How To Get To The Underworld Elden Ring

Alright, settle in, grab your imaginary tea (or flask of Crimson Tears, if you’re feeling particularly Elden Ring-y), and let me tell you a tale. A tale of woe, a tale of wonder, and a tale of… well, mostly woe, involving navigating the delightfully depressing Underworld of the Lands Between.

Getting to the Underworld in Elden Ring isn't exactly a walk in the park. More like a perilous parkour routine performed while being chased by a very angry, very large dog wearing a helmet. But fear not, my Tarnished friend! I’m here to guide you through the subterranean shenanigans. Just remember, death is part of the learning process. A very large part. Prepare to see that “You Died” screen more times than you’ve ordered takeout in the last month. Maybe. (Don’t judge, we’ve all been there.)

Step 1: Embrace the Bloodhound Knight (and a Kidnapping)

The first major key to unlocking the Underworld is accepting your fate as a kidnapping victim. You read that right. We're going full Liam Neeson here, except instead of retrieving your daughter, you're trying to retrieve your, uh... what are we even trying to retrieve in the Lands Between? Sanity? A decent rune farming spot? Let's go with power, it sounds cooler.

Specifically, you need to be abducted by a Virgin Abductor. Yes, that's the actual name. I didn't make it up, I swear. They’re these creepy, iron maiden-esque contraptions on legs that look like they escaped from a low-budget horror film. Charming, right?

You can find these delightful machines of mayhem in a few places, but I recommend heading to the bottom of the Raya Lucarian Academy. Don’t try to fight them right away. Trust me, they hit harder than your mom when she finds out you haven’t done the dishes. Instead, let them grab you. Think of it as… quality time.

Pro-Tip: If you're having trouble getting grabbed (because, I mean, who wants to be grabbed by a Virgin Abductor?), try removing your armor. Less weight equals more mobility. It also means you'll die faster, but hey, tradeoffs!

Step 2: The Volcano Manor Detour (Optional, but Spicy!)

Okay, so you've been abducted. Congratulations! You're now being transported to... somewhere unpleasant. Usually the Volcano Manor. This part is slightly convoluted, and frankly, a bit of a red herring if all you want is to get to the "true" Underworld (Ainsel River and beyond). However, it's a fun and potentially rewarding detour, so let's briefly cover it.

The Virgin Abductors will take you to the Volcano Manor. This place is run by Tanith and a bunch of… let’s just say eccentric characters who enjoy hunting other Tarnished. They'll give you missions to assassinate other players (or NPCs if you're not into PvP). Think of it as a really twisted side-hustle.

While the Volcano Manor quests offer some neat rewards (like the Serpent-Hunter great spear, which is great for cheesing Rykard), they’re not essential for reaching the Underworld proper. However, completing certain quests here will unlock other areas and items, so it's worth considering.

Step 3: The Real Underworld Awaits (Ainsel River Main)

Alright, so we’ve handled the abduction and the potential detour to the Volcano Manor. Now for the real Underworld. Forget what I said about Volcano Manor. Okay don't forget everything, there's some cool stuff there. But it's not THE Underworld.

The actual entrance to the Ainsel River (the main artery of the Underworld) is located in Liurnia of the Lakes. Specifically, you’re looking for the Ainsel River Well. It's near the eastern shore of the lake, not too far from the Study Hall.

Inside the Ainsel River Well, you'll find a lift that takes you down, down, down into the depths. Get ready for a change of scenery because Liurnia of the Lakes is full of water and the Underworld is, uh, not so much. I hope you brought a sweater (and maybe a spare pair of pants… you'll see).

Step 4: Navigating the Ainsel River (Prepare for Weirdness)

Welcome to the Ainsel River! Hope you like ants. Giant, unsettling ants that shoot projectiles at you. You'll also encounter other delightful creatures, like claymen, basilisks, and the occasional extremely powerful boss.

The Ainsel River is a sprawling, interconnected network of tunnels, caverns, and underground lakes. It's easy to get lost, so pay attention to your map and landmarks. And for the love of the Greater Will, watch out for those ants.

Key Locations in Ainsel River:

• Ainsel River Sluice Gate: This is a crucial location for progressing further into the Underworld. You'll need to find a way to open it to access new areas.
• Nokstella, Eternal City: A beautiful, yet eerie, underground city. Definitely worth exploring for its loot and lore.
• Lake of Rot: Exactly what it sounds like. A giant lake of… well, rot. Bring your best poison resistance gear and prepare to suffer.
• Grand Cloister: Another important area in the Lake of Rot. It houses a coffin that will take you to a very challenging boss fight. Good luck, you'll need it.

Step 5: Beyond the Ainsel River (Deeproot Depths and More!)

The Ainsel River is just the beginning. It connects to other areas of the Underworld, like the Deeproot Depths. You can reach Deeproot Depths from a coffin in the Grand Cloister (after dealing with Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, of course... no big deal). Or from the Four Belfries, if you happen to have an Imbued Sword Key.

The Deeproot Depths is a lush, surprisingly beautiful area filled with giant ants (surprise!), and the final resting place of a certain someone. Exploring this area is essential for completing certain questlines and obtaining powerful items.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Your Torch!

Seriously, this is the Underworld. It’s dark. Like, really dark. A torch (or a lantern) is your best friend down here. You'll be navigating dimly lit tunnels and pitch-black caverns, so don't leave home without it. Unless you enjoy bumping into giant ants in the dark. (Spoiler alert: you don't.)

Surprising Fact: Did you know that some scholars believe the Underworld in Elden Ring is inspired by various real-world mythologies, including Greek, Norse, and even Mesopotamian? Pretty cool, huh?

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! A (hopefully) humorous and informative guide on how to get to the Underworld in Elden Ring. Remember to embrace the madness, prepare for death, and always keep a torch handy. The Lands Between are a dangerous place, but the Underworld is a whole new level of crazy. Good luck, Tarnished! May the Greater Will (or at least a strategically placed Site of Grace) be with you.