Completing the map in Elden Ring is no easy task. The Lands Between is massive, teeming with hidden dungeons, optional bosses, and secret passages. As someone who spent over 200 hours exploring every corner, I’ve learned a lot of valuable tricks to help others do the same. Whether you’re a first-time Tarnished or on your second journey, these 11 tricks will boost your progress and help you uncover everything the game has to offer. If you’re stuck on certain areas and need an extra push, don’t hesitate to buy Elden Ring runes to save time and level up faster.
From Limgrave to the Haligtree, every region has its own map fragment to discover, and many are hidden in obscure or dangerous places. Early on, I missed the Weeping Peninsula map for hours, simply because I didn’t realize I had to venture past the Bridge of Sacrifice. Along the way, I learned a few clever shortcuts, farming strategies, and how to navigate late-game areas without constantly dying. Elden Ring runes are the key to survival and progression—without them, some of the toughest zones can feel impossible.
Here are the 11 tricks I swear by for full map completion:
1. Collect Map Fragments Early
The tall stone monoliths that hold map fragments are visible on your in-game map as small icons. Make it a point to rush toward them first when entering a new area. Having the full view allows you to plan better and avoid nasty surprises.
2. Use Torrent to Skim Through Dangerous Areas
Torrent isn’t just a mount—he’s your lifesaver. In zones like Caelid or the Mountaintops of the Giants, don’t hesitate to sprint through with Torrent to unlock Sites of Grace and quickly reach map pieces or dungeons.
3. Look for Elevation Changes
Some hidden areas are above or below where you think they are. Take Altus Plateau, for example—its lower sections hide secret catacombs and dungeons that are invisible unless you take a second look at cliffs and drops.
4. Talk to Every NPC
NPCs often drop hints about where to go next or what area you may have missed. Some even mention locations that don't show up on the map until discovered manually.
5. Light Every Site of Grace
Even if you’re not going to use it immediately, lighting every Site of Grace helps you fast travel and keep track of where you’ve been. It’s also useful for returning later to under-leveled zones.
6. Track Progress with Manual Notes
The in-game map allows markers, but I recommend keeping a handwritten or digital note of where you found unopened doors, locked elevators, or fog walls requiring Stonesword Keys. It saves a ton of backtracking.
7. Use Community Tools and Interactive Maps
After finishing my first run, I started using community-sourced interactive maps to find missed dungeons and map fragments. They're especially useful for finding minor dungeons in hard-to-reach places.
8. Return to Earlier Areas
Sometimes you need to come back with new gear or after defeating a specific boss to fully access parts of the map. For example, Nokron only unlocks after you beat Radahn.
9. Farm Efficiently with Trusted Sellers
Let’s be honest—some players don’t have time to grind endlessly. I’ve personally used an Elden Ring runes seller with reviews to speed up my progression when needed. Make sure to check user ratings and feedback before buying. A reputable seller can save you time without risking your account.
10. Complete NPC Questlines for Hidden Zones
Some zones like Deeproot Depths or Miquella’s Haligtree are hidden behind elaborate questlines. Finishing NPC arcs such as Ranni’s or Fia’s is the only way to access them.
11. Don’t Fear New Game Plus
If you missed major areas or items, New Game Plus is your second chance. With better gear and understanding of the game mechanics, re-completing the map becomes a rewarding challenge.
In conclusion, completing the Elden Ring map is a deeply satisfying experience. With smart strategies, a bit of persistence, and the occasional help from a rune purchase, anyone can do it. Whether you’re looking to buy Elden Ring runes to get ahead or browsing for a trusted Elden Ring runes seller with reviews, just remember that your journey is your own. Take your time, explore, and enjoy the vast, brutal beauty of the Lands Between.
Quick Walkthrough: How Runes Impact Your Build in Elden Ring