These Are The Best Hidden Areas In Elden Ring
Since its Feb. 25, 2022 release, "Elden Ring" has made a splash with gamers. Critics are singing the game's praises, applauding everything from its compelling combat, to its eye-catching open world, to more incredible gameplay features. Players feel similarly, so much so that only a few games have beat the impressive 97/100 score "Elden Ring" secured on Metacritic. Of course, the record-breaking sales numbers speak for themselves, too.
Of course, no game is without its flaws, as PC gamers playing "Elden Ring" can attest to in more ways than one. Imperfections and all, "Elden Ring" is still 100% worth playing. The fantastical world is immersive and inviting on the surface, and for players looking to get a little deeper into the experience, there are plenty of hidden areas that can be discovered and explored. This guide will help players understand some of the secret spots in "Elden Ring" so they can get the most out of this ultra-successful game.
Jarburg
The name for this hidden area tells players all they need to know: it's a town filled with all types of jars. Nestled in a cliffside near eastern Liurnia by the Carian Study Hall, this peculiar land is home to Living Jars. While jars appear in other parts of the game as both enemies to kill and containers to slash through for resources, the vast majority of Living Jars in Jarburg are total pacifists.
It's not hard to get to Jarburg, but it might be a challenge to leave. Not only are the jars adorable – they have the power to change how gamers think of jars, given their cute and cuddly characteristics.
Jarburg may not be the most useful hidden area, as many Redditors have pondered the meaning of its existence, but that's just part of the experience. For players willing to look at the glass – or jar – as half full, this random region will make for a fun, quirky sidequest. If "Elden Ring" ever decides to expand its merch offerings, a real-life jar to pull at players' heartstrings would certainly fly off the shelves.
Church of Dragon Communion
What fantasy gamer doesn't love dragons? Luckily, "Elden Ring" is full of them, plus it includes a special area in their honor.
Of course, such a sacred spot isn't set up out in the open where anyone can find it. In fact, players need to make some dragon-specific progress to earn access. Located in Limgrave beyond the Coastal Cave, players will need to beat Flying Dragon Agheel and claim this boss' Dragon Heart. Talking to Bloody Finger Hunter Yura will allow gamers to progress through the Coastal Cave, where they'll meet and defeat the two Demi-Human Chiefs.
Apparently, it's easy to miss the chance to continue deeper into the cave, but players in the know will press on until they reach the shrine (via TheGamer). The best part is this hidden area can be used throughout the game as a place to exchange Dragon Hearts for powerful spells (via PC Invasion). For those hoping to breathe fire on their enemies, this is the place to make that dream a reality.
Nokron, Eternal City
This hidden area requires a few steps to unlock, but it's totally worth it. Once Nokron, Eternal City is unlocked, the area will allow players to fight some epic bosses and enemies in an underground city ruin that is surprisingly lush given their ancient age. There are even some gorgeous stars to give the area even more character, so "Elden Ring" gamers would be well advised to check out this special spot at night.
Players might be surprised to learn that there are actually two different levels of Nokron, one of many eternal cities in "Elden Ring." Both parts are near the Siofra River, the first of which is accessible through the map and a little exploration.
As for the second area, it's key that players beat the Starscourge Radahn boss at Redmane Castle. This will trigger a falling star that lands south of Mistwood, which marks the entrance to the second part of Nokron.
Lake of Rot
It wouldn't be "Elden Ring" without some blood and gore, and that includes a red and wretched area known as the Lake of Rot. Full of Scarlet Rot, a status effect that erodes one's health over time, this blood-filled basin is not for the faint of heart.
The Lake of Rot itself sits atop the Academy of Raya Lucaria, though it's still far beneath the Earth near the Ainsel River Main. Players must traverse beyond the Uhl Palace Ruins until they reach a lift that descends deep into Nokstella Eternal City. For those who believe that getting there is half the fun, the difficulty that awaits in this area will be staggering.
Once players have reached the Lake of Rot, they'll have plenty of bosses to battle, if they can strategically sprint their way through the Scarlet Rot and rely on platforms to avoid being engulfed in the deadly serum. Amidst all the chaos is a hidden coffin that allows players to unlock the area's biggest boss: Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. Adding to the nightmare fuel, this humongous firefly-like creature will offer players some valuable upgrade choices, not to mention an unforgettable experience.
Miquella's Haligtree
A refreshing palate cleanser after one's daily dose of underground mayhem, Miquella's Haligtree is worth a visit solely due to its beauty. On top of that, it will give players one of their greatest challenges in "Elden Ring."
Getting to Miquella's Haligtree is no easy feat, as it requires multiple steps. Long story short, players will need to find two halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallions, which can be combined to activate the Grand Lift of Rold, which leads to the Consecrated Snowfield. After solving a puzzle in the region's Ordina Liturgical Town, players can access Miquella's Haligtree.
In addition to pure aesthetic appeal, Miquella's Haligtree is home to one of the toughest bosses in the game: Melania Blade of Miquella. Emerging victorious will likely take some perseverance, though doing so will make one rich in runes.
From the treetops to dungeon depths and everywhere in between, this variety of hidden areas in "Elden Ring" will keep players busy for quite some time.