Elden Ring offers an incredibly vast open world filled with intricate storylines, rare equipment, and delicate character interactions. As players approach the Forge of the Giants, they face a narrative turning point that permanently reshapes the geography of the Lands Between. Initiating the spectacular blaze at the Erdtree acts as a point of no return for numerous regional secrets, making it crucial to finish certain tasks beforehand.
Securing Capital Weapons and Loot
Before you commit to lighting the forge, exploring every corner of Leyndell, Royal Capital is an absolute necessity. The transformation of this grand city into the Ashen Capital will completely bury specific structural areas under massive piles of debris. Most notably, players must retrieve the legendary Bolt of Gransax spear from the giant dragon monument before it disappears forever.
Missing this specific armament will directly lock you out of completing the legendary armaments achievement during your current playthrough. Additionally, collecting valuable golden seeds, unique armor sets, and specialized talismani strewn across the capital walkways ensures your inventory remains optimized. Gathering these items ahead of time saves you from the frustration of waiting until a subsequent New Game Plus run.
Advancing Essential NPC Questlines
Several critical companion arcs weave directly through the golden streets of the royal capital and depend heavily on its original state. Completing the introductory phases of the Dung Eater questline ensures you collect crucial seedbed curses before the city layout shifts. Similarly, the scholarly journey of Brother Corhyn and Goldmask requires you to solve their riddle while the capital stands intact.
Failing to progress these characters to their designated safety points prior to the burning will prematurely terminate their personal stories. Taking the extra time to speak with them guarantees you unlock their respective mending runes for alternative endings. Protecting these intricate narratives enriches your overall understanding of the deep lore governing the Lands Between.
Completing Underground and Side Content
While the subterranean shunning grounds remain technically accessible through a specific grate later on, exploring the sewers early is highly recommended. Defeating the hidden bosses beneath the palace allows you to claim powerful spells and unique inventory items without navigation issues. Furthermore, finalizing active tasks for NPCs like Fia or Ranni gives you maximum flexibility when deciding the final fate of the realm.
Ensuring that you visit all local merchants to purchase rare upgrade materials will also smooth out your impending late-game progression. Taking a brief break from the main path lets you tie up loose ends across the Altus Plateau securely. With your preparations finished, you can confidently move forward to trigger the dramatic conclusion of this epic chapter.