Tarnished Forge

Recommended route

Elden Ring Progression Guide

Recommended Route, Area Order & Levels

Follow the recommended Elden Ring game progress route with the best area order, suggested levels, weapon upgrades, key bosses, optional branches, and a where-to-go-next helper. This page is the route map — not a full step-by-step walkthrough.

View Progression RouteWhere to Go Next

Route snapshot

20

Base game areas

8

Required areas

12

Main path bosses

207

Checklist steps

Mark areas and bosses as you play. Progress saves in this browser and carries over to the walkthrough and checklist.

Route mode

Choose your progression route

Recommended is the best first-play order. Main Story Only keeps the ending path. Completionist shows every major area on this guide.

Route progress

0 / 59

0% complete on Recommended Route

Game progress route

Recommended Elden Ring Progression Route

Follow this Elden Ring game progress route and area order. Each stop stays compact on purpose: levels, weapon upgrades, objectives, bosses, and where to go next. Open the walkthrough when you need step-by-step detail.

#AreaLevelRegularSomberRoleKey boss
1Limgrave1–20+0–3+0–1Required—
2Weeping Peninsula10–20+2–4+1–2Recommended—
3Stormveil Castle24–40+3–4+1–2RequiredMargit, the Fell Omen
4Liurnia of the Lakes40–50+4–6+2–3RequiredRed Wolf of Radagon
5Siofra River40–55+4–8+2–3Recommended—
6Caelid50–70+6–12+3–5RecommendedStarscourge Radahn
7Altus Plateau60–80+10–15+4–6Required—
8Mt. Gelmir70–90+12–18+5–7RecommendedGod-Devouring Serpent & Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy
9Leyndell, Royal Capital80–100+15–20+6–8RequiredDraconic Tree Sentinel
10Nokron, Eternal City70–90+12–18+5–7RecommendedRegal Ancestor Spirit
11Mountaintops of the Giants100–120+20–24+8–9RequiredFire Giant
12Crumbling Farum Azula120–150+24–25+9–10RequiredGodskin Duo
13Leyndell, Ashen Capital120–150+24–25+9–10RequiredGodfrey, First Elden Lord & Hoarah Loux, Warrior
Area 1Required

1. Limgrave

Unlock travel, Torrent, and Roundtable Hold, then power up before Stormveil.

Limgrave is where you learn the game, not where you rush the castle gate. Activate early Sites of Grace, meet Melina, unlock Torrent, and reach Roundtable Hold so you can level up and upgrade weapons. Clear nearby caves, churches, and field fights only as far as your build needs — steady mobility and a usable weapon matter more than finishing every corner of the map. If Margit is crushing you, leave Stormveil for later and head south to the Weeping Peninsula first. When the basics are in place, either take that southern detour for extra strength or push on to Stormveil Castle.

Level

1–20

Regular

+0–3

Somber

+0–1

Progress

0/21

Main objectives

  • Activate The First Step and early Limgrave Graces
  • Unlock Torrent and Roundtable Hold
  • Get a reliable early weapon to +2/+3 if possible
  • Start nearby NPC routes without forcing every cave

Can you skip this?

Most Limgrave field bosses and caves are skippable. Do not skip Torrent, early leveling, or Roundtable Hold on a normal first playthrough.

Before leaving

If Stormveil still feels brutal, finish more Limgrave side content or clear Weeping Peninsula before committing to Margit.

Route checklist

  • Activate The First Step Site of GraceMAIN
  • Meet MelinaMAIN
  • Get TorrentMAIN
  • Visit Church of EllehMAIN
  • Reach Roundtable HoldMAIN
  • Blaidd the Half-Wolf
  • Bloody Finger Hunter Yura
  • Boc the Seamster

+13 more steps on this route. Open full walkthrough section →

Next
→ Weeping Peninsula→ Stormveil Castle
WalkthroughMap
Area 2Recommended

2. Weeping Peninsula

Take the southern detour for safer early upgrades, Castle Morne, and quest cleanup.

Weeping Peninsula is the best early side trip on a first playthrough. Cross the Bridge of Sacrifice south of Limgrave when Stormveil feels too hard, or when you want more runes, smithing stones, and weapons before Margit. Castle Morne is the big landmark, but the real payoff is denser early rewards and a calmer place to stabilize your build. Handle Irina and Edgar here while the story is still simple. You can skip the whole peninsula and still finish the game, but most first runs are smoother if you use it as extra preparation before Stormveil.

