FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is a game that thrives on mystery. Every corner of the Lands Between hides something waiting to be discovered, whether it’s a powerful weapon, a hidden NPC questline, or a secret area locked behind an obscure mechanic. For players looking to push beyond the obvious and truly master exploration, these 9 advanced tips will help you unlock hidden secrets in Elden Ring with confidence. As the topic suggests, Unlock Hidden Secrets in Elden Ring with These 9 Advanced Tips, this guide dives deeper into the kind of strategies veteran players use to uncover the game’s best-kept secrets.
1. Listen Closely to NPC Dialogue
Elden Ring is famous for cryptic storytelling. NPCs often drop subtle hints about secret areas or conditions that trigger hidden quests. Pay attention to repeated lines or vague references to landmarks—these are rarely meaningless.
2. Experiment with Gestures
Certain doors, statues, or environmental puzzles respond not to weapons, but to gestures. For example, mimicking an NPC’s stance or performing the right emote at a statue can reveal hidden passages. Keep your gesture list handy—you never know when it will matter.
3. Test Illusory Walls Everywhere
Illusory walls are a FromSoftware staple, and Elden Ring hides them in clever ways. Attack suspicious walls in catacombs, or roll against unusual textures. These often lead to rare loot or shortcuts connecting major areas.
4. Upgrade Spirit Ashes Strategically
Spirit Ashes aren’t just combat tools; some upgraded summons can actually change how certain encounters play out. A stronger summon might survive long enough to trigger boss dialogue you’d otherwise miss.
5. Look Up and Down, Not Just Forward
Secrets aren’t always on the beaten path. Vertical exploration is vital—hidden ladders, tree branches, and rooftops often conceal items and shortcuts. Always tilt the camera and scan your environment thoroughly.
6. Return After Major Boss Fights
Areas and NPC behavior frequently change after defeating key bosses. Revisit old locations—you might find new enemies, treasure, or questlines that weren’t there before.
7. Experiment with Status Effects
Some enemies and objects react differently depending on the status effect you apply. For example, inflicting Sleep or Madness can unlock hidden interactions, leading to shortcuts or rare drops.
8. Use Messages as Clues, But With Caution
Player messages can be both a blessing and a curse. While trolling is common, some messages genuinely point toward illusory walls, ambushes, or hidden paths. Test them for yourself before trusting blindly.
9. Don’t Forget About Nighttime Exploration
The world of Elden Ring changes depending on the time of day. Certain bosses, NPCs, and events only appear at night, making it essential to rest at Sites of Grace and revisit familiar areas under the moonlight.
These 9 advanced tips represent the kind of knowledge that separates a casual playthrough from a true deep dive into FromSoftware’s design philosophy. By applying them, you’ll uncover far more than just loot—you’ll piece together the hidden lore and secrets that make Elden Ring a masterpiece. Remember, the key to discovery is patience, curiosity, and experimentation. If you want to truly live up to the theme—Unlock Hidden Secrets in Elden Ring with These 9 Advanced Tips—these strategies are the perfect starting point.
