Main Story Progression

Key takeawaysSpoilers

Use the critical path as a framework rather than a rigid level order. The most important decisions concern route flexibility, preparation before irreversible transitions, and which optional questlines you want available at the end.

• There is no single mandatory early route Stormveil Castle is the clearest first legacy dungeon, but the player can bypass it, explore the Weeping Peninsula, travel into eastern Limgrave, or reach Liurnia by the route around the castle. If Godrick the Grafted is stopping progress, leave the area and return after upgrading the character and equipment.
• The forge is the major point of no return for world state Before choosing to proceed at the Forge of the Giants, finish time-sensitive NPC conversations, collect desired items from Leyndell, Royal Capital, and review any ending questline you intend to pursue. The later capital transformation changes access to parts of the city.
• Great Runes are progression milestones, not a fixed checklist The story uses shardbearer victories to establish progress, but the open structure means different players can arrive at the capital with different exploration histories and major-boss orders. Do not assume every demigod must be defeated before continuing.
• The final battle is a two-part encounter Radagon of the Golden Order is followed immediately by the Elden Beast. There is no ordinary Site of Grace between the phases, so enter the arena with a suitable damage plan, enough healing, and a willingness to learn both movesets.
• Optional content affects preparation and endings Optional regions and quests can provide equipment, upgrade resources, Spirit Ashes, and alternative conclusions. They are not all required for the basic ending route, but advancing the main story can close or alter some opportunities.

Main Story Progression overviewSpoilers

Elden Ring's main story follows the Tarnished through the Lands Between as they seek the Elden Ring and pursue the title of Elden Lord. The critical path is deliberately non-linear: after Limgrave, players can approach several regions and major bosses in different orders, while optional areas, NPC quests, and alternate endings remain interwoven with the central route.

The journey begins at the isolated starting area and continues into Limgrave, where the Tarnished is introduced to Sites of Grace, the guidance of grace, open-world exploration, mounted travel, Spirit Ashes, and the first major legacy dungeon. The early route points toward Stormveil Castle and Godrick the Grafted, but Stormveil is not the only way to reach the next stage of the game. Players can also use routes around the castle or explore other regions before committing to the castle's main approach.

The central requirement for advancing through the broad middle of the game is the acquisition of Great Runes from major shardbearers. Godrick the Grafted is the most direct first target, but Elden Ring allows the player to pursue other shardbearers and regions instead of following a single mission order. This flexibility is useful when a boss, dungeon, or area is proving too difficult: exploration, weapon upgrades, Spirit Ashes, Flask improvements, and alternative routes can all change the difficulty of the next major encounter.

The story then moves through the regions surrounding Liurnia of the Lakes, Caelid, Altus Plateau, and the capital, Leyndell, Royal Capital. The player eventually confronts Morgott, the Omen King, and receives the information needed to reach the late-game areas. Access to the Grand Lift of Dectus, the alternative route through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, and later access to the Mountaintops of the Giants all illustrate the game's preference for multiple traversal solutions rather than one mandatory sequence.

The late story takes the Tarnished to the Mountaintops of the Giants, where the Fire Giant guards the path to the Forge of the Giants. Activating the forge causes a major world-state transition and sends the player to Crumbling Farum Azula, so this is the most important point at which to review unfinished NPC quests and exploration. After Maliketh, the Black Blade is defeated, Leyndell changes into the Ashen Capital, and the final sequence leads through Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing, Godfrey, First Elden Lord and Hoarah Loux, Warrior, and the final battle against Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast.

The route is distinctive because completing the main story does not require clearing every major region or every optional boss. Players may finish the game while leaving large parts of the map unexplored, but optional areas can provide powerful equipment, upgrade materials, spells, summons, and quest progress that make the required encounters more manageable. The ending selected after the final battle depends on the available repaired Great Runes or completed ending-related questlines, so a straightforward critical-path run and a completionist run can produce very different journeys.

