Elden Ring’s vast open world hides some of its most haunting and lore-rich areas beneath the Lands Between. Among these, Deeproot Depths stands out as one of the most mysterious late–game underground regions, tightly connected to the Golden Order, Those Who Live in Death, and the legacy of Godwyn the Golden. This guide delivers a full breakdown of how to reach Deeproot Depths, what you’ll find inside, key bosses, hidden loot, and a structured path to fully clearing the zone.
How to Reach Deeproot Depths
Reaching Deeproot Depths is not straightforward, as it requires progressing through the sprawling Nokron → Aqueduct → Great Waterfall Basin route or using an alternative early-game skip.
Path 1: The Intended Route (After Defeating Radahn)
- Defeat Starscourge Radahn in Caelid to trigger the starfall event.
- The fallen star creates access to Nokron, Eternal City.
- Progress through Nokron until you reach Aqueduct-Facing Cliffs.
- Traverse the aqueduct and defeat the boss duo: Valiant Gargoyles.
- Rest at the Great Waterfall Basin site of grace.
- Enter the coffin near the waterfall—the same mechanic used in Ainsel River.
- You’ll awaken inside Deeproot Depths.
Path 2: Teleport Skip via Subterranean Shunning-Grounds (Late Game)
Once inside Leyndell’s sewers, a specific coffin interaction and boss route also leads to Deeproot Depths, but this path is generally late–game only. It’s useful if you missed Nokron or progressed differently through quests.
Exploration Guide: Deeproot Depths
Deeproot Depths is a poisonous, corrupted underground forest dominated by gigantic roots, flooded ruins, and remnants of the Eternal Cities. The entire zone reflects Godwyn’s slow transformation into the Prince of Death.
Key Landmarks
- Root-Faced Cliffs & Great Roots — platforming-heavy sections filled with Basilisks and aggressive root-based enemies.
- Nameless Eternal City — a haunting ruin filled with envoys and important loot.
- Across the Roots — the upper region offering access to the main boss arena.
- Prince of Death’s Throne — the heart of the zone, with one of the most lore-rich boss fights in the game.
Important Loot & Weapons
Deeproot Depths rewards exploration heavily. Key items include:
- Prince of Death’s Staff – top-tier intelligence/faith hybrid catalyst.
- Elden Stars (Incantation) – a powerful Holy spell linked to the Golden Order.
- Crucible Tree Armor Set – excellent for tankier builds.
- Mending Rune of the Death-Prince – essential for one of the game’s alternate endings.
- Stone of Gurranq / Smithing Stones / Ghost Gloveworts – scattered throughout the roots.
Pro Tip: Many items here boost hybrid builds, so ensure you explore every root branch for maximum value.
Boss Guide: Fia’s Champions & Lichdragon Fortissax
Fia’s Champions (Mandatory)
This multi-phase NPC showdown includes waves of summoned champions. Each champion is aggressive but predictable; take them down one by one by using the arena’s trees and roots as cover.
Lichdragon Fortissax (Quest-Bound Boss)
Unlocked once you give Fia the Cursemark of Death.
Fortissax is one of the most visually stunning and challenging dragon bosses in Elden Ring.
Key Tips:
- Stay close to avoid lightning barrages.
- Roll into its wing swipes, not away.
- When it performs the Death Lightning attack, sprint diagonally and avoid the delayed shockwaves.
Defeating Fortissax grants the Remembrance of the Lichdragon and completes Fia’s storyline.
Other Hidden Underground Zones You Should Explore Next
If Deeproot Depths captivated you, the following major subterranean regions offer equally rich lore and endgame-tier rewards:
- Ainsel River (Upper & Lower)
- Lake of Rot
- Mohgwyn Palace
- Nokstella, Eternal City
- Nokron, Eternal City
Each area ties into the overarching themes of the Eternal Cities, the Frenzied Flame, and the fractured Golden Order.
Conclusion
Deeproot Depths is one of Elden Ring’s most atmospheric regions—rich in lore, home to major bosses, and filled with some of the most valuable hybrid gear in the game. Clearing this zone is essential for completing Fia’s questline and unlocking a major alternate ending. By exploring every root, ruin, and hidden ledge, you’ll uncover the full legacy of Godwyn and the mysteries buried beneath the Lands Between.
GGC