Elden Ring
Elden Ring

Underground Regions: Siofra River & Ainsel River

Navigate Elden Ring's Siofra River and Ainsel River underground regions. Find valuable loot and key progression points within these ancient subterranean areas.

·Multi-source verified (90/91)

Underground Regions: Siofra River & Ainsel River

The Lands Between hold secrets not only above ground but deep within their subterranean reaches. The Siofra River and Ainsel River are two such expansive, ancient underground regions, each offering unique challenges, valuable loot, and crucial progression points. This guide will help you navigate their winding paths and uncover their mysteries.

Siofra River

The Siofra River is accessible early in the game and is a vital area for character progression, especially for those seeking to enhance their Spirit Ashes. Prepare for a visually stunning yet dangerous journey.

Accessing Siofra River

  • Entrance: The primary entrance is via the Siofra River Well in East Limgrave, near the Minor Erdtree. Take the lift down into the depths.
  • Initial Exploration: Upon arrival, activate the Siofra River Bank Site of Grace.

Key Objectives & Walkthrough

  1. Lighting the Braziers: Your main objective in Siofra River is to light eight braziers scattered throughout the region. These braziers are often guarded by Ancestral Followers. Lighting all eight will awaken the Ancestor Spirit boss.
    • Brazier Locations:
      • One near the Siofra River Bank Site of Grace, slightly to the east.
      • One on a raised platform accessible by a spirit spring jump, near the large waterfall.
      • One within the ruins near the Worshippers' Woods.
      • One on a small island in the central lake area.
      • One near the entrance to the Ancestral Woods.
      • Three others are strategically placed on elevated ledges or within small alcoves. Keep an eye out for their distinctive glow.
    • Strategy: Use ranged attacks or stealth to thin out groups of Ancestral Followers before approaching the braziers. Torrent can be useful for quickly reaching some elevated braziers.
  2. Worshippers' Woods & Ancestral Woods:
    • From the Siofra River Bank, head east towards the large ruins. This area is known as the Worshippers' Woods.
    • Continue north through the woods to reach the Worshippers' Woods Site of Grace.
    • Further north, you'll enter the Ancestral Woods, leading to the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace.
  3. Hallowhorn Grounds (Ancestor Spirit Boss):
    • Once all eight braziers are lit, head to the Hallowhorn Grounds, located in the northern part of the region, past the Ancestral Woods.
    • Interact with the remains of the large deer to initiate the Ancestor Spirit boss fight.
    • Reward: Defeating the Ancestor Spirit grants you the Ancestor Spirit's Horn and Runes.
  4. Deep Siofra River & Mohgwyn Palace Access:
    • From the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace, look for a teleporter located on a cliff edge. This teleporter will take you to the Deep Siofra River area.
    • In Deep Siofra River, you'll find the Regal Ancestor Spirit boss arena (a more powerful version of the Ancestor Spirit).
    • Further exploration in Deep Siofra River, particularly after defeating the Regal Ancestor Spirit, will eventually lead to a teleporter that grants access to the late-game area of Mohgwyn Palace. This teleporter is often found near the large waterfall in the deeper sections.

Notable Items & Locations in Siofra River

  • Map Fragment: Found on a corpse near the Siofra River Bank Site of Grace, essential for revealing the area on your map.
  • Great Ghost Glovewort: Often found in the deeper parts of the river, crucial for upgrading powerful Spirit Ashes.
  • Larval Tear: Can be dropped by certain Mimic Tears disguised as regular enemies. One is often found near the Worshippers' Woods.
  • Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella: A challenging mini-boss found in the northern part of the river, often guarding valuable items. Defeating it can yield the Dragon Halberd.
  • Starscourge Heirloom: Found on a corpse in a ruined structure, this talisman raises Strength.
  • Talismans: Keep an eye out for various talismans, including the Clarifying Horn Charm and the Immunizing Horn Charm, often found in hidden corners or guarded by enemies.

Ainsel River

The Ainsel River is another vast underground region, often accessed later than Siofra River, and is intrinsically linked to Ranni's questline. It features unique enemies and environmental hazards.

Accessing Ainsel River

  • Entrance 1 (Early): Via the Ainsel River Well in East Liurnia of the Lakes. This lift takes you to the lower section of Ainsel River.
  • Entrance 2 (Late/Ranni's Quest): The "Carian Study Hall" inverted tower leads to the Divine Tower of Liurnia, which then provides access to the upper Ainsel River Main area after progressing Ranni's questline. This is the primary way to access the full extent of the Ainsel River, including Nokstella, Eternal City.

Key Objectives & Walkthrough

  1. Ainsel River Well Depths:
    • Upon taking the lift from East Liurnia, you'll arrive at the Ainsel River Downstream Site of Grace.
    • Explore the immediate area, which is often flooded and patrolled by Giant Ants and Claymen.
    • Look for the Map Fragment: Ainsel River on a corpse near the main river path.
  2. Dragonkin Soldier of Ainsel River:
    • Progressing through the lower Ainsel River will eventually lead you to a large, open area where you'll encounter the Dragonkin Soldier of Ainsel River boss.
    • Strategy: This boss is similar to its Siofra counterpart but often has more aggressive moves. Utilize its slow turning speed to get behind it.
    • Reward: Defeating it yields the Frozen Lightning Spear incantation.
  3. Ainsel River Main & Nokstella, Eternal City (Ranni's Quest):
    • This area is primarily accessed through Ranni's questline, after using the teleporter at the top of Renna's Rise (which becomes accessible after defeating Starscourge Radahn and progressing Ranni's quest).
    • You'll arrive at the Ainsel River Main Site of Grace.
    • Follow the river north. This path will lead you to the stunning architecture of Nokstella, Eternal City.
    • Nokstella Exploration: Navigate the city, dealing with Silver Tears and Mimic Tears. Collect the Moon of Nokstella talisman from a chest in one of the higher buildings.
    • Mimic Tear (Boss): Within Nokstella, you'll encounter a Mimic Tear that transforms into a copy of your character. Defeating it is a key step in Ranni's quest.
  4. Lake of Rot:
    • Beyond Nokstella, you'll eventually reach the hazardous Lake of Rot. This area is covered in Scarlet Rot, requiring significant immunity or quick traversal.
    • Strategy: Equip items that boost Robustness (e.g., Mottled Necklace) or use consumables like Preserving Boluses. Torrent is not available here.
    • Cross the lake, activating the various pressure plates to raise platforms and create safe zones.
    • At the end of the Lake of Rot lies the boss arena for the Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
    • Reward: Defeating Astel is crucial for Ranni's quest and unlocks the path to the Moonlight Altar.

Notable Items & Locations in Ainsel River

  • Map Fragment: Ainsel River: Found on a corpse near the Ainsel River Downstream Site of Grace.
  • Antskull Plate Shield: Dropped by Giant Ants in the lower Ainsel River.
  • Ghost-Glovewort Picker's Bell Bearing [1]: Found in Nokstella, Eternal City, allowing you to purchase Ghost Gloveworts from the Twin Maiden Husks.
  • Moon of Nokstella: Talisman found in a chest in Nokstella, boosting memory slots.
  • Winged Greathorn: Weapon found in a chest in the Ainsel River Main area, often guarded by a Malformed Star.
  • Great Ghost Glovewort: Found in various locations, particularly in Nokstella and before the Lake of Rot.
  • Marika's Soreseal: A powerful talisman found in the Lake of Rot, but requires careful navigation and dealing with the Scarlet Rot.