Where this sitsSpoilers

Requirements

No special class, weapon, or NPC alliance is required to begin the main story. Progress depends on discovering routes, defeating selected major bosses, and meeting the access conditions for later regions.

• RequiredBegin a new gameThe route starts when the Tarnished enters the Lands Between after the opening sequence.
• RequiredReach and explore LimgraveThe opening region provides the first Sites of Grace, map information, equipment opportunities, and routes toward Stormveil Castle and the surrounding regions.
• RequiredDefeat enough major bosses to advanceThe critical path requires progress through major shardbearer and story encounters, but the exact early boss order is flexible.
• RecommendedPrepare for late-game transitionsUpgrade weapons, improve Flask charges and potency where possible, and resolve desired NPC quest steps before the Forge of the Giants sequence.
• OptionalChoose an ending directionThe basic ending route remains available through the final sequence, while additional ending options depend on optional quest progress and item acquisition.

ObjectivesSpoilers

1. Enter the Lands Between and follow the opening guidanceUse the first Sites of Grace to learn movement, combat, equipment, and fast-travel systems.
2. Advance from Limgrave toward the first major legacy dungeonStormveil Castle is the direct route, but the road around the castle can reach Liurnia of the Lakes without clearing the dungeon.
3. Acquire the progress needed to approach the capitalDefeat major shardbearers and explore the available regions until the route to Altus Plateau and Leyndell, Royal Capital is open.
4. Defeat Morgott, the Omen KingThe capital encounter marks the transition from the central journey to the Mountaintops of the Giants.
5. Reach the Forge of the GiantsCross the late-game region and defeat the Fire Giant before activating the forge sequence.
6. Clear Crumbling Farum AzulaDefeat Maliketh, the Black Blade to trigger the final transformation of the capital.
7. Complete the final sequenceFight the required Ashen Capital bosses, then defeat Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast.

WalkthroughSpoilers

1. 01

   Establish the starting route and unlock basic progression systems

   Leave the opening area and activate the first Sites of Grace

   Follow the opening route into Limgrave and interact with the early Sites of Grace so that healing, fast travel, and the guidance of grace become available. Explore enough of the nearby area to learn how map fragments, merchants, crafting, and mounted travel work before committing to the first legacy dungeon.

   Location: Limgrave

   TipUse the open world to gather healing upgrades, map information, and a weapon you can reliably use before challenging Stormveil Castle.

   Watch outThe guidance of grace points toward the critical path but is not a command to fight the nearest major boss immediately.

2. 02

   Reach the next major region by either route

   Prepare for Stormveil Castle or take the bypass

   From Limgrave, approach the castle gate and decide whether to enter Stormveil Castle or follow the road around the castle toward Liurnia of the Lakes. Clearing Stormveil provides a substantial early dungeon and its shardbearer, while bypassing it can let an underpowered character explore and return later.

   Location: Limgrave and Stormhill

   TipIf the castle's approach is overwhelming, the bypass is a legitimate progression route rather than a failed attempt.

   Watch outDo not assume that bypassing Stormveil completes its content; the dungeon and its boss remain available until later unless other progression or world-state changes affect a specific NPC event.

3. 03

   Strengthen the character and discover useful optional routes

   Explore Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula

   Search the churches, minor dungeons, caves, camps, and settlements in the two southern starting regions for upgrade materials, Flask improvements, weapons, spells, and NPC encounters. This preparation is optional for the critical path but is one of the safest ways to improve a new character before the first shardbearer.

   Location: Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula

   TipPrioritize weapon upgrades and survivability over collecting every item; a familiar weapon at a higher upgrade level is often more useful than a large but untested arsenal.

   Watch outNPC quest progress can depend on speaking to characters more than once and revisiting locations after major events, so avoid treating every early encounter as disposable.

