Reach Rold Route in Elden Ring

Navigating the vast world of Elden Ring requires precise knowledge of key pathways, especially when progressing to late-game areas. The Rold Route serves as a critical gateway from the bustling streets of Leyndell, Royal Capital, to the snowy peaks of the Mountaintops of the Giants. This path opens only after a pivotal boss encounter, blending exploration, combat, and strategic fast travel.

Prerequisites for Accessing the Rold Route

Before embarking on this journey, ensure you’ve met the essential requirements. Defeating Morgott, the Omen King, in Leyndell is mandatory. This shardbearer boss guards the path forward, and upon victory, Melina rewards you with the Rold Medallion—a key item needed to operate the Grand Lift of Rold.

• Defeat Morgott: Located in Elden Throne within Leyndell. Prepare with fire resistance and strong faith builds.
• Acquire Rold Medallion: Speak to Melina at the throne post-battle.
• Recommended Level: 100-120, with upgraded weapons (+20 or higher).

Without these, the golden seal blocking the lift remains impenetrable, forcing a detour back to the capital.

Starting Point: Avenue Balcony Site of Grace

The most efficient launchpad is the Avenue Balcony Site of Grace, nestled in upper Leyndell. Fast travel here directly after Morgott to minimize backtracking. This grace overlooks the capital’s grand avenues, now eerily quiet post-siege.

From spawn, face north. Climb the immediate staircase ahead, leading to a wide, debris-strewn road flanked by abandoned carriages. This thoroughfare marks the initial stretch toward the Forbidden Lands.

Navigating the Capital Outskirts

The road north introduces familiar yet tense encounters. Ghostflame-wielding avatars patrol sporadically—dispatch them swiftly with physical attacks to avoid their homing projectiles. As you press on, harpies (bird-like foes) descend from ruins, screeching and diving with claw strikes.

Push past the main gates—massive double doors that creak open without resistance. Beyond lies a chamber housing an elevator. Activate the lever to descend into the outskirts proper. This lift drops you amid ruins, with the Forbidden Lands Site of Grace nearby for a crucial rest point.

Traversing the Forbidden Lands

The Forbidden Lands unfold as a barren, wind-swept expanse east of the capital. Follow the sinuous road eastward, where the landscape shifts to cracked earth and distant mountain silhouettes. This region tests endurance with roaming packs of demihumans—small, agile humanoids that ambush in groups.

Key landmarks include:

• A wide bridge crossing a chasm, offering scenic views but no loot.
• Ruined pillars hinting at ancient battles.
• The path culminates at a fog wall guarded by the Black Blade Kindred.

Conserve flasks here; no graces interrupt until the end. Torrent, your spectral steed, excels for quick traversal and evasion.

Confronting the Black Blade Kindred Boss

The gateway to the Grand Lift is barred by the Black Blade Kindred, a formidable knight dual-wielding massive blades infused with holy power. This optional-yet-unavoidable sentinel demands respect, scaling with your power level.

Boss Mechanics and Phases

The fight occurs in a wide arena amid the Forbidden Lands’ desolation. The Kindred opens with sweeping combos—three to five slashes that track your position. Dodge through the final hit for counter openings.

• Phase 1: Grounded assaults; parry opportunities for skilled players.
• Phase 2 (50% HP): Leaps into gravity magic pulls, followed by slams. Roll toward to avoid.
• Holy Blade Throw: Massive projectile—hide behind pillars or sprint sideways.

Winning Strategies

Summon Mimic Tear +1 or Black Knife Tiche to split aggro. Bleed or Frostbite builds shred its poise. Stay mid-range to bait swings, then punish recoveries. Rewards include 96,000 Runes and the Black Blade greatsword—a faith-scaling colossus with devastating Ash of War.

Defeat unlocks the fog, revealing the Grand Lift of Rold ahead.

Activating the Grand Lift of Rold

The majestic lift looms at road’s end, framed by towering statues. A Finger Reader Crone lingers nearby, offering cryptic lore on the medallion’s dual purposes. Rest at the adjacent Site of Grace first.

Interact with the lift prompt: Select “Hoist Medallion” using the Rold Medallion (right half). This elevates you to the Mountaintops of the Giants, depositing at “Great Lift of Rold” grace. Alternatively, with both Haligtree Secret Medallion halves, opt for the “Secret Medallion” path to Consecrated Snowfield—a late-game secret.

Essential Tips and Common Pitfalls

Many Tarnished falter here due to underpreparation. Stock Antifreeze Potions for the cold ahead, though not immediately needed. Avoid Divine Tower of East Altus detour until geared—it’s tempting but grueling solo.

• Fast Travel Abuse: Chain graces: Avenue Balcony → Forbidden Lands → Lift.
• Enemy Skips: Torrent gallops past most foes if rune farming isn’t priority.
• Post-Lift Prep: Zamor Knights await; ice resistance vital.

What Lies Beyond: Mountaintops of the Giants

Ascending unveils a frozen wonderland: vast plateaus, Fire Giant legacy, and Forge of the Giants climax. This region advances the main quest toward endings, with Fire Knight optional bosses and somber smithing stones aplenty.

Explore chains to hidden ledges for golden seeds, or press to Castle Sol for secret medallion right half.

FAQs

Do I need the Rold Medallion to reach the lift?

Yes, but the path requires Morgott’s defeat first. The medallion activates the lift.

Can I skip the Black Blade Kindred?

No, it’s the direct gatekeeper. Defeat or perish trying.

What’s the level recommendation for Forbidden Lands?

110+ ensures smoother sailing; scale runes from Kindred boost you.

How do I access Consecrated Snowfield instead?

Equip both Haligtree Secret Medallion parts at the lift.

Any loot on the Rold Route?

Minimal—focus on progression. Kindred drops the star weapon.