Recommended Level: 60 - 80
Weapon Upgrade: +12 to +18 (Standard) / +5 to +7 (Somber)
Key Items: Bolt of Gransax, Margit's Shackle, Sanctified Whetblade, Golden Order Principia.
1. Exploring the Altus Plateau
Whether you arrived via the Grand Lift of Dectus or the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, you are now in the autumnal, golden lands of the Altus Plateau. The Erdtree looms massive in the sky, and the enemies are significantly tougher.
Dominula, Windmill Village
Located in the north. The dancing villagers are initially passive, but will attack if you get too close. At the top of the village, you fight the Godskin Apostle. Defeat him to advance Millicent's questline (she moves here after Caelid).
The Shaded Castle
A poison-filled legacy mini-dungeon in a valley to the northwest. It holds the Valkyrie's Prosthesis (give this to Millicent) and is ruled by Elemer of the Briar, who drops the legendary Marais Executioner's Sword.
2. Mt. Gelmir & Volcano Manor
Before heading to the capital, you should explore the volcanic region to the west. This area houses a faction of Tarnished hunters and a demigod.
Speak to Lady Tanith in Volcano Manor and choose to join them. This does not lock you out of any endings. Joining them gives you access to a drawing room where you get assassination letters. Completing these assassinations rewards you with some of the best armor sets in the game (like the Scaled Set and Hoslow's Set).
You can reach Rykard by finishing Tanith's quests or by exploring the hidden legacy dungeon behind the illusory wall in the manor's drawing room (which involves fighting the Godskin Noble).
Strategy: As soon as you enter the boss arena, pick up the Serpent-Hunter greatsword on the left. Equip it (even if you don't have the stats) and spam its heavy attack and weapon art. It fires massive beams of wind that hit Rykard from across the lava. Defeating him yields the Blasphemous Blade, arguably the best PvE weapon in the game.
3. The Gatekeeper: Draconic Tree Sentinel
To enter Leyndell, you must approach the outer walls from the northeast. The main gate is sealed, and the side entrance is guarded by a brutal boss.
- Phase 1: He attacks with a massive club and a fire-breathing horse. Stay close to his shield side to bait out shield bashes, which leave him open.
- Phase 2 (Lightning): At 50% HP, he infuses his weapon with red lightning. When he raises his shield to the sky, a lightning bolt will strike you from above. Roll exactly half a second after he pulls the shield down. Alternatively, rot him and ride around on Torrent until he dies.
4. Leyndell, Royal Capital
Leyndell is a massive, multi-layered labyrinth. The enemies hit incredibly hard (especially the Leyndell Knights). Your main goal is to reach the base of the Erdtree.
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1
East Capital Rampart
After defeating the Sentinel, run across the ramparts. You will find a grace overlooking the city. From here, drop down onto the rooftops. The streets are patrolled by a giant Erdtree Avatar, but you can sneak past it to reach the Avenue Balcony grace.
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2
Climbing the Dragon
From Avenue Balcony, head down the stairs, deal with the archers, and jump onto the wing of the massive petrified dragon (Gransax). Climb the wing all the way up to reach a ledge that leads into the upper palace and the West Capital Rampart grace.
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3
The Roots of the Erdtree
From the upper palace, run across the giant tree roots scaling the buildings. This will lead you to the Erdtree Sanctuary grace, right outside the first major boss room.
Later in the game (Chapter 6), completing the Crumbling Farum Azula zone will permanently alter Leyndell, burying it in ash. You MUST grab the following items before that happens, or they will be lost until New Game+.
Bolt of Gransax (Legendary Weapon)
After defeating the Golden Shade of Godfrey, go out the western door, take the elevator down, and jump over the railing onto the giant golden spear stuck in the building. Walk up the spear to grab it. Required for the Legendary Armaments Trophy.
Sanctified Whetblade
Located in the Fortified Manor (the building that looks identical to Roundtable Hold). It allows you to apply Holy and Lightning affinities to weapons. Found near the fireplace where Ensha normally stands.
6. The Golden Order Riddle (Lore Secret)
One of the biggest lore revelations in the game is hidden behind a puzzle in Leyndell, required for Brother Corhyn and Goldmask's ending.
How to solve "Regression Alone Reveals Secrets"
- Acquire the Golden Order Principia prayerbook (found hanging from a chair above the Erdtree Sanctuary boss room, accessed by climbing a giant root outside).
- Give the book to Miriel (Turtle Pope) or Corhyn and buy the Law of Regression incantation (Requires 37 Intelligence).
- From the Erdtree Sanctuary grace, go out the west door, down the elevator, and down the stairs to a large white statue of Radagon. Read the message on the floor.
- Stand on the message and cast Law of Regression. The statue will transform from Radagon into Queen Marika, and a new message will appear revealing the game's ultimate twist: "Radagon is Marika". Tell this to Goldmask to advance his quest.
7. Subterranean Shunning-Grounds
Beneath the pristine streets of the capital lies a dark, horrifying labyrinth of sewers where the golden order hides its darkest secrets. How to enter: From the Avenue Balcony grace, jump down the stairs to the left, climb over the rooftops, and drop into the well.
This area is a literal maze of identical-looking pipes. Watch out for Omens, Basilisks, and Imps. Use Rainbow Stones to mark pipes you've already explored.
At the very bottom, you will face Mohg, the Omen (an illusion of the true Lord of Blood). He is immune to status effects in this form. Use Margit's Shackle to pin him to the floor twice during phase 1.
The Frenzied Flame Proscription
Behind Mohg's chest is an illusory altar. Hitting it reveals a massive jumping puzzle. At the absolute bottom lies the Three Fingers. DO NOT interact with the terrifying door while naked unless you specifically want the "Lord of Frenzied Flame" ending, as this locks you out of all other endings.
8. Bosses of the Capital
| Boss | Mechanic | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Golden Shade) |
Stomp AoE & Holy Immunity | He is a phantom made of pure light. He is 100% immune to Bleed, Frost, Poison, Rot, and Holy damage. Use pure physical or lightning weapons. Jump over his massive foot stomps instead of rolling. |
| Morgott, the Omen King (Shardbearer) |
Holy Weapons & Extreme Speed | The true form of Margit. He summons holy swords, spears, and a massive hammer. You can summon Melina to help tank him. Margit's Shackle works on him twice during Phase 1. When he coughs up black sludge at 50% HP, back away to avoid massive AoE damage. He is weak to Slash damage and Bleed. |
9. Activating the Great Runes
You've defeated two demigods in this chapter. To use their power, you must awaken their Great Runes at their respective Divine Towers.
Morgott's Great Rune
Location: Divine Tower of East Altus.
Exit Leyndell through the massive eastern gates (the same path toward the Mountaintops). Take the elevator down and head out to the bridge. You will be ambushed by the Fell Twins boss fight in pitch black darkness. Defeat them to reach the tower. (This tower also activates Mohg's rune later).
Rykard's Great Rune
Location: Divine Tower of West Altus.
Head to the moat surrounding the capital's southern wall. Enter the Sealed Tunnel. You must hit multiple illusory walls to navigate through this dungeon, eventually defeating the Onyx Lord at the end. The exit of the tunnel leads directly to the doors of the Divine Tower.
10. Chapter Completion
Achievement Unlocked
Morgott the Omen King: Defeat the Shardbearer of Leyndell. (30G / Silver)
💬 Community Strategies & Discussion
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