Destroy Chariots in Auriza Hero’s Grave

Auriza Hero’s Grave stands as one of Elden Ring’s most treacherous dungeons, located in the eastern reaches of the Altus Plateau. This underground labyrinth challenges players with relentless chariot patrols that crush anything in their path along narrow ramps. Conquering these mechanical menaces not only clears the way for smoother exploration but also reveals premium loot like the full Tree Sentinel armor set and the Ash of War: Holy Ground. This guide details multiple approaches to dismantle the chariots, drawing from community-tested tactics.

Understanding the Chariot Threat

The chariots in Auriza Hero’s Grave operate on fixed tracks, looping endlessly down multi-tiered ramps. Three primary chariots patrol the main thoroughfare: two on the wide central ramp and a third that activates under specific conditions. Their massive stone wheels deliver instant death on contact, forcing players into precise timing and positioning. Safe zones exist between pillar clusters, but prolonged exposure risks fatal errors, especially for lower-level Tarnished.

Key hazards include:

• Crushing wheels: Direct hits obliterate health bars.
• Flame-spewing statues: Additional fire damage in later sections.
• Skeletal foes: Ambush in safe spots, complicating dodges.

Destroying them eliminates these patrols entirely, transforming the dungeon into a manageable delve.

Location and Entry Requirements

Auriza Hero’s Grave sits northeast of the Outer Wall Phantom Tree site of grace, accessible after obtaining both halves of the Dectus Medallion. Enter via the teleport trap at the dungeon’s entrance—a deceptive pillar that whisks you deep inside. Expect level 70+ builds with fire resistance and solid mobility for optimal success.

Stock up on neutralizers like Margit’s Shackle or fire pots beforehand.

Primary Method: Activating the Summoning Pillar

The most reliable strategy revolves around triggering a hidden pillar that projects a light sigil, summoning a third chariot into the path of the existing two. This causes a catastrophic collision, shattering all three vehicles.

1. Descend the first ramp: Sprint rightward in a zigzag pattern, hugging pillars for cover. Loot the Golden Rune from the ledge corpse if possible.
2. Reach the dual-chariot ramp: Position between the second pillar set. Observe the two chariots’ cycles.
3. Access the lower branch: From the left overhang, drop to a crossbeam, then another ledge. Navigate inward past skeletons.
4. Raise the pillar: Strike the dormant fire-breathing statue with any ranged attack or melee. It extends, beaming light onto the ramp and spawning the third chariot.
5. Observe destruction: Return via elevator or respawn; the sigil ensures immediate crashes upon re-entry.

This method requires no consumables and works consistently.

Quick Shackle Exploit

For players with Margit’s or Mohg’s Shackle, a shortcut bypasses navigation hassles. These items pull spectral bosses but also activate certain mechanisms remotely.

• Acquire Margit’s Shackle from Patches in Murkwater Cave or Mohg’s from purchasable sources later.
• Advance to the second safe zone on the wide ramp.
• Deploy the shackle—the wide hitbox reaches through walls, raising the pillar instantly.
• Watch chariots spawn and collide seconds later.

Users report perfect success rates, often on first try. Note: Shackles have limited uses, so conserve for this spot.

Alternative Tactics for Minimal Gear

Without shackles, creative options persist:

• Fire pot precision: From the second safe spot, lob a fire pot at the statue head. Ignites the pillar without dropping down.
• Basilisk death cloud: Summon poison clouds on the ramp; a chariot triggers chain reactions killing all.
• Stealth run and bow: Use a shortbow to snipe the pillar from afar after platforming to position.

These suit bow-focused builds or consumable hoarders.

Post-Destruction Rewards and Exploration

With chariots gone, loot freely:

• Tree Sentinel Set: Heavy armor with golden aesthetics, dropped centrally post-crash. Ideal for tank builds (high poise, solid defense).
• Ash of War: Holy Ground: Creates a sacred zone repelling foes and negating status effects. Pairs excellently with faith weapons.
• Additional pickups: Grave Glovewort , Great Dragonfly Heads x3, various runes.

Proceed north to the boss door: Ulcerated Tree Spirit awaits, guarding a Golden Seed and Banished Knight Oleg summon ashes.

Common Pitfalls and Fixes

Players often stumble here:

Death mid-process is forgiving—progress persists for pillar triggers.

Advanced Tips for Speedrunners

Optimized clears clock under 5 minutes:

• Pre-equip fire resist talismans.
• Margit’s Shackle straight to pillar raise.
• Skip optional loot for boss rush.
• MountTorrent unavailable inside, prioritize stamina gear.

Video timestamps confirm sub-2-minute chariot neuters.

Why Tackle Auriza Hero’s Grave?

Beyond loot, this dungeon hones core skills: timing, positioning, resource management. The Tree Sentinel set shines in PvE/PvP for its lordly swagger and stats, while Holy Ground offers utility in status-heavy fights. Mastering it unlocks Altus progression smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Margit’s Shackle?

No, pillar activation works independently, but it simplifies greatly.

What if chariots respawn?

They don’t post-destruction; dungeon state saves permanently.

Best level to attempt?

70-80, with +10 weapons.

Can I get loot without destroying chariots?

No, items spawn only after crashes.

Mohg’s vs. Margit’s Shackle?

Both effective; Margit’s cheaper/earlier.