Level

10–20

Regular

+2–4

Somber

+1–2

Progress

0/3

Main objectives

  • Cross the Bridge of Sacrifice
  • Clear Castle Morne when ready
  • Pick up early stones, weapons, and map coverage
  • Resolve Irina and Edgar before moving far north

Can you skip this?

Fully optional for the ending. Skip if you already feel strong enough for Margit and want a shorter path.

Before leaving

Finish the Irina and Edgar steps before treating early-game south content as done.

Route checklist

  • Cross the Bridge of Sacrifice
  • Castellan Edgar
  • Irina of Morne
Next
→ Stormveil Castle→ Limgrave
WalkthroughMap
Area 3Required

3. Stormveil Castle

Defeat Margit, clear Stormveil, and take Godrick’s Great Rune.

Stormveil Castle is the first major dungeon and the real end of the opening stretch. Margit blocks the gate; Godrick waits inside with your first Great Rune. Explore the castle for upgrades and NPC meetings, then move on once Godrick is down — the path opens north into Liurnia. If the castle outpaces you, drop back to Limgrave caves or Weeping Peninsula, raise your weapon level, and return. After Godrick, activate his Great Rune at the nearby divine tower when you are ready.

Level

24–40

Regular

+3–4

Somber

+1–2

Progress

0/2

Main objectives

  • Defeat Margit, the Fell Omen
  • Push through Stormveil Castle
  • Defeat Godrick the Grafted
  • Secure the first major Great Rune

Can you skip this?

Not on a normal ending path. You need enough Great Runes later, and Godrick is the clean first one for most players.

Before leaving

Loot enough of the castle to stay on your upgrade range, then move into Liurnia instead of re-clearing every Limgrave cave.

Route checklist

  • Defeat Margit, the Fell OmenMAIN
  • Defeat Godrick the GraftedMAIN
Next
→ Liurnia of the Lakes→ Weeping Peninsula
WalkthroughMap
Area 4Required

4. Liurnia of the Lakes

Enter Raya Lucaria, defeat Rennala, and open mid-game quest branches.

Liurnia is the next major hub after Stormveil. The main job is Raya Lucaria Academy and Rennala, who gives another Great Rune and lets you respec. Around that sit Caria Manor, lake exploration, and several long NPC quests that are much safer to start now than after you reach Altus. You can eventually enter the capital with other Great Rune combinations, but most first playthroughs should still take Rennala next. Use Liurnia to settle your build, then either dip underground to Siofra, head east toward Caelid for Radahn, or push the approaches into Altus when ready.

Level

40–50

Regular

+4–6

Somber

+2–3

Progress

0/11

Main objectives

  • Reach and enter Raya Lucaria Academy
  • Defeat Red Wolf of Radagon and Rennala
  • Open major NPC routes tied to the lakes
  • Decide on Siofra, Caelid, or Altus as the next branch

Can you skip this?

Academy content is skippable only if you already plan another Great Rune path. Most first runs should not skip Rennala.

Before leaving

Check Ranni, Hyetta, Latenna, and other lake quests before living full-time in Altus or Mt. Gelmir.

Route checklist

  • Defeat Red Wolf of RadagonMAIN
  • Defeat Rennala, Queen of the Full MoonMAIN
  • Blackguard Big Boggart
  • Hyetta
  • Jar-Bairn
  • Latenna the Albinauric
  • Preceptor Seluvis
  • Ranni the Witch

+3 more steps on this route. Open full walkthrough section →

Next
→ Siofra River→ Caelid→ Altus Plateau
WalkthroughMap
Area 5Recommended

5. Siofra River

Explore the underground river and set up later Eternal City routes.

Siofra River is a short underground side trip, not a full chapter. Come here from Liurnia when you want ancestor-spirit fights, a first look underground, and setup for Nokron later after Radahn. It is easy to overstay: clear the main river objectives, note the deeper connections, then return above ground. If you are under-leveled or just trying to reach Altus quickly, skip it and come back once a quest or map objective points you underground again.

Level

40–55

Regular

+4–8

Somber

+2–3

Progress

0/0

Main objectives

  • Enter Siofra River from the overworld access points
  • Clear Ancestor Spirit content
  • Beat the Dragonkin Soldier encounter if you are here anyway
  • Note connections toward later Eternal City progress

Can you skip this?

Optional. Skip freely if you only want the ending path.

Before leaving

Return later if a quest specifically sends you deeper underground.

