Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, is a game brimming with secrets, hidden lore, and tantalizing Easter eggs. The Lands Between are filled with cryptic messages, hidden areas, and nods to the developer's past games. While many players focus on battling challenging bosses and completing quests, some of the game's best-kept secrets can easily be overlooked.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the most fascinating hidden secrets and Easter eggs in Elden Ring that you probably missed. From lore-rich discoveries to clever nods to Dark Souls and Bloodborne, these hidden gems add depth and intrigue to the already expansive world of Elden Ring.
1. The Hidden Tower of Return
In the Weeping Peninsula, players can stumble upon a seemingly ordinary tower called the Tower of Return. However, opening the chest at the top of this tower will teleport you directly to Leyndell, Royal Capital, a late-game area.
- Why It's Important: This early glimpse of the capital is not only awe-inspiring but also allows players to explore a dangerous section and potentially collect high-level loot.
- Secret Tip: You can access a nearby grace site, but avoid straying too far, as enemies in this area can be overwhelming for low-level characters.
2. Patches' Return
No FromSoftware game would be complete without Patches, the lovable yet treacherous character. Patches can be found in Murkwater Cave, where he initially appears as a boss. After dealing enough damage, he will surrender, allowing players to spare him and later trade with him.
- Easter Egg: Patches pulls his classic trick of kicking the player off a ledge in the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, just as he did in Dark Souls.
- Pro Tip: Keeping Patches alive can unlock quests and unique items, including a special emote.
3. The Frenzied Flame Ending
One of the most hidden endings in Elden Ring involves embracing the chaotic Frenzied Flame. To unlock it, players must undergo a secretive process:
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Find the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell.
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Remove all armor before passing through a hidden door protected by fire.
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Accept the Frenzied Flame from the Three Fingers, changing your character's appearance and locking you into a unique ending.
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Why It Matters: The Frenzied Flame ending transforms the entire world into chaos, presenting one of the darkest possible conclusions to the story.
4. The Let Me Solo Her Summon
The Elden Ring community was abuzz with the legend of Let Me Solo Her, a player who would join co-op sessions to solo the brutal boss Malenia, Blade of Miquella, wearing nothing but a pot on their head.
- Easter Egg Tribute: The developers added a Jar Helm and pot-related items as a nod to this iconic player. You can find the Jar Helm in the Volcano Manor questline, solidifying this community legend into the game's lore.
5. Dark Souls References
Elden Ring is filled with subtle nods to the Dark Souls series, including:
- The Erdtree Burial Watchdog: Resembles the gargoyle-like statues in Dark Souls.
- Statues of Velka: The statues of an enigmatic figure bear a resemblance to Velka, the Goddess of Sin from Dark Souls.
- The Grafted Scion: This could be a reference to the Gwyndolin boss from Dark Souls 3, sharing similar themes of being trapped and mutated.
These references not only create a sense of continuity between games but also provide lore connections for eagle-eyed fans.
6. The Secret of the Albinaurics
The Albinaurics, a race of artificially created beings, hold a significant secret. Many of them can be found in Albinauric Village and the Haligtree. Their lore hints at experimentation and persecution by the Golden Order.
- Secret Questline: By helping Latenna the Albinauric, players can learn more about their plight and gain access to the Haligtree Medallion, which is critical for unlocking Miquella's Haligtree, a hidden late-game area.
7. The Evergaols: Ghosts of the Past
Throughout the game, players can find mysterious prisons called Evergaols. These hold powerful spirits and bosses that can be challenged for rewards. However, the Evergaols also tie deeply into the lore:
- Hidden Storylines: Some Evergaol bosses, such as Adan, Thief of Fire, have story connections to specific quests or factions.
- Lore Clues: The Evergaols serve as prisons for those who defied the Greater Will, adding layers to the history of the Lands Between.
8. Ranni’s Secret Ending
Ranni the Witch offers one of the most elaborate questlines in Elden Ring, culminating in a secret ending known as the Age of the Stars.
- How to Unlock: Complete Ranni's questline, which involves navigating the treacherous Ainsel River, finding the Dark Moon Ring, and defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
- Secret Impact: This ending brings a new age led by Ranni, diverging sharply from the other possible outcomes.
9. The Mysterious Deathbed Dress
An unusual piece of armor, the Deathbed Dress, is found in a hidden room in the Leyndell Royal Capital. This item has lore connections to Fia, a character central to another hidden questline involving the Age of Duskborn ending.
- Hidden Function: The dress restores health to nearby allies, hinting at Fia’s ability to offer “comfort” to the player.
- Lore Significance: It ties into the theme of death and rebirth, offering deeper insight into Fia’s role in the story.
10. Alexander, The Iron Fist
Alexander, a Living Jar, has a storyline filled with humor and heartbreak. Throughout the game, he can be found stuck in various locations, requiring help to free him.
- Secret Ending to His Quest: If you follow his questline through to Mountaintops of the Giants, you will face him in a duel.
- Reward: Winning this battle grants you his Shard of Alexander, enhancing the power of Ashes of War.
- Easter Egg: His storyline echoes that of Siegmeyer of Catarina from Dark Souls, known for his constant need for assistance and honorable death.
Conclusion
Elden Ring is a game that rewards curiosity, and its secrets and Easter eggs offer a treasure trove of content for dedicated players. From clever callbacks to Dark Souls and Bloodborne to hidden questlines that change the game's ending, these secrets enhance the depth and replayability of the game.
Exploring the Lands Between with a keen eye can unveil mysteries that many players might overlook. So whether you're a lore enthusiast or just love discovering hidden treasures, Elden Ring ensures there's always something new to find.
