Where Does Elden Ring Take Place? Map & Regions (2025 Guide)
The Short Answer
Elden Ring unfolds in the Lands Between —a sweeping continent often called the land between mortals and gods, ruled (and ruined) by demigods after the heroes and traitors of the age moved to shatter the Elden Ring . You’ll roam misty coasts, scarlet wastelands, gold‑lit capitals, and cities buried under the earth.
Since 2024, the story also expands to the Land of Shadow , the DLC world reached through Miquella’s cocoon . Think of the Lands Between as your main stage and the Land of Shadow as a vast, connected side wing that opens mid‑journey. You’ll roam misty coasts, scarlet wastelands, gold‑lit capitals, and cities buried under the earth. Since 2024, the story also expands to the Land of Shadow , the DLC world reached through Miquella’s cocoon .
Think of the Lands Between as your main stage and the Land of Shadow as a vast, connected side wing that opens mid‑journey.
Table of contents
What “The Lands Between” Actually Means
FromSoftware leans into high‑fantasy myth with a world held under the glow of the Erdtree and shaped by Queen Marika the Eternal and her lineage. After the Night of the Black Knives and the Shattering , the demigods splintered the Great Runes , each carving up a piece of the map. That’s why the world feels open yet tightly threaded—every region is a shard of power, with its own history, mood, and monster logic.
Lore Snapshot: who wrote and shaped this world
The story of Elden Ring didn’t appear out of thin air. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki , the game draws on lessons from Dark Souls while partnering with George R.R. Martin to seed mythic backstory—names, dynasties, and a prehistory that hums beneath every ruin. Published by Bandai Namco , the result is a setting where item text and geography do as much talking as cutscenes.
If you’re new to Elden Ring lore , here’s the quick pitch: Queen Marika the Eternal shattered divine law to change the fate of the realm; the Night of the Black Knives toppled a god, and the demigods split the Great Runes , carving the continent into fiefdoms. Your long‑term aim is to claim those runes and choose what kind of world follows—some paths crown you Elden Lord . (You’ll also see the phrase “Elden Ring’s story” —and even the search typo “elden ring s story” —used for this larger tapestry.)
How Big Is the World?
It’s huge—but more importantly, it’s layered. Elden Ring stacks surface regions (mountains, lakes, deserts) over underground kingdoms (eternal night skylines, fungal seas), then folds in late‑game and DLC zones you can reach only after story milestones.
The result is a map that rewards curiosity and patience: take a wrong turn and you’ll often find a new elevator, a hidden cliff road, or a dungeon tucked under a waterfall.
Base Game Regions: A Clean Mental Map
Below is a spoiler‑light tour of the main regions you’ll explore. This isn’t a forced route—Elden Ring thrives on choice—but it gives you a sense of flow that avoids level spikes and nasty ambushes early on.
Limgrave (and Weeping Peninsula) — Your First Footing
Open fields, coastal cliffs, soldiers on shaky morale. Limgrave is the world’s handshake: forgiving enough to learn the rhythm, spicy enough to keep you honest. South across the bridge sits the Weeping Peninsula —stormy, gothic, and perfect for early runes.
What to do early: unlock your mount, tag a handful of Sites of Grace , clear a couple of caves, and grab a few starter talismans on the Peninsula.
Liurnia of the Lakes — Mist, Magic, and a Flooded Basin
A drowned valley wrapped around a wizarding academy, Liurnia is big, foggy, and laced with secret paths along the cliffs. Many players gear up here before pushing deeper inland. Shoreline caves, cliff roads, and a set of hidden approaches to the academy make this zone a slow‑burn favorite.
Caelid — Scarlet Dread on the Eastern Edge
The red sky says it all. Caelid is harsh but loaded with high‑value loot and shortcuts to late‑game spots. Don’t let the rot scare you off; skirting the outer ring of the region pays with useful gear and fast Sites of Grace . Keep an ear out for Witch‑Hunter Jerren around Redmane—his path threads through this war‑scarred frontier and ties into a certain festival that shakes the desert.
Altus Plateau & Leyndell, Royal Capital — Gold and Gilded Danger
Climb into Altus Plateau with its sunshine fields and canyons and you’ll soon face Leyndell , a vertical maze of courtyards and dragon‑crushed avenues. Altus feels open; Leyndell feels like a fortress built from cathedrals. There are clever entries and exits if the front doors bite.
Mt. Gelmir — Volcano Roads and Ambush Country
West of Altus lies Mt. Gelmir , all switchbacks and Volcano Manor intrigue. It’s a treat if you enjoy questlines with moral gray areas and tunnels stacked like pastries. Expect magma, cramped bridges, and snipers with mean angles.
Forbidden Lands & Mountaintops of the Giants — Thin Air, Big Stakes
Narrow passes lead to wide‑open snowfields, then higher still to windswept bluffs patrolled by giants. This stretch is late‑game by design, setting up the events that whisk you away to the final sky‑borne ruin.
