Deeproot Depths
Deeproot Depths is a hidden, optional area accessible via two distinct paths: either by defeating the Valiant Gargoyles in the Siofra Aqueduct and interacting with the coffin, or by lying down in the coffin found in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds after defeating Mohg, the Omen.
Accessing Deeproot Depths
- Via Siofra Aqueduct:
- Travel to the Siofra Aqueduct Site of Grace.
- Proceed through the aqueduct, defeating the numerous Lesser Gargoyles and the two Valiant Gargoyles boss.
- After the boss fight, head to the waterfall's edge. A coffin will be present. Interact with it to be transported to Deeproot Depths.
- Via Subterranean Shunning-Grounds:
- Navigate the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital.
- Defeat Mohg, the Omen.
- Behind the altar in Mohg's boss arena, strike the illusory wall to reveal a path downwards.
- Descend through the treacherous platforming section, past the Basilisks and Frenzied Flame Proscription.
- At the very bottom, a coffin will be available to lie in, transporting you to Deeproot Depths.
Deeproot Depths Walkthrough
Upon arrival, you'll find yourself in a vast, ethereal forest with massive tree roots intertwining. The area is characterized by its elevated roots, poisonous swamps, and spectral enemies.
Initial Exploration and First Site of Grace
- From your arrival point (whether by coffin from Siofra or Subterranean Shunning-Grounds), proceed forward. You'll immediately notice the large, spectral tree spirits and Fanged Imps.
- Head towards the glowing light to find the Deeproot Depths Site of Grace. Activate it.
- From this Site of Grace, look for a path leading deeper into the roots.
Navigating the Roots and Swamp
- Spectral Enemies: Be wary of the spectral Fanged Imps and particularly the large Spectral Tree Spirits. These larger enemies are slow but hit hard and have wide-reaching attacks. Consider using ranged attacks or hit-and-run tactics.
- Poisonous Swamp: Much of the lower ground is covered in a poisonous swamp. Equip items that boost Immunity (e.g., Mottled Necklace, Immunizing Horn Charm) or carry plenty of Preserving Boluses. Torrent is invaluable for traversing the swamp quickly.
- Item Hunting:
- Explore the roots for various crafting materials and Runes.
- Look for a body near the initial area that holds a Stonesword Key.
- On one of the higher roots, you can find the Crucible Knight Set (Helmet, Armor, Gauntlets, Greaves) by defeating a Crucible Knight.
The Across the Roots Site of Grace and Fia's Questline
- Continue navigating the roots, generally heading northeast from the first Site of Grace. You'll encounter more spectral enemies and potentially a few Giant Ants.
- Eventually, you'll reach a large, open area with a massive tree stump in the center. This is where you'll find the Across the Roots Site of Grace.
- Near this Site of Grace, you will find Fia, the Deathbed Companion. If you are following her questline, speak with her here. She will ask you to find the Cursemark of Death.
- This area is crucial for progressing Fia's quest and eventually obtaining the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince.
Boss Encounter: Fia's Champions
After speaking with Fia and progressing her quest, you will be able to challenge the area's main boss:
- Location: Directly past Fia, through the fog gate.
- Boss: Fia's Champions (Spirit-Caller Snail, Lionel the Lionhearted, and two other Tarnished spirits).
- Strategy:
- The Spirit-Caller Snail is the primary threat, summoning the other champions. Focus on finding and eliminating the Snail first, as it will continuously resummon its allies.
- The Snail is often hidden behind environmental elements or on a raised platform. Look for its glowing form.
- Once the Snail is defeated, the other champions will vanish.
- Be prepared for a multi-target fight until the Snail is found. AoE attacks can be useful.
- Reward: Defeating Fia's Champions awards the Fia's Mist sorcery and unlocks further dialogue with Fia.
The Prince of Death's Throne
After defeating Fia's Champions, continue past the boss arena to reach the Prince of Death's Throne Site of Grace. This is where you can further interact with Fia to complete her questline, leading to the acquisition of the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince and the opportunity to fight Lichdragon Fortissax.
- Lichdragon Fortissax: This optional boss is fought within Fia's dream after she has embraced the corpse of Godwyn the Golden. Interact with Fia after she falls asleep to enter the dream.
- Reward: Defeating Lichdragon Fortissax yields the Remembrance of the Lichdragon and a Dragon Cult Prayerbook.
Key Items and Collectibles
- Sites of Grace: Deeproot Depths, Across the Roots, Prince of Death's Throne.
- Stonesword Key: Found on a body near the initial area.
- Crucible Knight Set: Obtained by defeating a Crucible Knight on a high root.
- Fia's Mist: Reward for defeating Fia's Champions.
- Mending Rune of the Death-Prince: Crucial for one of Elden Ring's endings, obtained by completing Fia's questline.
- Remembrance of the Lichdragon: Reward for defeating Lichdragon Fortissax.
- Dragon Cult Prayerbook: Reward for defeating Lichdragon Fortissax.
- Erdtree's Favor +1: Found in a chest on a root near the Prince of Death's Throne.
- Ghost Glovewort [7], [8], [9]: Scattered throughout the area, particularly in the swamp and around the roots. Essential for upgrading Spirit Ashes.