4. 04

   Reach and clear the first major legacy dungeon

   Cross Stormveil Castle

   Enter through the main gate or use the alternate approach offered inside the castle, then advance through its courtyards, rooftops, interiors, and lifts until the route to the ruling boss is found. The castle contains branching paths and ambushes, so use Sites of Grace and unlocked shortcuts to reduce the distance after a death.

   Location: Stormveil Castle

   TipExplore side rooms when you can safely do so, but open shortcuts before attempting the boss repeatedly; the return route is much more valuable than forcing a blind push from the entrance.

   Watch outStormveil's vertical routes can lead to powerful enemies and dead ends. If an area seems to contain an item but no safe exit, mark it and return after activating a nearby shortcut.

5. 05

   Secure an early shardbearer victory or continue the flexible route

   Defeat Godrick the Grafted or continue by an alternate route

   Defeat Godrick the Grafted at the end of Stormveil Castle to claim his Great Rune and advance through the most direct early route. If you used the castle bypass, you can continue into Liurnia of the Lakes and pursue other major progress before returning to Stormveil.

   Location: Stormveil Castle

   TipUse the arena's space to avoid being trapped near the entrance, and consider a Spirit Ash or NPC assistance if your build struggles to create openings.

   Watch outA Great Rune is not automatically active merely because it was obtained; its associated Divine Tower and the Great Rune menu provide the separate steps needed to use its effect.

6. 06

   Open the next major legacy-dungeon route

   Reach the Academy region in Liurnia of the Lakes

   Travel through Liurnia of the Lakes and investigate the route to Raya Lucaria Academy. The Academy key is required to enter its main area, and the region also contains numerous alternative destinations, NPCs, and upgrade opportunities that can be completed before or after the Academy.

   Location: Liurnia of the Lakes

   TipLiurnia is broad and difficult to navigate from the ground. Use the map and landmarks to distinguish the Academy approach from optional lake and cliffside paths.

   Watch outDo not discard or overlook key quest items found during exploration; several NPC storylines use items or locations in Liurnia and can be advanced independently of the main route.

7. 07

   Complete the Academy's central encounter and open its post-boss options

   Clear Raya Lucaria Academy

   Use the Academy's key and progress through its rooftops, classrooms, courtyards, and debate-hall route until the major boss is reached. The dungeon emphasizes magical attacks and narrow traversal sections, so equip defenses or spacing tools that match your build rather than relying only on physical mitigation.

   Location: Raya Lucaria Academy

   TipThe Academy's central boss does not function like a normal one-phase melee fight; observe the arena mechanics before spending resources aggressively.

   Watch outThe Academy's defeat does not force an immediate single route. Continue exploring Liurnia afterward if you need equipment, NPC progress, or a stronger build.

8. 08

   Build strength and reach the capital approach

   Choose a route through Caelid, Altus Plateau, or other major regions

   After the early Liurnia sequence, the game opens several substantial directions. Caelid offers difficult encounters and major optional or story-linked content, while Altus Plateau leads more directly toward Leyndell through the Grand Lift of Dectus or the Ruin-Strewn Precipice.

   Location: Liurnia of the Lakes, Caelid, and Altus Plateau

   TipWhen enemies in a region kill you too quickly, treat that as route information: explore elsewhere, improve weapon upgrades, and return rather than assuming the area is mandatory at that moment.

   Watch outSome optional questlines move forward when major bosses are defeated or regions are entered. Review NPC locations before leaving a region for good.

9. 09

   Open the capital's surrounding region

   Reach Altus Plateau

   Use either the Grand Lift of Dectus with its required medallion halves or the dungeon route through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice to enter Altus Plateau. Both routes lead to the same broad region, but the dungeon route requires a combat-focused ascent while the lift route requires prior exploration.

   Location: Grand Lift of Dectus or Ruin-Strewn Precipice

   TipIf you are missing one half of the lift medallion, the alternative dungeon route can preserve momentum; if both routes are difficult, continue upgrading in Liurnia or Caelid first.

