Elden Ring offers players a massive open world filled with non-linear exploration, yet finishing the main campaign requires defeating a specific sequence of powerful adversaries. Navigating the sprawling terrain of the Lands Between can make it difficult to determine which encounters are truly necessary to reach the final credits. Understanding the exact critical path helps adventurers optimize their character builds and progress through the story without getting lost in optional dungeons.
Securing the First Two Great Runes
To gain entry into the Royal Capital of Leyndell, Tarnished champions must first claim any two Great Runes from the available demigods scattered across the early regions. Most players naturally challenge Godrick the Grafted at the conclusion of Stormveil Castle after overcoming Margit the Fell Omen. Alternatively, you can bypass certain early strongholds entirely to confront Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, within the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
Defeating these major entities unlocks the necessary political authority within the narrative to progress toward the Erdtree. While Starscourge Radahn and Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, also hold Great Runes, they remain entirely optional for players focusing solely on a streamlined playthrough. Choosing your targets carefully allows you to manage resources efficiently before entering the late-game zones.
Piercing the Royal Capital Defenses
Once you acquire two Great Runes, your journey takes you directly to the grand outskirts of Leyndell, where the true bottleneck of the campaign begins. Players must defeat the Draconic Tree Sentinel guarding the northern gate to physically enter the capital city. This challenging encounter serves as a mechanical gatekeeper, testing your defensive positioning and high-damage capabilities.
Inside the golden streets, you must navigate the vertical architecture to reach the Sanctuary, where the spectral form of Godfrey, First Elden Lord, blocks the path. Overcoming this legendary warrior grants access to the base of the Erdtree itself, where Morgott, the Omen King, awaits your challenge. Defeating Morgott shifts the narrative objective, revealing that the thorns blocking the Erdtree must be burned away using the Flame of Ruin.
Journey to the Mountaintops and Farum Azula
To claim the ultimate flame, players must travel north into the freezing peaks inhabited by ancient creatures. The Fire Giant stands as the final mandatory obstacle in this snowy region, guarding the massive Forge of the Giants. Overcoming this colossal adversary triggers a pivotal cutscene that teleports the Tarnished player into the crumbling sky city of Crumbling Farum Azula.
This floating labyrinth contains two essential encounters that cannot be skipped under any circumstances. Players must first overcome the aggressive duo known as the Godskin Duo inside the dragon temple. Following this chaotic battle, you must track down Maliketh, the Black Blade, to fully unleash the Rune of Death upon the world.
The Final Gauntlet at the Burning Capital
Unleashing death returns the player to the Capital of Ash, where the final stretch of the campaign takes place in a rapid series of boss encounters. You must first defeat Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing, who attempts to block your path out of philosophical desperation. Immediately following this battle, the real Godfrey, First Elden Lord, challenges you in his brutal warrior form, Hoarah Loux.
Emerging victorious allows you to finally step inside the shattered remains of the Erdtree for the ultimate showdown. Here, you must conquer Radagon of the Golden Order in a grueling test of endurance. Immediately afterward, the entity transforms into the Elden Beast, completing your massive journey across the Lands Between.
