There are many types of secret passages in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, but they can be difficult to find unless you attack every wall and jump off every cliff. Since the game’s community likes to post messages everywhere to troll other players, you can’t really count on their help.
DLC Secret Passage Map
Let’s start with a general overview of where the game’s secret passages are located. This doesn’t include all the jumps onto low ledges or platforms at a distance, but it’s a good indicator of where you’ll need to be careful. We’ll provide more details below.
Summit of the cliffs of the Plaine Sépulcrale
This isn’t a real secret passage, but since many players have trouble finding the access point to the high plateau west of the DLC’s starting area, we’ve marked the access point on the map. Between the first and second Miquella Crosses, follow the western edge of the map, to find a narrow path along the cliffside, with dogs and bats.
Reaching South Coast Island
Again, this isn’t really a secret passage, but it’s also an important one, in order to reach Ranah’s Dancing Blade on the island. Approach the black tree on the coast, there’s a tunnel hidden underneath, on the cliff side. This tunnel then goes in two directions, don’t forget to explore both sides.
Black Castle: Access to the Stone Coffin
The first real secret passage is in the Black Castle. After the Golden Hippo, climb the floors, until you reach the ramparts and a large elevator leading to the Seed Tank. But instead of using it, look for a ladder on the right side of the area, it allows you to go down to the water level, then enter a tunnel with a Painting.
Attack the right wall in the same room, this will reveal a hidden passage with a stone coffin. It allows you to teleport to the lower basin.
Enter the fort of the basin
After using the stone coffin, you will reach a pool, full of Furnace Golem carcasses. The entrance to the building in the center of the area is also blocked by one of these golems. You must throw a Furnace Pot into the sleeping Golem’s basket, in order to clear the passage.
Black Castle
A second secret passage is located in the west wing of the castle, the one leading to the Ruins of Rauh, just before an Iris of Grace. Attack the illusory wall, to reveal a corpse.
Statue of Marika
To access the Shaman Village, as well as the second set of Ymir Ruins, you need to reach the back gate of the Black Castle, near Commander Gaius. Use the “O Mother” emote in front of the Statue of Marika.
Rabbath Tower
In order to unlock the Sealed Spirit Source next to the Shardstone Tower in the east of the area, you must enter the tower, then attack the invisible wall that hides the stones.
Shamans’ Village
By descending along the cliff south of the Shaman Village, you can reach a secret room at the top of Rabbath’s Tower. This will allow you to obtain the best summon in the game.
Ruins of Rauh
In a large room full of giant scorpions, attack the back wall, to reveal a giant statue. You can also approach this secret passage from the other side.
Invisible bridge
After unlocking the area’s sealed spirit spring, you can jump up to a high plateau, with a lone tower nearby. To reach it, simply go straight, as there is an invisible bridge in the area.
Abyssal Woods: Midra Presbytery
The two illusory walls in this dungeon are very easy to spot, since it is impossible to progress further into the dungeon before you confront Midra, Lord of the Exalted Flame. These illusory walls are each behind a huge painting.
Manus Metyr Cathedral
Finally, after completing the first two steps of Ymir’s quest, and accepting the third map of the ruins, reload the area. Ymir has disappeared from the cathedral. By approaching her throne, you will be able to activate a button, in order to open a passage to the boss Metyr, mother of fingers.
