Elden Ring is known for its sprawling world and deep lore, but the real thrill often lies beneath the surface — in the dungeons. Whether you're diving into a catacomb, legacy dungeon, or hidden cave, these areas are packed with enemies, traps, and valuable loot. Dungeon exploration can be punishing if approached carelessly, but with the right mindset and techniques, you'll come out stronger and richer. Here are 14 practical tips to make your dungeon-crawling experience smoother and more rewarding.
Many dungeons in Elden Ring are dark — pitch black in some cases. Always carry a torch or equip a lantern. Not only will it help you spot enemies and traps, but it can also reveal illusory walls and interactable objects you might otherwise miss.
Sounds are a crucial cue. Groans, clanking chains, or growls usually signal enemies ahead. Stop and listen at every turn. It might save you from ambushes or environmental hazards.
Illusory walls are a FromSoftware staple, and Elden Ring doubles down on them. Tap suspicious-looking walls with a light weapon attack. Some dungeons hide entire sections — or even bosses — behind false walls.
Use a bow, crossbow, or spells to scout ahead. Shooting into a room might trigger an enemy’s reaction, revealing a trap or ambush you otherwise would’ve walked right into.
Dungeons are risky places to farm, especially deep or late-game ones. If you're carrying a large number of runes, spend them before entering. Alternatively, some players choose to buy Elden Ring runes PS4 or buy Elden Ring items PC to quickly recover from loss-heavy runs.
Spirit Ashes can act as more than damage dealers. In tight dungeon corridors, use tanky summons to draw aggro or bait enemy traps. A well-timed summon can turn a lopsided fight in your favor.
Look for bloodstains and messages left by other players (if you're online). These can warn you of pitfalls, hidden enemies, or boss fight areas. But be cautious — not every message is trustworthy.
Some dungeons are filled with skeletons, others with heavily armored foes. Tailor your weapon selection accordingly. Holy damage is highly effective against undead, while strike damage helps against heavily armored knights.
You can’t always rely on checkpoints in dungeons. Make sure your Sacred Flasks are upgraded and balanced between HP and FP based on your build. More often than not, dungeon bosses will test your endurance more than your DPS.
Dungeon enemies are often variants of overworld foes but placed in much trickier environments. Watch how they patrol, how fast they aggro, and what their attack windows are. Rushing rarely ends well.
Dungeon bosses can be deceptive. Some seem trivial, while others hit harder than major story bosses. Before entering the fog, buff up, check your flask count, and plan your Spirit Ash selection based on what you’ve learned.
Dungeons often reward you with unique weapons, ashes of war, or armor sets. Hold off on upgrading gear until you've cleared a few and compared your finds. Some of the best builds in the game start with something you nearly missed in a hidden crypt.
Dungeon enemies love status damage — bleed, poison, rot, and even madness. Equip gear or talismans that boost resistance to the dungeon’s common threats. This preparation can drastically reduce panic deaths.
If you die deep in a dungeon, your rune pile may sit right next to a boss or surrounded by enemies. Practice running the route quickly and safely, and if it’s truly inaccessible, consider cutting your losses or backing up progress by farming or choosing to buy Elden Ring runes PS4 instead.
Dungeon diving in Elden Ring isn’t just about brute force. It’s a game of awareness, patience, and adaptation. The more carefully you approach each one, the more you’ll come to appreciate their brilliant — if punishing — design. Whether you're searching for hidden loot, chasing upgrade materials, or testing yourself against mini-bosses, these tips will make your journey into the underground just a little more survivable.