Next
→ Caelid→ Liurnia of the Lakes→ Nokron, Eternal City
WalkthroughMap
Area 6Recommended

6. Caelid

Defeat Starscourge Radahn when ready and handle the quest checkpoints around Caelid.

Caelid is dangerous early, valuable in the mid game, and easy to visit at the wrong time. South Caelid and the Radahn festival are the reasons to come; Dragonbarrow is a harder upper stretch best left until your weapon level catches up. Radahn is not required for every ending, but he is one of the best mid-game bosses to take: a Great Rune, access toward Nokron, and several questlines moving forward. Clear only what your build can handle. If you arrived from Limgrave far too early, leave and return after Liurnia gear and levels.

Level

50–70

Regular

+6–12

Somber

+3–5

Progress

0/5

Main objectives

  • Reach Redmane Castle and the Radahn festival when prepared
  • Defeat Starscourge Radahn
  • Advance Millicent, Gowry, and related checkpoints carefully
  • Avoid forcing full Dragonbarrow clears too early

Can you skip this?

Optional for some ending paths, but strongly worth doing for quests and a clean mid-game power spike.

Before leaving

Review NPC steps before and after Radahn; several quests change when the festival ends.

Recommended bosses

Route checklist

  • Defeat Starscourge Radahn
  • Gurranq, Beast Clergyman
  • Millicent
  • Sage Gowry
  • Witch-Hunter Jerren
Next
→ Nokron, Eternal City→ Altus Plateau→ Liurnia of the Lakes
WalkthroughMap
Area 7Required

7. Altus Plateau

Enter Altus, stabilize mid-game power, and prepare the Leyndell approach.

Altus Plateau is the bridge into the capital. Whether you arrive by the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, the Grand Lift of Dectus, or another approach, the job is the same: raise your weapon level, clear the threats you need on the way, and set up the road into Leyndell. Several quests densify here, including Corhyn and Goldmask. From Altus you can branch into Mt. Gelmir and Volcano Manor, but the main path still points toward the capital. If Altus enemies feel far too strong, you are probably under-leveled or under-upgraded rather than lost.

Level

60–80

Regular

+10–15

Somber

+4–6

Progress

0/1

Main objectives

  • Enter Altus Plateau by any valid approach
  • Reach the capital outskirts preparation line
  • Advance Corhyn, Goldmask, and other mid-game NPC routes
  • Choose whether to branch into Mt. Gelmir before Leyndell

Can you skip this?

Not if you want the normal capital route. Altus is the usual gate into Leyndell.

Before leaving

Treat Altus as a checkpoint before committing to Leyndell and later story changes.

Route checklist

  • Brother Corhyn and Goldmask
Next
→ Mt. Gelmir→ Leyndell, Royal Capital
WalkthroughMap
Area 8Recommended

8. Mt. Gelmir

Resolve Volcano Manor content and defeat Rykard when you want that Great Rune and quest branch finished.

Mt. Gelmir and Volcano Manor are the strongest mid-game side branch off Altus. Rykard is a major remembrance boss and Great Rune holder, but the manor contracts and NPC rewards matter just as much. If you care about those rewards, finish the relevant manor steps before killing Rykard. This area is excellent on a full first playthrough and easy to postpone if you only want the ending. After the manor is settled, return toward Leyndell instead of wandering Gelmir indefinitely.

Level

70–90

Regular

+12–18

Somber

+5–7

Progress

0/4

Main objectives

  • Reach Volcano Manor
  • Handle manor contracts and related NPC steps you care about
  • Defeat Rykard when ready to close the branch
  • Return toward Leyndell

Can you skip this?

Optional for the ending. Skip if you already have the Great Runes you need and want a shorter path.

Before leaving

Finish Volcano Manor contracts before Rykard if you want their rewards.

Route checklist

  • Defeat God-Devouring Serpent & Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy
  • Primeval Sorcerers Azur and Lusat
  • Recusant Bernahl
  • Tanith and Volcano Manor
Next
→ Leyndell, Royal Capital→ Altus Plateau
WalkthroughMap
Area 9Required

9. Leyndell, Royal Capital

Enter the capital, clear the royal bosses, and clean capital-sensitive content before the fire route.

Leyndell is the required capital stretch. Draconic Tree Sentinel, the Godfrey phantom fight, and Morgott unlock the late game. Later story beats change the capital, so do the exploration and NPC checks you care about before Mountaintops progress pushes the world forward. The Subterranean Shunning-Grounds can branch from here, but they are optional and should not stall the main path unless you are chasing that content now.

