How To Reach Ancient Ruins Of Rauh In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree

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Navigating Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree presents varying levels of accessibility across its diverse landscapes. While some destinations offer straightforward paths, others like the Ancient Ruins of Rauh demand strategic planning and precise execution. This northwestern territory divides into two distinct vertical layers that require different approach strategies.

The Ancient Ruins of Rauh encompasses two primary zones with unique environmental characteristics:

Understanding this vertical separation is crucial for planning your expedition, as each zone contains different enemy types, loot opportunities, and progression requirements. The region’s design intentionally creates navigation hurdles that test both your exploration skills and combat readiness.

The map above illustrates three primary access routes to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh, each with distinct advantages and limitations:

After conquering Castle Ensis, you’ll emerge in Scadu Altus where strategic observation becomes essential. Looking westward reveals ruins centered within a lake, defended by an Ogre Mage that serves as both guardian and warning. Navigate to these ruins and engage the portal mechanism using an Imbued Stonesword Key, which teleports you directly to a central island within the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.

The teleporter method delivers immediate access but requires careful preparation. Ensure you have adequate healing items and combat readiness before activation, as you’ll immediately face significant opposition upon arrival. The Scadu Altus tunnel approach provides a more gradual introduction to the region’s challenges, while the Shadow Keep ramparts route offers tactical advantages for ranged combat specialists.

Each access method suits different playstyles and progression levels. The teleporter works best for experienced players seeking rapid access, while the tunnel provides safer gradual exploration. The ramparts method benefits players who have thoroughly explored Shadow Keep and prefer elevated tactical positions.

Upon reaching the central island via teleporter, prepare for immediate combat engagement. You’ll encounter a paladin-class enemy that tests both your defensive capabilities and offensive timing. Successfully defeating this guardian yields significant rewards, including the Verdigris Discus—one of numerous new DLC talismans that enhance character builds.

Strategic preparation significantly impacts your success rate in this challenging region. Recommended preparations include stocking up on Imbued Stonesword Keys, upgrading your preferred weapons to at least +15, and ensuring you have adequate resistance to both physical and magical damage types commonly encountered here.

Common navigation mistakes include attempting the teleporter route without proper combat readiness, underestimating the verticality challenges between Rauh Base and the upper ruins, and overlooking hidden paths that contain valuable resources. Advanced players should focus on sequence breaking opportunities that allow earlier access to high-value loot areas.

The region’s design encourages multiple visits as your character progresses. Early exploration focuses on accessible areas and basic loot, while later returns with enhanced abilities unlock previously inaccessible sections containing elite gear and story-critical items. This layered accessibility design represents one of the DLC’s most sophisticated exploration mechanics.

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