   Watch outReaching Altus Plateau changes the availability and location of some NPC encounters. Speak with characters whose quests matter to you before advancing through major story bosses.

10. 10

    Reach the capital's central story encounter

    Enter Leyndell, Royal Capital

    Follow the approaches into Leyndell, Royal Capital and navigate its outer defenses, streets, sewers, rooftops, and internal routes. The capital is a large legacy-style area with multiple levels, optional paths, and several items that are useful beyond the immediate main objective.

    Location: Leyndell, Royal Capital

    TipActivate every Site of Grace and lift shortcut you find before pushing deeper; the capital's branching vertical layout can make a missed shortcut costly.

    Watch outThe capital contains optional quest and item content that may not remain accessible after the late-game transformation. Complete any desired capital errands before proceeding to the forge.

11. 11

    Open the route to the Mountaintops of the Giants

    Defeat Morgott, the Omen King

    Advance through the capital to the Erdtree approach and defeat Morgott, the Omen King. The fight rewards patience: remain close enough to punish recoveries, but avoid committing during his extended weapon strings and area attacks.

    Location: Leyndell, Royal Capital

    TipIf the boss's mixed holy and physical pressure is overwhelming, improve defenses and use the arena's space to separate attacks rather than trading through every sequence.

    Watch outThe victory is a major story checkpoint. After it, speak with relevant NPCs and revisit important capital locations before leaving for the Mountaintops of the Giants.

12. 12

    Reach the Forge of the Giants route

    Cross the forbidden route to the Mountaintops of the Giants

    Use the newly opened route beyond the capital to enter the Mountaintops of the Giants. Follow the region's main road and landmarks toward the required late-game boss while exploring for map information, upgrades, and useful resistance equipment.

    Location: Mountaintops of the Giants

    TipThe region's terrain and weather reduce visibility and make mounted travel valuable, but dismount when precise combat or a narrow platform requires better control.

    Watch outThe Mountaintops mark the point where the story is moving toward an irreversible world-state change. Finish time-sensitive optional content before activating the forge.

13. 13

    Clear the guardian of the forge

    Defeat the Fire Giant

    Cross the arena and target the Fire Giant's vulnerable areas while managing its size, rolling movement, and long-range fire attacks. The fight covers a large space, so avoid chasing blindly after a knockdown and use the arena's distance to reset your position.

    Location: Mountaintops of the Giants

    TipMounted movement can help close distance and escape broad attacks, but choose the control scheme that lets you recognize the boss's tells rather than using Torrent automatically.

    Watch outDefeating the Fire Giant is not itself the final point of no return; the critical lock occurs when the forge sequence is advanced. Make your final pre-forge preparations before interacting with the story prompt.

14. 14

    Trigger the late-game transition

    Decide whether to proceed at the Forge of the Giants

    After the Fire Giant, reach the Forge of the Giants and complete the story interaction that activates it. This event transitions the world and sends the Tarnished to Crumbling Farum Azula, so it should be treated as the final preparation checkpoint for many NPC quests and capital collectibles.

    Location: Forge of the Giants

    TipUse this pause to spend runes, upgrade weapons, review talismans, and complete any quest steps that require the pre-Ashen Capital version of Leyndell, Royal Capital.

    Watch outAdvancing the forge sequence changes the capital into the Ashen Capital and can make some earlier locations, encounters, and items unavailable or altered.

15. 15

    Reach the required endgame boss

    Clear Crumbling Farum Azula

    Explore the disconnected ruins, bridges, rooftops, and dragon-haunted paths of Crumbling Farum Azula until the route to Maliketh, the Black Blade is reached. The area has dangerous falls and delayed enemy attacks, so open shortcuts and use the available Sites of Grace instead of treating each death as a full restart.

    Location: Crumbling Farum Azula

    TipKeep a ranged option or a way to punish enemies at awkward elevations; several encounters are easier when you refuse to fight on the opponent's preferred narrow platform.

