FromSoftware has experimented with one of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree’s optional areas, the hidden Abyssal Woods to the southeast, with the final fragment of the map. Torrent is spooked, forcing you to explore the area on foot, with fearsome enemies patrolling certain sections of the area. The normal way to deal with this is to duck and hide in the tall grass, much like you would in Assassin’s Creed. But it’s slow, boring, and very simple, which makes the area a huge letdown in our eyes once you get the hang of it. But there is an alternative solution, much more difficult and dangerous, but also more profitable.
The Art of Parade
This method involves using the most difficult skill to use well in FromSoftware’s games, but which offers rewards that match the risks: the parry. By performing said parry at the right time, when the yellow light of the staff of the exalted elders is shining, it is possible to break their posture, and even end their invincibility in this way. You can then deal them a critical hit in melee. The victim of your parry can be killed normally after the parry. You can also use the Ashes of War Golden Paradeon almost any shield.
How to perform a parade?
There are different shields that can be used to perform the parry, as well as some weapons. Your best option is probably the Rondachewhich has a special, improved version of this skill. It’s called Shield Parry (Logic). The Brigand class starts with it, and Gostoc sells it for 1500 Runes at Voilorage Castle. In the worst case, bringing his Cinerary Pearl to the Round Table then allows you to buy it. This shield only requires 13 Dexterity, which makes it very accessible, but it’s far from your only option. All you have to do is equip it in your off-hand, and perform a parry at the right time with LT/L2.
Of course, finding the right time to do it is the whole difficulty. It is advisable to equip talismans that increase your character’s maximum life. As well as a bonus on the Healing Vials. This way, even if you miss the parry and take heavy damage, you can heal yourself and try again. You only have to do it once. Just try not to get spotted by the elders before you get close, they trigger other ranged attacks.
Reward
Killing most of the Elders doesn’t yield anything of note, as you’ll just get a few runes and a Bloated Fruit, which is rather disappointing. At least they don’t respawn when you go to rest. But one Elder is an exception, and his loot may be of interest to you.
The Elder closest to the church with the map fragment has a unique talisman, Elder’s Exaltation. It provides a damage bonus after the nearby Madness affliction triggers. This could help you on Midra, Exalted Flame Lord, or potentially in PvP with certain builds.
