve deeper into the region. While there’s a main path leading directly to the boss battle against Messmer, for those with keen eyes and a sense of adventure, hidden passageways uncover the Abyssal Woods, the Hinterlands, and the Finger Ruins of Dheo.
The main issue with Shadow Keep lies in its excessive use of Fire Knights to enhance challenge during navigation, making them a significant nuisance for players not specializing in Stagger builds. These adversaries, being some of the most irritating enemies within the game, can be quite frustrating as they seem to emerge from every nook and cranny that players might explore. Even at crucial points, an occasional Fire Knight would be expected, but Shadow Keep seems to produce them in large quantities.
How to Get There
To get to Shadow Keep, you first need to cleanse Castle Ensis and then travel northeast through Scadu Altus. After passing the Furnace Golem, you will reach your destination. An alternate way is bypassing Castle Ensis entirely; this can be done using a hidden spiritspring, which takes you directly to Scadu Altus’s Fort of Reprimand and eventually to Shadow Keep. This route skips any boss battles.
1 Leyndell, Royal Capital (Altus Plateau)
Experiencing Anor Londo in the first play of Dark Souls is undeniably enchanting. However, it’s fair to say that Elden Ring has surpassed this initial awe with Leyndell, the Royal Capital. This sprawling metropolis (arguably the largest Legacy Dungeon) isn’t just an eye-catcher; it offers a rich and immersive gaming experience.
In Soulsborne games, players can access every nook and cranny, from the rooftops to the ground level, with a well-timed jump. What makes this game remarkable is that you don’t need to climb up on a giant dead dragon’s carcass or disrupt your progression by jumping down from buildings. This demonstrates how advanced level design has become in Soulsborne games.
How To Get There
Leyndell is located directly east of the Altus Plateau. Nevertheless, its entryway can be found in the north section of the surrounding wall, where a Draconic Tree Sentinel stands guard.
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2024-08-12 17:55