where to go after godrick the grafted

Where to Go After Godrick the Grafted: A Pathfinder's Guide to the Lands Between

Defeating Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle is a pivotal moment in any Tarnished's journey. It marks the end of the initial, guided struggle and throws open the gates to a vast, unforgiving, and breathtaking world. The question of where to go after Godrick is not merely one of direction, but of destiny. The path you choose will shape your understanding of the Lands Between, its shattered history, and your role within it. This guide will illuminate the primary routes available, detailing the challenges, rewards, and narrative significance of each, empowering you to make an informed choice for your continued pilgrimage.

Table of Contents

The Liurnia of the Lakes: The Intended Progression

The Caelid Wilds: A Trial by Scarlet Rot

Altus Plateau: The Ascent to the Erdtree

Subterranean Secrets: Siofra River and Ainsel River

Strategic Considerations for the Tarnished

The Liurnia of the Lakes: The Intended Progression

The most direct and narratively suggested path from Stormveil Castle leads north into Liurnia of the Lakes. Exiting the castle's main gate and following the road north will bring you to the Lake-Facing Cliffs site of grace. This region serves as the natural next step in terms of difficulty scaling. Liurnia is a vast, flooded landscape dotted with ruins, sorcerous academies, and treacherous bogs. Its primary objectives are tied to the legacy of the Full Moon Queen, Rennala. The key destination here is the Academy of Raya Lucaria, a grand institution of glintstone sorcery sealed by a magical barrier. Gaining entry requires finding the Academy Glintstone Key, split into two halves found in the region.

Conquering the academy and its demigod ruler provides a Great Rune necessary for mending the Elden Ring and unlocks the ability to respec your character's attributes. Beyond the academy, Liurnia hosts critical NPC questlines, including those for Ranni the Witch, which is one of the game's most expansive and rewarding narratives. Exploring the eastern parts of Liurnia, such as the Bellum Highway and the ruins around the Divine Tower of Liurnia, will also present formidable challenges and significant loot, preparing you for greater threats ahead. This path solidifies your strength and deepens the lore before confronting the heart of the realm.

The Caelid Wilds: A Trial by Scarlet Rot

To the east of Limgrave lies Caelid, a region brutally transformed by the Scarlet Rot. This is a harsh, punishing area that can be accessed immediately after Godrick, though it is significantly more difficult. Caelid tests a Tarnished's combat prowess, environmental awareness, and fortitude. The landscape is hostile, populated by giant crows, diseased dogs, and rotting dragons. Venturing here early offers immense rewards for the brave. Key locations include the Sellia, Town of Sorcery, which holds secrets to powerful spells, and the Cathedral of Dragon Communion for those specializing in dragon-based incantations.

The southern part of Caelid, accessible via a hidden path from Limgrave or a teleporter near the Third Church of Marika, is slightly more manageable and houses the Starscourge Radahn festival at Redmane Castle. While defeating Radahn is a major milestone, the festival may not trigger until you have progressed further into the main story via Liurnia. Exploring Caelid early yields runes for rapid leveling, unique weapons like the Greatsword, and talismans that can drastically alter build effectiveness. It is a trial by fire, teaching valuable lessons about spacing, aggression, and managing multiple foes that will serve you well throughout the entire journey.

Altus Plateau: The Ascent to the Erdtree

The Altus Plateau represents the next major tier of progression, the verdant lands lying at the foot of the Erdtree itself. There are two primary ways to reach it after Godrick. The first is to collect the two halves of the Dectus Medallion (found in Fort Haight in Limgrave and Fort Faroth in Dragonbarrow, Caelid) and use the Grand Lift of Dectus. The second is to brave the perilous tunnels of the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, accessed from northern Liurnia, which culminates in a boss fight and an exit onto the plateau. Reaching Altus Plateau is a significant achievement, marking your arrival at the core of the Lands Between.

This region is sprawling and diverse, featuring the golden capital of Leyndell, Royal Capital, as its ultimate prize. However, before attempting the capital, you will explore the winding Mt. Gelmir to the west, with its volcano manor and sinister secrets, and the sprawling plains of Altus itself. This area introduces new, tougher enemy types and contains numerous legacy dungeons. Progressing here is essential for advancing multiple NPC quests and gathering the final Great Runes needed to access the endgame. It is the final preparatory stage before the assault on the capital and the confrontation with the game's most powerful demigods.

Subterranean Secrets: Siofra River and Ainsel River

Beyond the surface world, the Lands Between hold profound depths. After defeating Godrick, you have the capability to explore the vast underground networks. These are accessed via well-hidden elevators, such as the one in the Mistwood in Limgrave leading to Siofra River. These regions are optional but contain some of the game's most awe-inspiring vistas, unique lore related to the Nox and the Age of the Crucible, and powerful equipment. Siofra River and its connected area, the Deeproot Depths, as well as Ainsel River leading to the Lake of Rot, are massive, self-contained adventures.

Exploring these zones provides a different pace and aesthetic, often focusing more on exploration and puzzle-solving amidst oppressive beauty. They are home to legendary bosses like the Dragonkin Soldiers and Ancestor Spirit, and contain key items for certain endings. While challenging, they can be tackled in parallel with surface exploration, offering a refreshing change of scenery and a substantial power boost from the treasures and runes found within their ancient, star-lit caverns.

Strategic Considerations for the Tarnished

The choice of where to go after Godrick is ultimately a personal one, dictated by your build, confidence, and curiosity. A balanced approach is often most rewarding. Dipping into Caelid's southern reaches for early loot, then progressing through Liurnia to level up and unlock respec, creates a strong foundation. Following this by activating the Grand Lift of Dectus to reach Altus Plateau establishes a clear narrative progression. The underground rivers can be visited whenever you seek a diversion or require specific items for your character's development.

There is no single correct path, only the path you carve. The freedom to choose your direction is the core philosophy of the game post-Godrick. Whether you seek the scholarly secrets of Liurnia, the brutal trials of Caelid, the golden heights of Altus, or the mysterious depths below, each journey will forge you into a more powerful and knowledgeable Tarnished. Listen to the guidance of grace, but do not be afraid to stray from its light. The greatest treasures and most profound truths in the Lands Between are often found not at the destination, but in the uncharted spaces between.

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