    Watch outThe endgame area contains important optional encounters and quest-related content. Do not rush directly from the entrance to the boss if you still need to complete Farum Azula exploration.

16. 16

    Complete the encounter that transforms the capital

    Defeat Maliketh, the Black Blade

    Fight Maliketh, the Black Blade in the late-game arena and learn the difference between the opening phase's mobile ranged pressure and the second phase's aggressive blade attacks. The boss's attacks cover large portions of the arena, so punish only after clearly identified recoveries.

    Location: Crumbling Farum Azula

    TipA defensive plan that handles the boss's mobility is more valuable than a purely high-damage setup. Use the arena pillars carefully, because they can buy time but do not make every attack safe.

    Watch outDefeating Maliketh, the Black Blade triggers the next capital state. Finish any remaining pre-transformation activity before this battle if it matters to your playthrough.

17. 17

    Reach the final sequence

    Enter the Ashen Capital

    Return to the transformed capital and follow the new terrain toward the remaining required encounters. Familiar streets are now buried or changed, so rely on the new layout and Sites of Grace rather than trying to retrace the former capital route exactly.

    Location: Ashen Capital

    TipRe-evaluate your equipment before the last series of fights; a build that was effective against Maliketh may not be ideal for the capital bosses and final encounter.

    Watch outThe Ashen Capital is the endgame version of Leyndell, Royal Capital. Many earlier capital routes cannot be revisited in their original form.

18. 18

    Clear the first required Ashen Capital boss

    Defeat Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing

    Advance through the Ashen Capital until the confrontation with Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing. The encounter is shaped by ranged sorcery and incantation pressure, so close distance safely or use terrain and line-of-sight to prevent the fight from becoming a prolonged exchange.

    Location: Ashen Capital

    TipInterrupting the boss's casting rhythm is usually safer than allowing repeated spells to fill the arena. Keep enough stamina to retreat after an attack rather than spending the entire bar on one approach.

    Watch outThe final sequence follows quickly after the remaining capital encounters. Use the available grace and preparation opportunities before entering the next boss arena.

19. 19

    Clear the final major guardian before the Elden Ring

    Defeat Godfrey, First Elden Lord and Hoarah Loux, Warrior

    Continue to the throne approach and fight Godfrey, First Elden Lord, whose battle changes into Hoarah Loux, Warrior during the same encounter. Learn the shockwave and grab tells, then punish the recovery after the boss commits instead of standing directly in front of repeated area attacks.

    Location: Ashen Capital

    TipJumping can avoid some ground shockwaves more reliably than rolling, while maintaining lateral movement helps against the phase's grabs and lunges.

    Watch outThis is the last major boss before the final two-part encounter. Spend resources and adjust your loadout at the final preparation point before proceeding.

20. 20

    Complete the first half of the final encounter

    Defeat Radagon of the Golden Order

    Enter the final arena and defeat Radagon of the Golden Order, whose attacks combine melee strikes, holy effects, teleporting movement, and delayed area damage. The battle is immediately followed by the Elden Beast, so avoid exhausting healing and consumables simply to secure a fast first phase.

    Location: Final arena

    TipHoly resistance and careful positioning can matter more here than a small increase in raw damage. Learn which glowing ground effects persist so that you do not roll into the next attack while escaping the first.

    Watch outThere is no normal rest or resupply break between Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast.

21. 21

    Complete the main story's final battle

    Defeat the Elden Beast

    Pursue the Elden Beast across its large arena while avoiding sweeping holy attacks, projectiles, rings, and long-distance repositioning. The boss often creates distance after attacks, so conserve stamina and healing for the chase instead of spending everything during one brief opening.

    Location: Final arena

    TipUse a setup that remains effective at both close and distant ranges, and avoid panic-swimming after the boss when it is preparing a large area attack.

