Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed open-world masterpiece from FromSoftware, is packed with secrets waiting to be uncovered. While the main path offers plenty of challenges, the true magic lies in its hidden areas—remote corners teeming with unique loot, bosses, and lore. Whether you're a seasoned Tarnished or a newcomer, here are the top 10 hidden areas in Elden Ring you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

1. The Haligtree Secret Path (Consecrated Snowfield)

Tucked away behind the Consecrated Snowfield, the Haligtree is one of the most breathtaking—and treacherous—hidden zones in Elden Ring. To access it, you’ll need both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion and a ride on the Grand Lift of Rold. The area culminates in a brutal showdown with Malenia, Blade of Miquella, one of the game’s toughest bosses.

2. Deeproot Depths (Hidden Below the Erdtree)

Accessible via multiple obscure paths (including a coffin ride after the Valiant Gargoyles fight), Deeproot Depths is a sprawling underground realm filled with eerie forests and ancient ruins. It’s also home to Fia’s questline and a major lore revelation involving the Erdtree’s roots.

3. Mohgwyn Palace (Bloody Palace of the Lord of Blood)

Many players stumble upon Mohgwyn Palace through Varre’s questline, but it can also be reached via a late-game teleporter in the Consecrated Snowfield. This crimson-soaked dungeon houses Mohg, Lord of Blood, and offers some of the best rune-farming spots in the game.

4. Jarburg (The Hidden Village of Living Jars)

A charming yet easily missed locale, Jarburg is a peaceful village inhabited by sentient jars. Found by descending a cliff near the Divine Tower of Liurnia, this area ties into Alexander the Iron Fist’s quest and offers a rare moment of serenity in Elden Ring’s brutal world.

5. Frenzied Flame Proscription (Beneath Leyndell)

To reach this nightmarish area, you must navigate the depths beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital, and strip your character completely to open a hidden door. The Frenzied Flame Proscription leads to an encounter with the Three Fingers, a pivotal moment for one of the game’s most dramatic endings.

6. Nokron, Eternal City (The Lost Underground Metropolis)

While Nokron becomes accessible after defeating Starscourge Radahn, its true depths—including the Aqueduct-Facing Cliffs and the Mimic Tear boss—are easy to overlook. This ghostly city is essential for Ranni’s questline and houses some of the best loot in the game.

7. Cave of the Forlorn (Consecrated Snowfield’s Secret Dungeon)

Hidden behind an illusory wall in the Consecrated Snowfield, this cave is one of Elden Ring’s most obscure dungeons. Packed with deadly enemies and valuable rewards, it’s a must-visit for completionists.

8. Volcano Manor’s Secret Prison (Behind an Illusory Wall)

Within Volcano Manor, a deceptive wall in the guest hall leads to a hidden prison where the Godskin Noble lurks. This area also provides access to Rykard’s boss arena via a secret passage, bypassing the need for the Serpent-Hunter spear.

9. Placidusax’s Arena (Crumbling Farum Azula’s Hidden Boss)

Dragonlord Placidusax is one of Elden Ring’s most spectacular hidden bosses. To find him, you must leap off a ledge in Crumbling Farum Azula and traverse a storm-wracked void. The fight is optional but unforgettable.

10. The Chapel of Anticipation (Revisited via the Four Belfries)

The Four Belfries house portals to three distant areas, including a return to the Chapel of Anticipation—where the game begins. Revisiting this location yields a Stormhawk King spirit ash and a chance to reflect on how far you’ve come.

Elden Ring’s world is vast, and its hidden areas reward curiosity with some of the game’s most memorable experiences. Whether you’re hunting for lore, loot, or legendary bosses, these 10 hidden zones are essential for any true explorer. Did we miss your favorite secret spot? Let us know in the comments!