Top missable locations in Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is an open-world masterpiece filled with intricate lore, obscure quests, and secrets tucked away in the most unexpected corners of the Lands Between. With the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, even veteran Tarnished are returning to uncover what they might have missed. This guide explores the top 10 most missable locations and secrets in Elden Ring — including hidden areas, side quests, and Easter eggs that define the game’s worldbuilding and replayability.

Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned explorer, these discoveries might just surprise you.

1. Mohgwyn Palace – A Bloody Secret Beneath the Lands Between

missable locations in Elden Ring — Mohgwyn Palace also hides one of this game’s hardest bosses. (Picture Credit: FromSoftware)

Mohgwyn Palace is a haunting, blood-drenched realm tied to Mohg, Lord of Blood. This secret area can be accessed via Varre’s questline or by using a special teleportation item from the Consecrated Snowfield. Many players miss this entirely due to the obscure prerequisites. Inside, you’ll find high-tier runes, a stunning boss fight, and haunting lore surrounding the dynasty of blood.

Tip: Don’t kill Varre early — he’s your key to this hidden realm.

2. Jarburg – The Hidden Village of Living Pots

Tucked beneath the cliffs of the Carian Study Hall in Liurnia, Jarburg is a peaceful haven filled with adorable Living Jars. Most players miss this area entirely due to its unusual access point: you have to jump down carefully from the cliff near the study hall.

Completing quests here offers unique dialogue, a rare talisman, and the bittersweet ending of Diallos’ character arc.

3. Miquella’s Cocoon – Clues Now Revealed in Shadow of the Erdtree

Originally a mysterious setpiece near Mohg’s boss arena, Miquella’s cocoon has become far more significant with the expansion. Clues hidden in Shadow of the Erdtree imply how Miquella escaped and his role in the new narrative. If you revisit the site post-DLC, you’ll notice subtle environmental changes, hinting at what’s to come.

This reinforces FromSoftware’s brilliance in foreshadowing lore through visual storytelling.

4. Sellia, Town of Sorcery – A Puzzle Town Easily Skipped

Sellia is a ghostly town in Caelid sealed by magic barriers. Lighting three towers unlocks its secrets, including powerful sorceries and the start of Millicent’s quest. Many rush through Caelid and miss this puzzle entirely.

Millicent’s tale connects deeply with the game’s rot-based lore and provides one of the most rewarding endings in the game.

5. Dragonlord Placidusax – The Hidden God of Time

Accessed only by lying down in a specific spot in the Crumbling Farum Azula, this two-headed dragon god is one of the most easily missed bosses in the game. The entrance involves removing your armor and submitting to the environment — a FromSoft classic.

Defeating Placidusax uncovers ancient lore about time and the crucible of dragons, connecting to several cryptic item descriptions.

6. The Abandoned Cave – Home to the Gold Scarab Talisman

This cave is crucial for farming rune builds, thanks to the Gold Scarab talisman it hides. It’s hidden behind a tree limb east of the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace and requires a cleanrot-proof build to explore due to the Scarlet Rot swamp inside.

It’s missable because it doesn’t appear on the map or tie into any major questlines directly, yet it’s incredibly useful.

7. Haligtree Secret Medallion – The Hidden Path to Miquella’s Realm

Unlike the main path through the Grand Lift of Rold, using the Haligtree Secret Medallion (left and right halves found in separate snowy locations) activates a hidden path leading to one of the hardest areas in the game — Miquella’s Haligtree.

It’s one of Elden Ring‘s most elaborate hidden areas, filled with brutal enemies and unmatched lore density.

8. Frenzied Flame Proscription – The Subterranean Endgame Secret

Behind an illusionary wall and down a deadly gauntlet beneath Leyndell lies the path to the Lord of Chaos ending. Meeting the Three Fingers and branding yourself with the Frenzied Flame completely locks you out of other endings unless you take extreme measures later.

This is arguably the most lore-shattering and player-impacting secret in the entire game.

9. The Puppet Cellar – Seluvis’ Darkest Secret

Elden Ring secrets — Seluvis’ dark cellar of puppets includes appearances from known NPCs. (Picture Credit: FromSoftware)

Beneath Seluvis’ Rise lies a hidden cellar filled with lifeless puppets, including some familiar NPCs. This disturbing secret adds a dark layer to Seluvis’ personality and gives players access to puppet Spirit Ashes through his twisted ambition.

Triggering this requires progressing Ranni’s questline, which makes it easy to overlook if you skip optional dialogue or towers.

10. The Nameless Eternal City – Deep Below and Easy to Miss

lden Ring hidden locations — Deep beneath the Lands Between lies the forgotten Nameless Eternal City, rich in cryptic lore. (Picture Credit: FromSoftware)

While Nokron and Nokstella are well-known, the hidden depths of the Nameless Eternal City remain shrouded in mystery. Secret lifts and platforming puzzles lead to it, and the area ties loosely to the Night of Black Knives — a critical but often misunderstood event in the lore.

It’s not just another underground zone — it’s a lore-rich site with ancient ruins and unique enemy designs.

This guide will surely be a big help for gamers looking forward to playing Elden Ring on the Nintendo Switch 2.