Elden Ring Progression Route: Where to Go Next

Key Takeaways

• Elden Ring allows sequence breaks; this route minimizes abrupt difficulty jumps rather than defining the only valid order.
• Guidance lines point toward major objectives, while maps, mines, churches, caves, and catacombs build the power needed to complete them.
• Two Great Runes open the conventional Leyndell progression gate.
• The Forge of the Giants and Maliketh lead to major world-state changes; finish sensitive quests and Leyndell collection first.
• Shadow of the Erdtree begins from Mohg's arena after both Mohg and Radahn are defeated, but it is not required for the base ending.

Area route

Stage	Main objective	Useful detours
Limgrave	Unlock leveling, Torrent, Roundtable Hold; approach Stormveil	Weeping Peninsula, Limgrave Tunnels
Stormveil	Defeat Godrick or bypass and seek other Great Runes	Nepheli and Rogier interactions
Liurnia	Raya Lucaria and Rennala	Caria Manor, Ainsel/Siofra access, Academy tunnel
Caelid	Radahn when ready	Sellia and Dragonbarrow later
Altus	Reach plateau and approach capital	Mt. Gelmir, Volcano Manor
Leyndell	Defeat Morgott	Sewers and capital pickups
Mountaintops	Reach Fire Giant and Forge	Castle Sol; Consecrated Snowfield unlock
Farum Azula	Defeat Maliketh	Dragon and talisman detours
Ashen Capital	Final boss sequence	Finish remaining accessible optional areas

Where to go after common bosses

After Godrick

Exit into Liurnia, activate a grace, collect the regional map fragments, and work toward Raya Lucaria. Caria Manor is a valuable optional branch for Ranni's quest.

After Rennala

Choose between Caelid/Radahn, underground quest routes, or Altus Plateau. Rennala's Great Rune does not need activation and she becomes the rebirth NPC.

After Morgott

Use the Rold Medallion route to the Mountaintops of the Giants. The capital's main gate forward remains closed until Morgott is defeated.

After Fire Giant

Using the Forge advances the story. This is a sensible point to finish Volcano Manor contracts, capital pickups, and NPC steps you care about.

Common Mistakes

• Following only grace guidance and skipping weapon/flask upgrade resources.
• Entering Dragonbarrow at an early Limgrave power level.
• Assuming every underground area is a dead end rather than a quest branch.
• Advancing the Forge or Maliketh without considering world-state changes.
• Starting New Game Plus immediately after the ending before spending remembrances or collecting limited upgrade stones.

Troubleshooting

I beat Rennala—why can’t I enter Leyndell?

Rennala can be one of the required two Great Rune holders, but you still need another Great Rune and the Roundtable/Two Fingers progression. Reach Altus and use a valid capital approach.

Where did Leyndell’s old layout go?

Defeating Maliketh changes the capital to its ashen state. Some earlier pickups become unavailable until another journey.

FAQ

Is Caelid before Liurnia?

It is accessible first, but Liurnia usually provides the smoother post-Stormveil difficulty curve. Southern Caelid and Dragonbarrow also differ sharply in danger.

Can I explore after the final boss?

Yes. Choosing an ending does not force New Game Plus immediately; select “No” when offered a new journey and start it later from Roundtable Hold.

When should I enter the DLC?

The access bosses ensure substantial progression, but difficulty depends on Scadutree Blessing inside the expansion as well as the base build.

Version Scope

Base-game navigation verified through Patch 1.17; quest branches can still react to individual choices.

Sources

• Bandai Namco starter guide
• Elden Ring Wiki walkthrough

Compare the boss order and ending requirements before the final stretch.