Crumbling Farum Azula — The Storm Locked in Time
An ancient city frozen mid‑collapse—floating towers, lightning drakes, and bridges snapped like dry twigs. You’re brought here during the climax of the main path, and yes, it’s every bit as dramatic as players say.
The Underground Cities (Don’t Rush Past Them)
Beneath the grass and stone sits an entire second canvas: Siofra River , Nokron , Nokstella , Ainsel River , Deeproot Depths , the Lake of Rot , and Mohgwyn Palace . Shine a torch, look for elevator wells, and bring patience. The underground mirrors surface regions with its own bosses and questlines; it isn’t just “more caves.” If you only run the top layer, you’ll miss weapons, ashes, endings, and some of the game’s best art direction. One path spirals to Mohgwyn Palace , where Mohg, Lord of Blood rules beneath a red sky and White Mask invaders stalk your steps.
Simple rule: when you see a massive circular ruin in a field or a lift down in a forest, take it.
The Land of Shadow (Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC)
In 2024, FromSoftware added a new world space: the Land of Shadow . You reach it by touching Miquella’s withered arm at his cocoon once the required story boss in that arena is down.
What’s inside? A full spread of new regions— Gravesite Plain , Scadu Altus , the Cerulean Coast , the Jagged Peak , and more. Many players casually call it the Erdtree expansion , and it sits alongside the base map rather than replacing it. The Gravesite Plain acts as a soft hub, with routes fanning to the rest.
DLC access tip: If the prompt doesn’t appear at the cocoon, review the entry checklist: correct boss defeated, correct cocoon chamber visited. This add‑on was released by Bandai Namco , and its entry gate intentionally mirrors big story beats in the base game.
One‑Glance Region Guide (Base Game + DLC)
Save this—it's the cleanest quick reference for friends asking “where should I go next?”
| Region (zone type) | Vibe & Terrain | How You Usually Reach It | Good First Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limgrave (surface) | Grassy hills, ruins, coastlines | You start here | Grab the horse, unlock graces, test early caves |
| Weeping Peninsula (surface) | Stormy southlands, gothic castle | Cross Bridge of Sacrifice from Limgrave | Clear the southern castle, pick up early talismans |
| Liurnia of the Lakes (surface) | Flooded basin, cliff roads, sorcerers | North of Stormveil or via cliff paths | Sweep the shallows, scout academy gate options |
| Caelid (surface) | Scarlet rot wastes, red sky | East from Limgrave | Tag safe graces, loot outskirts, avoid deep rot at first |
| Altus Plateau (surface) | Golden plains, canyons | Grand lift or mountain passes | Unlock outer graces; prep for capital push |
| Leyndell, Royal Capital (legacy) | Cathedral maze, dragons | From Altus via main gates or sewers | Plot a route that avoids heavy patrols |
| Mt. Gelmir (surface) | Lava gorges, ambush ridges | West of Altus | Follow rope bridges and ladders; watch for snipers |
| Forbidden Lands (surface) | Narrow passes, thick fog | East from capital outskirts | Keep to the road; ambushes go heavy here |
| Mountaintops of the Giants (surface) | Snowfields, high wind | Past the Forbidden Lands | Grab map fragments fast; whiteouts hide cliffs |
| Crumbling Farum Azula (endgame) | Sky ruins, lightning storms | Story warp near the finale | Expect tough drakes; explore edges for talismans |
| Siofra / Ainsel Rivers (underground) | Star skies, ancient stone | Deep elevator wells | Light the obelisks; check for secret walls |
| Nokron / Nokstella / Deeproot (underground) | Silver cities, roots, rot | Story triggers and hidden wells | Follow questlines—rewards are worth it |
| Land of Shadow (DLC) | War‑scarred plains, cliffs, coasts, peaks | Touch Miquella’s cocoon | Start at Gravesite Plain; branch from main roadlets |
Smart Movement: A Friendly Route for First‑Timers
You can go almost anywhere, but if a friend asked for the least painful way through the world, here’s a path many veterans suggest (with room to wander):
Limgrave → Weeping Peninsula: learn enemy rhythms, scoop early flasks and talismans.
Stormveil or around it → Liurnia: either beat the castle or take the side cliffs; hit shoreline caves.
Detour underground when you see the first well; tag a few graces and head back up.
Altus Plateau → Leyndell, then west to Mt. Gelmir when you need levels and gear.
Forbidden Lands → Mountaintops: quick map fragments keep the snow from getting you lost.
Endgame jump to Crumbling Farum Azula , then…follow the wind and the dragons.
DLC: when ready, handle the cocoon requirements and step into the Land of Shadow.
Reading the Map Like a Pro
Map fragments live at simple stone markers—grab them early so you’re not navigating fog.