    Watch outThe final battle determines when the ending interaction becomes available. Make sure any ending-related items or quest completions you want are already finished before beginning this sequence.

22. 22

    Complete the playthrough and view the selected ending

    Choose the ending interaction

    After the final battle, interact with the available ending trigger or summon the relevant questline sign if one has been unlocked. The visible options depend on the player's completed optional questlines and acquired items, while the ordinary route remains available without completing every optional storyline.

    Location: Final arena

    TipDo not choose an ending interaction casually if you are pursuing a specific conclusion; use a separate save or confirm your intended route before committing where possible.

    Watch outEnding selection is the final outcome of the run, and some choices can prevent other conclusions on that playthrough.

Mission mechanics

Main Story Progression in Elden Ring is governed by open-world gates rather than a conventional quest-log chain. Guidance of grace points toward broad destinations, but the player is free to ride past a dangerous encounter, enter a cave, follow an NPC, or cross into another region. This means difficulty is partly managed through route choice: a failed boss attempt can be answered with exploration instead of repeated attempts.

Legacy dungeons are the clearest concentrated story spaces. Stormveil Castle, Raya Lucaria Academy, and the capital combine looping paths, locked doors, lifts, side rooms, shortcuts, and a final boss route. A useful approach is to treat each Site of Grace as a checkpoint in a route map: identify the next shortcut, then search side paths only when the return journey is manageable.

Character preparation is broader than a level number. Weapon upgrades, Flask improvements, talismans, armor, spells, incantations, Spirit Ashes, consumables, and damage-type choices all affect the practical difficulty of a boss. The open world supplies alternatives when a particular encounter counters the current build, and respecialization later in the game can support a different approach after enough progress has been made.

The story's major transitions are also quest-management transitions. Entering Altus Plateau, defeating major bosses, activating the Forge of the Giants, and defeating Maliketh, the Black Blade can change where NPCs appear or whether earlier areas remain accessible. The safest completionist routine is to speak with NPCs after major victories, exhaust their available dialogue, collect desired items from the current version of a region, and only then advance the next major story checkpoint.

What works and what does not

Choices and consequencesSpoilers

• Enter Stormveil Castle immediately or bypass it through the route around the castle

  Entering provides the direct legacy-dungeon route and access to Godrick the Grafted. Bypassing it opens Liurnia of the Lakes earlier and allows the player to return to Stormveil Castle after further preparation.

• Choose which major regions and shardbearers to pursue first

  The order changes the difficulty curve, available equipment, NPC positions, and the player's preparation, but the early game does not require one universal boss sequence.

• Activate the Forge of the Giants after defeating the Fire Giant

  The story advances to Crumbling Farum Azula and later transforms Leyndell, Royal Capital into the Ashen Capital. Some pre-transition NPC events and capital content may no longer be available in their earlier form.

  Spoiler
• Complete an optional ending-related questline before the final interaction

  Completed questlines can add a corresponding ending option or alter the available ending interaction. The basic conclusion remains separate from several optional routes.

  Spoiler
• Use the ordinary ending interaction after the final battle

  The playthrough concludes with the standard ending route available from the main story, provided no other ending interaction is selected instead.

  Spoiler

Main story checklistSpoilers

• Activate the early Sites of Grace in LimgraveThis establishes healing, fast travel, and the initial guidance route.
• Explore enough of Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula to improve the starting buildWeapon upgrades and Flask improvements are more valuable than forcing an early boss attempt.
• Decide whether to clear Stormveil Castle now or use the bypassBoth approaches can lead to Liurnia of the Lakes.
• Defeat Godrick the Grafted or progress through an alternative shardbearer routeThe game does not require every early major boss in one fixed order.
• Explore Liurnia of the Lakes and reach Raya Lucaria AcademyKeep track of NPC encounters and key items while exploring.
• Reach Altus PlateauUse the Grand Lift of Dectus or the Ruin-Strewn Precipice.
• Enter Leyndell, Royal CapitalOpen shortcuts and Sites of Grace before pushing toward the central boss.
• Defeat Morgott, the Omen KingThis opens the late-game route.
• Finish desired pre-forge NPC quests and capital explorationThe forge sequence changes the world state.
• Defeat the Fire GiantThe Forge of the Giants follows this encounter.
• Activate the Forge of the GiantsThis begins the late-game transition.
• Defeat Maliketh, the Black BladeThe capital changes after this victory.
• Clear the Ashen Capital bossesDefeat Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing, then Godfrey, First Elden Lord and Hoarah Loux, Warrior.
• Prepare for the two-part final encounterRadagon of the Golden Order is followed immediately by the Elden Beast.
• Select the intended ending interactionOptional questlines can add other ending choices.

