Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Full Walkthrough: Gravesite Plain (Eastern)

Advance through Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with this walkthrough of Gravesite Plain (Eastern). Conquer the Fog Rift Catacombs and Ruined Forge Lava Inta.

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Full Walkthrough: Gravesite Plain (Eastern)

Welcome to the eastern reaches of the Gravesite Plain, a region that promises both peril and valuable discoveries. This area serves as a crucial pathway to Castle Ensis and introduces new challenges, including the treacherous Fog Rift Catacombs and the scorching Ruined Forge Lava Intake.

Full Walkthrough: Gravesite Plain (Eastern) - Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree screenshot
Full Walkthrough: Gravesite Plain (Eastern)

The Third Path: Crossing the Greatbridge

From the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace (if you've been following the central Gravesite Plain walkthrough), head directly east. You'll soon encounter a massive stone bridge spanning a chasm. This is the Greatbridge, and it's heavily guarded.

  • Enemies: Expect to face several Foot Soldiers and a larger, more heavily armored Mausoleum Knight patrolling the bridge. Utilize ranged attacks to thin out the Foot Soldiers before engaging the Knight, or draw them back to a more favorable position.
  • Loot: Keep an eye out for a Golden Rune [3] on a corpse near the middle of the bridge, and a few crafting materials like Rimed Crystal Buds scattered along the edges.
  • Site of Grace: Once you've crossed the Greatbridge, activate the Greatbridge Site of Grace immediately on the other side. This will be your primary checkpoint for the eastern Gravesite Plain.

Clear Fog Rift Catacombs

Just north of the Greatbridge Site of Grace, you'll spot the entrance to the Fog Rift Catacombs. This dungeon is optional but highly recommended for its rewards and a Scadutree Fragment.

  • Entrance: The entrance is a large, ornate stone archway built into the cliff face.
  • Initial Descent: Proceed through the entrance and descend the initial staircase. Be wary of skeletal enemies that reanimate. A few well-placed attacks after they fall will prevent their revival.
  • First Chamber: The first large chamber often contains a few more skeletons and sometimes a spectral Fanged Imp. Look for a Grave Glovewort [1] near the walls.
  • Puzzle/Trap: Many catacombs feature pressure plates or lever-activated traps. In Fog Rift, watch for floor plates that trigger dart traps. Roll through them or sprint past when safe.
  • Scadutree Fragment: Deep within the catacombs, typically in a side chamber or after a mini-boss encounter, you will find a Scadutree Fragment. This is crucial for increasing your Shadow Realm Blessing.
  • Boss: The boss of Fog Rift Catacombs is often a variant of a Grave Warden Duelist or a Cemetery Shade. Prepare for a fast-paced fight. Defeating the boss usually rewards you with a valuable talisman or spirit ash.
  • Exit: After defeating the boss, activate the teleportation pad or open the main door to exit back to the Gravesite Plain.

Clearing the Ruined Forge Lava Intake

Southeast of the Greatbridge Site of Grace, nestled into a volcanic-looking area, is the entrance to the Ruined Forge Lava Intake. This area is characterized by pools of molten rock and fire-based enemies.

  • Approach: The path to the forge is often guarded by Fire Slugs and sometimes a larger Fire Prelate. Consider ranged attacks or hit-and-run tactics against the Prelate.
  • Environmental Hazards: The lava pools inflict continuous damage. Equip fire-resistant armor or talismans if you have them. Use the elevated pathways and stone outcroppings to navigate.
  • Enemies: Inside, you'll encounter more Fire Slugs, Fire Monks, and potentially larger Golems or Iron Virgins. The Iron Virgins are particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces.
  • Loot: Look for Smoldering Butterflies and Fire Blossom crafting materials near the lava. There's often a valuable weapon or armor piece hidden in a chest in a less obvious corner. A Stonesword Key can sometimes be found near a specific lava flow.
  • Mini-Boss: The forge often culminates in a mini-boss fight, perhaps against a Magma Wyrm or a unique Fire Giant variant. Focus on their weak points and exploit any openings.
  • Path Forward: The Ruined Forge Lava Intake often serves as a shortcut or provides access to a higher elevation, leading towards the next major area.

Heading to Dragon's Pit

From the Ruined Forge Lava Intake, or by continuing east from the Greatbridge, your next significant landmark is the Dragon's Pit. This area is exactly as it sounds: a lair for formidable draconic foes.

  • Path: The terrain becomes more rugged and mountainous as you approach. You might encounter smaller Dragonkin Soldiers or even a Lesser Dragon patrolling the skies.
  • Suppression Pillar: As you near the Dragon's Pit, you may notice a glowing structure in the distance – a Suppression Pillar. These pillars often reduce the effectiveness of certain enemy types or grant a temporary buff to You in their vicinity. Activating or destroying them can sometimes alter the difficulty of the upcoming encounters.
  • Dragon Encounter: The Dragon's Pit itself will likely feature a powerful, named dragon boss. Prepare for a challenging fight with wide-area attacks and devastating breath weapons. Consider bringing a Spirit Ash that can draw aggro or deal significant damage.
  • Rewards: Defeating the dragon will yield a Dragon Heart, a significant amount of Runes, and often a powerful Dragon-themed incantation or weapon.
  • Next Destination: Beyond the Dragon's Pit, the path will typically lead you directly towards the imposing walls of Castle Ensis, the next major Legacy Dungeon in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.