Elden Ring is filled with mysteries that challenge even the most seasoned players. While most secrets can be uncovered by simply exploring its vast world, some of the game's more elusive features require deeper insight and advanced strategies. If you're looking to uncover the hidden gems of Elden Ring, here are 9 advanced tips to help you unlock secrets and take your gameplay to the next level.

1. Mastering the Art of Jumping

A simple yet often overlooked technique in Elden Ring is the art of jumping. Not only does it provide a tactical advantage in combat, but it can also be used to uncover hidden areas and secret items. You’ll find that many inaccessible ledges and platforms can only be reached by executing precise jump attacks or timed jumps. This mechanic plays a critical role in revealing hidden paths, especially in tricky environments like the Consecrated Snowfield or Leyndell.

2. Follow the Bloodstains

The famous bloodstains in Elden Ring are more than just a warning of an enemy’s strength; they can lead you to hidden locations. Sometimes, following bloodstains can reveal shortcuts, secret rooms, or traps that are worth avoiding or exploiting. This subtle guide system is perfect for the observant player who is keen on finding secret routes or rare items.

3. Use the Telescope to Spot Distant Landmarks

It’s easy to miss things in the sprawling world of Elden Ring, especially distant areas that might have important landmarks. The Telescope is a surprisingly useful tool for zooming in on far-off locations. It can help reveal hidden items or secret NPCs far beyond the reach of your current location. Always keep an eye on the horizon when using this tool—you never know what may appear.

4. Learn the Lore through Item Descriptions

The lore in Elden Ring is vast and often hidden within item descriptions. Each weapon, armor set, and consumable in the game holds valuable narrative details that not only help in understanding the world but can also guide you to secret quests. If you're someone who enjoys piecing together stories, investing time in reading these descriptions will open doors to quests and characters you might have missed otherwise.

5. Time Your Openings in Boss Fights

Advanced players know that Elden Ring's bosses have specific windows of opportunity during their attacks. Mastering the timing of these windows is crucial to exploiting weaknesses and gaining an edge. Certain bosses, particularly those with multiple phases, have unique openings that can be leveraged for critical hits or counterattacks. It’s a risky but rewarding strategy that will take your boss fights from frustrating to manageable.

6. Experiment with Incantations and Sorceries

While many players focus heavily on weapons and shields, Elden Ring offers a rich variety of Incantations and Sorceries that can unlock powerful advantages. Some of these magic skills have hidden interactions with the environment or can be used to trigger secret events. For example, casting certain spells near specific locations might unlock hidden pathways or treasures. Experimenting with different spells in unfamiliar areas is a great way to uncover hidden elements of the game.

7. Take Advantage of the Seamless Co-op Mod

If you're looking to explore Elden Ring with a friend but are tired of the traditional co-op limitations, the Seamless Co-op mod offers a significant boost to your multiplayer experience. This mod allows you to play through the entire game with a partner without the constant need for summoning. As an advanced tip, it also helps with exploring hidden secrets that are harder to reach in solo playthroughs.

8. Explore Secret NPC Questlines

While the main NPC questlines are well-known, Elden Ring is peppered with hidden or hard-to-find NPCs that offer quests with valuable rewards. These hidden NPCs may only appear after completing certain in-game actions or finding obscure triggers. A good example is the questline of Blaidd, which requires you to be diligent about checking for specific interactions. Keep your eyes open for these subtle clues to unlock rewarding experiences.

9. Unlocking Hidden Runes Routes

Rune farming is a significant part of Elden Ring, and while many players focus on the obvious areas, advanced players know about hidden rune routes. These routes, such as those found in Capital Leyndell, require specific actions or triggers to be unlocked. Whether it’s traversing difficult terrain or completing obscure puzzles, these hidden paths offer opportunities to farm more runes without repeating the same bosses over and over.
By employing these advanced tips, you'll be able to uncover many of the hidden secrets in Elden Ring that most players never encounter. Whether it's mastering advanced combat techniques, experimenting with magic, or exploring elusive NPC quests, these strategies will elevate your gameplay and open up the world in new ways. Keep exploring, and don't be afraid to dive deeper into the game’s hidden intricacies. Elden Ring is waiting for you to unlock its secrets!