Level

80–100

Regular

+15–20

Somber

+6–8

Progress

0/4

Main objectives

  • Enter Leyndell, Royal Capital
  • Defeat Draconic Tree Sentinel and the capital boss sequence
  • Defeat Morgott, the Omen King
  • Clean capital-sensitive NPC and exploration steps before late game

Can you skip this?

No. Capital progress is required for the standard ending path.

Before leaving

Finish capital cleanup before pushing the Mountaintops fire route.

Route checklist

  • Defeat Draconic Tree SentinelMAIN
  • Defeat Morgott, the Omen KingMAIN
  • Defeat Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Phantom)MAIN
  • Dung Eater
Next
→ Mountaintops of the Giants
WalkthroughMap
Area 10Recommended

10. Nokron, Eternal City

Enter Nokron after Radahn and clear the underground checkpoints tied to major quest routes.

Nokron opens cleanly after Radahn and becomes one of the most important underground stops on a broader first playthrough. Mimic Tear, ancestor content, and the wider Eternal City path matter more for quests and builds than for the shortest ending. If you beat Radahn, visit before you lose track of the quest that sent you here. A pure ending run can skip it; quest-heavy runs should not.

Level

70–90

Regular

+12–18

Somber

+5–7

Progress

0/1

Main objectives

  • Enter Nokron after Radahn
  • Defeat Mimic Tear
  • Clear the underground boss checkpoints you came for
  • Continue toward Deeproot or Lake of Rot only if your route needs them

Can you skip this?

Optional for the shortest ending path; recommended after Radahn for quest routing.

Before leaving

Check quests that specifically ask for Nokron items or progress.

Recommended bosses

Route checklist

  • Defeat Regal Ancestor Spirit
Next
→ Caelid
WalkthroughMap
Area 11Required

11. Mountaintops of the Giants

Reach the Mountaintops, defeat Fire Giant, and prepare irreversible late-game changes.

Mountaintops of the Giants is the late-game climb. Fire Giant pushes the story into its final act, so finish unfinished capital business and quests you still care about before you commit. Castle Sol and the secret medallion path are valuable setup for Consecrated Snowfield, but they are not required to beat Fire Giant. Once the forge route begins, the world moves forward — treat this as the last broad warning before Farum Azula and the Ashen Capital.

Level

100–120

Regular

+20–24

Somber

+8–9

Progress

0/1

Main objectives

  • Enter the Mountaintops
  • Decide whether Castle Sol / medallion content matters now
  • Defeat Fire Giant
  • Prepare for Farum Azula and capital state changes

Can you skip this?

No. Fire Giant is required on the standard ending path.

Before leaving

Clean up capital and quest content before using the forge route after Fire Giant.

Required bosses

Route checklist

  • Defeat Fire GiantMAIN
Next
→ Crumbling Farum Azula
WalkthroughMap
Area 12Required

12. Crumbling Farum Azula

Clear Godskin Duo and Maliketh to push the capital into its final state.

Crumbling Farum Azula is the required late-game dungeon after Fire Giant. Godskin Duo and Maliketh move the story forward; Dragonlord Placidusax is a major optional remembrance fight in the same area. Maliketh is the point of no return for the capital’s final form, so finish any remaining royal-capital business before you complete this stretch. Once Maliketh falls, the path returns you to the Ashen Capital for the ending.

Level

120–150

Regular

+24–25

Somber

+9–10

Progress

0/3

Main objectives

  • Enter Crumbling Farum Azula
  • Defeat Godskin Duo
  • Decide on the Placidusax optional fight
  • Defeat Maliketh, the Black Blade

Can you skip this?

No. Maliketh is required to reach the final capital sequence.

Before leaving

Optional bosses here are fine, but do not leave unfinished capital quests hanging if you still care about them.

Recommended bosses

Route checklist

  • Defeat Godskin DuoMAIN
  • Defeat Dragonlord Placidusax
  • Defeat Beast Clergyman & Maliketh the Black BladeMAIN
Next
→ Leyndell, Ashen Capital
WalkthroughMap
Area 13Required

13. Leyndell, Ashen Capital

Finish the final capital sequence through Gideon, Hoarah Loux, and the Elden Beast.

Leyndell, Ashen Capital is the end of the base-game main path. After Maliketh, the capital changes and the final boss run begins: Sir Gideon, Hoarah Loux, then Radagon and the Elden Beast. There is little route choice left — this is the ending sequence itself. Take any remaining side trips before Maliketh if you still want them. Once you are in the Ashen Capital, finish the fight chain and clear the game.