Failure conditions and missable contentSpoilers

• Advancing the Forge of the Giants before completing time-sensitive NPC contentThe resulting world-state change can move or remove NPCs, alter Leyndell, Royal Capital, and close access to some earlier capital activities.
• Selecting an ending interaction without confirming the intended outcomeThe final interaction determines the ending for the current playthrough. Optional ending routes require their relevant quest progress before the final battle or interaction.
• Treating the guidance of grace as a mandatory boss orderThe guidance points toward broad objectives but does not prevent the player from exploring safer or more rewarding alternative routes.
• Entering a late-game boss without a resource planThe final sequence includes consecutive encounters, and the lack of a normal recovery break between Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast makes unused healing and a compatible loadout important.

Rewards and progression gainsSpoilers

• Access to new regions
  Major story victories and route discoveries open travel into Liurnia of the Lakes, Altus Plateau, Leyndell, Royal Capital, the Mountaintops of the Giants, and the late-game areas.
• Great Runes
  Defeating shardbearers can award Great Runes. A Great Rune must be restored at its associated Divine Tower before its effect can be used, and the player must equip it and consume a Rune Arc to activate that effect.
• Runes
  Major enemies and bosses provide Runes for leveling, purchasing items, and other standard progression uses.
• Remembrances
  Some major shardbearer and demigod victories award Remembrances, which can be exchanged through the appropriate NPC service for one of several unique rewards or consumed for Runes.
• Ending access
  Completing the main route unlocks the final ending interaction, while optional questlines can add alternative ending choices or modify the available conclusion.
• World-state progression
  Activating the Forge of the Giants and defeating Maliketh, the Black Blade are narrative rewards that change the accessible form of major regions and lead directly toward the finale.

Characters in this missionSpoilers

• MelinaImportant early traveling companion who supports the Tarnished's journey
• Godrick the GraftedEarly shardbearer and ruler of Stormveil Castle
• Rennala, Queen of the Full MoonMajor figure encountered in Raya Lucaria Academy and source of respecialization access
• Morgott, the Omen KingCapital boss and late-game route gate
• Fire GiantRequired guardian of the Forge of the Giants
• Maliketh, the Black BladeRequired boss in Crumbling Farum Azula
• Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-KnowingAshen Capital boss in the final sequence
• Godfrey, First Elden LordFinal capital boss's first phase
• Radagon of the Golden OrderFirst phase of the final encounter

AftermathSpoilers

TriviaSpoilers

• The main story can be completed without clearing every legacy dungeon, demonstrating that Elden Ring's critical path is intentionally less restrictive than a conventional linear action RPG campaign.
• The Forge of the Giants is both a narrative location and a structural progression marker: its activation is what moves the story away from the ordinary version of the Lands Between and toward the endgame.
• The final encounter's two bosses represent different kinds of pressure. Radagon of the Golden Order emphasizes a humanoid, timing-focused battle, while the Elden Beast turns the fight into a large-arena pursuit with repeated repositioning.
• The same capital is presented in two distinct story states, Leyndell, Royal Capital and the Ashen Capital. This makes the late-game transition materially relevant to exploration, not only to the plot.

Relationships