Abyssal Woods Location

Learn how to reach the Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. This guide details the path through Shadow Keep, Darklight Catacombs, and Recluses' River.

The Abyssal Woods is an optional area in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree that contains valuable collectibles such as Scadutree Fragments and crafting books, as well as a unique weapon. However, your steed cannot be summoned in this dark, misty zone. Be prepared to encounter Winter Lanterns, enemies that can only be damaged by parrying and riposting.

How to Get to the Abyssal Woods:

1. Begin at the Main Gate Plaza, site of Grace, in Shadow Keep.
2. Head northwest through the doorway, past a ghost, and up the stairs.
3. Defeat the Messmer Soldiers in the next room and proceed up the wooden stairs to the northeast.
4. Be wary of an ambush from a soldier in a doorway to your right as you ascend.
5. At the top, defeat the four soldiers (two left, two right) and continue up the wooden stairs to the northeast.
6. In the dining room, defeat the Black Knights (one with a hammer, one with a bow).
7. Proceed through the open doorway to the left of the fireplace to exit outside.
8. Head northwest from the Main Gate Plaza Grace, across the eastern bridge, and southeast toward the burning boats. Clear this area of enemies and loot if desired.
9. Follow a series of boats northwest from the burning boats. At the end, find a ladder against the left (northeast) wall.
10. Take the ladder down and follow the narrow ledge northwest to a waterfall.
11. Pass through the waterfall (facing southwest) and descend another ladder to reach a waterway.
12. Follow the path southeast into the next room with a painting.
13. Find a hidden wall southwest of the painting, between two barrels, and strike it to reveal a doorway.
14. Follow the waterway down until you find an ominous coffin. Interact with it to proceed.
15. Exit the room and interact with the Castle Watering Hole site of Grace to your left before mounting your steed.
16. Head southeast to the waterfall and interact with the site of Grace on the left path to unlock the Recluses’ River Upstream Grace.
17. Head south down the narrow path, jumping over a gap, then a larger gap shortly after (use your steed for the latter).
18. Continue south until you encounter Man-Fly enemies. Defeat them and jump across to the right path (use your horse).
19. Stay on the path heading south/southeast until it ends. Look below to the southeast for the Recluses’ River Downstream site of Grace.
20. Look east over the cliff below to find headstones protruding from the wall. Use these to descend to the water area below.
21. In the water area, go east toward another waterfall. Descend more headstones just past it.
22. Follow the wall east/northeast to find braziers, leading to the Darklight Catacombs.

Darklight Catacombs Walkthrough:

1. Take the elevator down by standing on the button in the center of the room.
2. Head north and find the site of Grace.
3. Turn on your lantern due to the darkness.
4. Proceed north and loot the coffin for a Grave Glovewort [5], but beware of an ambush by an imp.
5. Leave the room, take the eastern stairs down, and follow the linear path.
6. In the next room, drop to the floor below.
7. Immediately turn around and go through the archway to the northwest, next to the stairs.
8. At the end of this path, interact with the lever to light up the room.
9. Return to the other room, go through the southern doorway, and follow the path through the northeastern doorway to the ladder.
10. Take the first ladder down, followed by another.
11. Head west, defeating the mage at the end before proceeding through the northern doorway.
12. Follow the path north down the slope to find an elevator. Take it down.
13. Continue west, interacting with the Summoning Statue along the way.
14. In the next room, there is a staircase to the north and a room to the west. (The guide cuts off here, implying further steps are needed to reach the Abyssal Woods from this point).