So you've heard about Deeproot Depths and want to get down there? Honestly, I don't blame you - that place is wild. The first time I found it completely by accident after falling through a coffin (seriously!), and let me tell you, nothing prepares you for that eerie underground forest.
Finding out how to get to Deeproot Depths isn't exactly straightforward though. The game sure doesn't hold your hand. I must've spent two hours running in circles around Leyndell before I stumbled on the entrance. This guide will save you that headache.
What Exactly is Deeproot Depths?
Imagine the biggest tree roots you've ever seen, then multiply that by a thousand. That's Deeproot Depths. It's this massive underground area beneath the Erdtree filled with glowing plants, creepy enemies, and some seriously good loot. The vibe? Like a haunted forest at the bottom of the world.
Why bother going? Well first off, there's a major story boss down there. Plus you'll find rare crafting materials, powerful weapons, and some wild lore about the Erdtree's origins. My personal favorite find was the Crucible Knight armor set - totally worth the trip.
Getting Prepared Before You Go
Don't just rush in blind. I made that mistake my first playthrough and got wrecked by giant ants. Here's what you need:
Essential Prep Checklist
- Recommended Level: 80+ (those ants hit like trucks)
- Must-Have Items: Stonesword keys (at least 2), lantern or light spell
- Weapons: Bring something with holy damage (trust me on this)
- Healing: 8+ Crimson Tears minimum
The enemies here are no joke. Those tree spirits? They'll chase you halfway across the map. And the basilisks with their death mist... ugh, I still have nightmares. Pack some Preserving Boluses for that.
Routes Compared Side-by-Side
| Path | Difficulty | Time Required | Requirements | My Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sewer Grate Route | Medium | 15-20 mins | 2 Stonesword Keys | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (most reliable) |
| Frenzied Flame Route | Hard | 30+ mins | Defeat Morgott | ⭐️⭐️ (for masochists) |
| Coffin Drop | Easy | 5 mins | Access to Nokron | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (if available) |
That coffin method though? Absolute game-changer. Wish I'd known about it sooner.
Step-by-Step: How to Get to Deeproot Depths
Alright, let's get into the actual routes. I'll walk you through each one like I'm guiding a friend (because honestly, I wish someone had done this for me).
Route 1: Sewer Grate Shortcut (Easiest Method)
First things first - get yourself to Leyndell Capital. Remember that giant sewer pipe near the Avenue Balcony site of grace? Head there.
- From Avenue Balcony, go down the giant stairs toward the giant dragon
- Take the first left into the underground tunnel system
- Look for an alcove with a statue and two imp statues (you'll need 2 Stonesword Keys)
Unlock that fog gate and prepare for some platforming. The pipes here can be tricky - I fell at least three times learning the route. When you reach an area with giant roots, follow them downward until you see a stone coffin. Interact with it and boom - you're in Deeproot Depths.
Why this works: It's the most direct path if you've got the keys. The enemies aren't too bad except for that one Royal Revenant...
Route 2: The Coffin Drop from Nokron
This one's my personal favorite. After beating the Valiant Gargoyles in Siofra Aqueduct (tough fight, bring help), you'll see a stone coffin behind the boss arena. Hop in like it's your final resting place - because metaphorically, it kinda is.
After a wild ride down an underground river, you'll wash up right near the Across the Roots site of grace. Perfect starting point for exploring Deeproot Depths.
Heads up: You absolutely must defeat Radahn to access Nokron first. No shortcuts here.
Route 3: Frenzied Flame Pro Route
Only attempt this if you're okay with chaos. Literally. You'll need to complete Hyetta's questline and embrace the Three Fingers underneath Leyndell.
After getting branded, continue downward past the Cathedral of the Forsaken. The path eventually leads through some seriously nasty poison swamps (pack those boluses!) and connects to Deeproot Depths' eastern section.
I don't love this route - the Frenzied Flame ending locks you out of other choices. But if you're going for that ending anyway, might as well.
What Awaits You Down Below
First thing you'll notice? It's darker than expected. And those giant roots are everywhere. Here's the survival guide:
Key Locations & Landmarks
| Site of Grace | Nearby Features | Enemy Threats | Loot Alert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Waterfall Crest | Starting point, waterfall view | Basilisks, Ants | Golden Seed nearby |
| Across the Roots | Main central area | Erdtree Avatar, Knights | Prince of Death's Pustule |
| Nameless Eternal City | Crumbling structures | Ancestral Followers | Mimic Tear Ashes! |
The Mimic Tear alone is worth the trip - best spirit ash in the game if you ask me.
Bosses You Can't Avoid
- Fia's Champions: 3v1 gank fight (bring NPC summons!)
- Lichdragon Fortissax: Epic dragon battle - weak to lightning??
- Crucible Knight Duo: Pure pain. Use pillars for cover.
That dragon fight though... probably my favorite visual spectacle in the whole game. Just stunning.
Survival Tips From Someone Who Died... A Lot
Okay real talk - Deeproot Depths will punish you if you're careless. Here's what I learned the hard way:
Must-Know Combat Tips
- Ants hate fire - keep a fire weapon handy
- Basilisks' death mist builds up even when blocking
- Tree spirits are surprisingly vulnerable to poison
- Use the giant roots for elevation advantage
Navigation tip: The whole area looks the same. Seriously. I got turned around constantly until I started using rainbow stones as breadcrumbs. Drop them at intersections.
Oh and that giant ant colony? Just run. Seriously, don't try to fight them all unless you're overleveled. Learned that lesson after dying twelve times.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
I've gotten tons of questions about how to get to Deeproot Depths - here are the most common:
Can I access Deeproot Depths early?
Technically yes via the sewers, but I wouldn't recommend it before level 70. Those knights hit way too hard otherwise.
Why can't I find the coffin in Nokron?
Did you beat both gargoyles? The coffin only appears after that boss fight. If it's still not there, try reloading the area.
Is there a map fragment?
Yep! From the Great Waterfall Crest grace, head northwest past the ants. Look for a stone pillar with the fragment glowing at its base.
What's up with all the giant ants?
Lore-wise, they're connected to the Formless Mother. Gameplay-wise? They're annoying as hell. Attack their glowing undersides for critical hits.
Can I skip Deeproot Depths entirely?
You can, but you'll miss out on crucial story beats and one of the game's coolest dragon fights. Not worth skipping in my opinion.
Why This Place Sticks With You
There's something special about Deeproot Depths. Maybe it's the haunting beauty of those glowing roots. Or maybe it's that moment when you realize just how massive the game world really is. Finding your way down there feels like discovering a secret world within a world.
I still remember my first time seeing that underground horizon. Just stopped and stared for five minutes. No other game area has given me that feeling.
Mastering how to get to Deeproot Depths is one of those Elden Ring rites of passage. It's tough, confusing, and utterly rewarding when you finally make it. Go get that Mimic Tear and show those ants who's boss!
Still stuck? Shoot me a message - I've helped dozens of players navigate this place. Just don't ask me to fight that Crucible Knight duo again. Some trauma never heals.
Leave a Comments