High roads vs. low roads: most regions have a safe spine (a main road) and dangerous detours. Stick to the spine if you’re under‑geared.
Torrent (your mount) is your lifeline in wide spaces; keep a finger on sprint.
Sites of Grace point toward “legacy dungeons” with faint trails—use them as hints, not rules.
Five Micro‑Routes That Save You Hours
Liurnia cliffline loop: hug the western cliffs to find smithing stones without expensive detours.
Caelid “outer ring” pass: circle the outskirts from northwest to south to tag graces and skip heavy rot until later.
Altus → Gelmir ladder chain: a sneaky series of ladders and bridges lands you deep in Gelmir with minimal fighting.
Snowfield map grab: beeline for the map obelisks the moment you enter; visibility makes or breaks this region.
DLC horizon scan: on the Gravesite Plain, crest nearby hills to reveal new grace glows; they outline your next two hours.
Traveler’s Notebook: Terrain Personalities
Coasts and wetlands (Limgrave, Liurnia): wide sightlines, ambush crabs, hidden caves in cliff bases.
Rot sands (Caelid): rot pools slow you, so route around—use dry paths and broken walls.
High plains & canyons (Altus): golden grass hides wolves and knights; stay mounted to avoid swarms.
Snowfields (Mountaintops): blizzards cut visibility; listen for enemy tells and keep the compass centered.
Sky ruins (Farum Azula): everything wants to knock you off; move slow and read the wind.
Lore Touchstones Tied to Places (Spoiler‑Light)
Capital & plateau: home turf of the Golden Order and Marika’s court.
Caelid: war‑scar and rot—history’s ugliest punctuation mark (and where Witch‑Hunter Jerren ’s trail matters).
Underground cities: echoes of an older age and the threads that lead to certain endings.
Mohgwyn Palace: blood rites and the reign of Mohg, Lord of Blood —a countercurrent to the Golden Order .
Land of Shadow: a mirror history with new factions and a deeper angle on Miquella and paths that may still crown an Elden Lord .
Frequently Asked Questions (2025)
Where does Elden Ring take place?
In the Lands Between , a myth‑rich continent dominated by the Erdtree and the legacy of Queen Marika . The DLC adds the Land of Shadow , reached through Miquella’s cocoon after you meet the entry requirements.
Who created Elden Ring’s story?
Director Hidetaka Miyazaki led development, while George R.R. Martin provided mythic foundations for dynasties, gods, and the deep past. Published by Bandai Namco , the game’s worldbuilding follows the studio’s Dark Souls ‑style “show, don’t tell” approach.
How do I get into the Land of Shadow?
Travel to the cocoon chamber and interact with Miquella’s withered arm once the local boss has been cleared. If the prompt doesn’t show, retrace the steps: confirm the right boss and the right chamber.
What does it mean to become Elden Lord?
It’s one possible outcome of your journey—gather Great Runes , mend or redefine the laws that shatter the Elden Ring , and choose a new order. Different endings interpret “restoration” in very different ways.
Where is Mohgwyn Palace, and who is Mohg, Lord of Blood?
Mohgwyn Palace lies in the underground reaches. It’s the domain of Mohg, Lord of Blood , whose followers and White Mask hunters make the approach memorable.
What’s the “right” region order?
There isn’t one, but many players run Limgrave → Liurnia → Altus/Leyndell → Gelmir → Forbidden Lands → Mountaintops → Farum Azula , with optional dips into Caelid and the underground whenever curiosity hits.
Is the underground optional?
Some sections are, but the underground hosts crucial questlines and items. You’ll want to visit Siofra , Nokron/Nokstella , Ainsel , and Deeproot at some point.
How big is the DLC compared to a main region?
Large. It’s multiple regions stitched together, with a hub in the Gravesite Plain that branches to Scadu Altus , Cerulean Coast , Jagged Peak , and others.
What if a region feels too tough?
Turn around and try a side path—another coast, a cliff shelf, or a dungeon two levels down the hill. Elden Ring is built for detours; that’s not backing down, that’s smart play.
Are there missable graces or map fragments?
You can sprint past a few if you’re rushing. Slow down, scan road forks, and sweep fogged‑out corners of the map to clean them up.
Does the capital change later?
Yes—story events reshape certain areas. If you love sightseeing, spend extra time exploring before major milestones.
Final Take
The Lands Between aren’t just big; they’re coherent. Every slope, ruin, and riverbed nudges you toward a story beat, a hidden elevator, or a vista that hints at what’s next. The Land of Shadow extends that craft with new biomes and routes that feel fresh without losing the series’ signature sting. Use the table as your compass, the friendly route as a safety net, and your curiosity as the engine. You’ll see why this world lingers long after the credits roll.
Play it your way—on PC. When you’re ready to explore the Lands Between (and the Land of Shadow), pick up Elden Ring (Steam) from RoyalCDKeys: Buy Elden Ring on RoyalCDKeys .