Level

120–150

Regular

+24–25

Somber

+9–10

Progress

0/3

Main objectives

  • Return to the Ashen Capital
  • Defeat Sir Gideon, the All-Knowing
  • Defeat Godfrey / Hoarah Loux
  • Defeat Radagon and the Elden Beast

Can you skip this?

No.

Before leaving

This is the end of the base-game main path.

Route checklist

  • Return to Leyndell, Ashen CapitalMAIN
  • Defeat Godfrey, First Elden Lord & Hoarah Loux, WarriorMAIN
  • Defeat Radagon of the Golden Order & Elden BeastMAIN
Next
End of the base-game main path.
WalkthroughMap

Map order

Elden Ring Area Order by Level

Use this area order by recommended level when you only need the map sequence and upgrade targets. Regular weapons go to +25; Somber weapons go to +10.

AreaRecommended levelRegular weaponSomber weaponRoute role
Limgrave1–20+0–3+0–1Required
Weeping Peninsula10–20+2–4+1–2Recommended
Stormveil Castle24–40+3–4+1–2Required
Liurnia of the Lakes40–50+4–6+2–3Required
Siofra River40–55+4–8+2–3Recommended
Caelid50–70+6–12+3–5Recommended
Ainsel River50–70+6–12+3–5Optional
Altus Plateau60–80+10–15+4–6Required
Mt. Gelmir70–90+12–18+5–7Recommended
Leyndell, Royal Capital80–100+15–20+6–8Required
Subterranean Shunning-Grounds80–110+15–20+6–8Optional
Nokron, Eternal City70–90+12–18+5–7Recommended
Deeproot Depths80–100+15–20+6–8Optional
Lake of Rot80–100+15–20+6–8Optional
Mountaintops of the Giants100–120+20–24+8–9Required
Consecrated Snowfield100–130+20–25+8–10Optional
Mohgwyn Palace110–150+22–25+9–10Optional
Miquella's Haligtree120–150+24–25+9–10Optional
Crumbling Farum Azula120–150+24–25+9–10Required
Leyndell, Ashen Capital120–150+24–25+9–10Required

Interactive helper

Where to Go Next in Elden Ring

Stuck on where to go next? Pick your current area. The helper uses your saved checklist progress and the active route mode to suggest the best next regions.

Progress saves in this browser and carries over to the walkthrough, bosses, and checklist when you mark the same steps there.

Still to finish in Limgrave: Activate The First Step Site of Grace, Meet Melina, Get Torrent, Visit Church of Elleh, Reach Roundtable Hold, Blaidd the Half-Wolf, Bloody Finger Hunter Yura, Boc the Seamster. Wrap those up before leaving, or only take a side trip on purpose.

Still to finish in this area

Activate The First Step Site of Grace · Meet Melina · Get Torrent · Visit Church of Elleh · Reach Roundtable Hold · Blaidd the Half-Wolf · Bloody Finger Hunter Yura · Boc the Seamster

Optional

  • No optional branches suggested from here.

Walkthrough checklist

Elden Ring Progression Checklist

A compact Elden Ring walkthrough checklist in route order. Filter main story, recommended, or optional areas, then mark steps as you go.

  • Activate The First Step Site of Grace

    Limgrave · Main

  • Meet Melina

    Limgrave · Main

  • Get Torrent

    Limgrave · Main

  • Visit Church of Elleh

    Limgrave · Main

  • Reach Roundtable Hold

    Limgrave · Main

  • Blaidd the Half-Wolf

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Bloody Finger Hunter Yura

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Boc the Seamster

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • D, Hunter of the Dead

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Diallos

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Fia, Deathbed Companion

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Finger Reader Enia

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Iron Fist Alexander

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Kenneth Haight

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Nepheli Loux

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Patches

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Roderika

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Smithing Master Hewg

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Sorcerer Rogier

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Sorceress Sellen

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • White Mask Varré

    Limgrave · Recommended

  • Cross the Bridge of Sacrifice

    Weeping Peninsula · Recommended

  • Castellan Edgar

    Weeping Peninsula · Recommended

  • Irina of Morne

    Weeping Peninsula · Recommended

  • Defeat Margit, the Fell Omen

    Stormveil Castle · Main

  • Defeat Godrick the Grafted

    Stormveil Castle · Main

  • Defeat Red Wolf of Radagon

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Main

  • Defeat Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Main

  • Blackguard Big Boggart

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • Hyetta

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • Jar-Bairn

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • Latenna the Albinauric

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • Preceptor Seluvis

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • Ranni the Witch

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • Rya / Zorayas

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • Thops

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • War Counselor Iji

    Liurnia of the Lakes · Recommended

  • Defeat Starscourge Radahn

    Caelid · Recommended

  • Gurranq, Beast Clergyman

    Caelid · Recommended

  • Millicent

    Caelid · Recommended

  • Sage Gowry

    Caelid · Recommended

  • Witch-Hunter Jerren

    Caelid · Recommended

  • Brother Corhyn and Goldmask

    Altus Plateau · Recommended

  • Defeat God-Devouring Serpent & Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy

    Mt. Gelmir · Recommended

  • Primeval Sorcerers Azur and Lusat

    Mt. Gelmir · Recommended

  • Recusant Bernahl

    Mt. Gelmir · Recommended

  • Tanith and Volcano Manor

    Mt. Gelmir · Recommended

  • Defeat Draconic Tree Sentinel

    Leyndell, Royal Capital · Main

  • Defeat Morgott, the Omen King

    Leyndell, Royal Capital · Main

  • Defeat Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Phantom)

    Leyndell, Royal Capital · Main

  • Dung Eater

    Leyndell, Royal Capital · Recommended

  • Defeat Regal Ancestor Spirit

    Nokron, Eternal City · Recommended

  • Defeat Fire Giant

    Mountaintops of the Giants · Main

  • Defeat Godskin Duo

    Crumbling Farum Azula · Main

  • Defeat Dragonlord Placidusax

    Crumbling Farum Azula · Recommended

  • Defeat Beast Clergyman & Maliketh the Black Blade

    Crumbling Farum Azula · Main

  • Return to Leyndell, Ashen Capital

    Leyndell, Ashen Capital · Main

  • Defeat Godfrey, First Elden Lord & Hoarah Loux, Warrior

    Leyndell, Ashen Capital · Main

  • Defeat Radagon of the Golden Order & Elden Beast

    Leyndell, Ashen Capital · Main

Route clarity

Main Story vs Optional Progression

Required

Areas and bosses you need to push the ending forward.

Limgrave, Stormveil, Liurnia, Altus, Leyndell, Mountaintops, Farum Azula, Ashen Capital

Recommended

Side trips that smooth the difficulty curve or unlock major quests.

Weeping Peninsula, Caelid / Radahn, Siofra, Nokron, Mt. Gelmir

Optional

Side regions you can delay or skip without blocking the ending.

Shunning-Grounds, Deeproot, Lake of Rot, Snowfield, Mohgwyn, Haligtree

DLC route

Shadow of the Erdtree Progression

Looking for the DLC route? Shadow of the Erdtree has its own level curve and area order, so this page stays focused on the base game. Use the DLC map and the Shadow of the Erdtree section of the walkthrough for now.

Open DLC MapDLC Walkthrough Section

Related Elden Ring Guides

Elden Ring Walkthrough

Step-by-step checklist through every major region.

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Bosses

Browse bosses and track defeats across the Lands Between.

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100% Checklist

Track weapons, armor, talismans, quests, and more.

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Progression Guide FAQ

What is the best Elden Ring progression route?

A strong first playthrough starts in Limgrave, takes Weeping Peninsula as an early optional power detour, clears Stormveil, continues through Liurnia, then moves toward Altus and Leyndell before the Mountaintops, Farum Azula, and the final capital sequence. Use the Recommended path on this page for that order.

What level should I be for each area?

Use the Area Order by Level table on this page. Early Limgrave sits around levels 1–20, Stormveil around 24–40, Liurnia around 40–50, Altus and Leyndell around 60–100, and the late game often lands near 100–150 depending on how much side content you clear.

Is this the same as an Elden Ring walkthrough?

No. This progression guide is the recommended route, area order, levels, and where-to-go-next helper. The walkthrough is the step-by-step checklist with denser boss, quest, and missable detail.

How do I know where to go next in Elden Ring?

Open the Where to Go Next tool, choose your current area, and keep marking checklist steps as you finish them. The helper points to the best unfinished next areas for the route mode you selected.

Should I do optional areas?

On the Recommended path, yes for high-value detours like Weeping Peninsula, Caelid for Radahn, and Mt. Gelmir. Main Story Only keeps the ending path. Completionist shows more side areas without turning this page into a full 100% guide.

Does this include Shadow of the Erdtree?

This page stays focused on the base game. Shadow of the Erdtree has its own level curve and area order, so it is linked separately instead of being mixed into one giant route.