Elden Ring is a vast game with many optional areas for players to tackle. Here, users will encounter some of the most challenging bosses in the game, and they often contain items required to progress through various NPCs’ questlines. Caelid is one of the most intimidating regions of Elden Ring, and many players reach it for the first time, without intending to, by getting transported via a trap.
Its visual style, combined with the types of enemies players encounter, make up for a terrifying experience. Caelid is home to the boss fight against Starscourge Radahn, which has been a topic of discussion since launch due to its unique gimmick and difficulty. Players don’t need to finish Caelid to progress through Elden Ring’s main story and the region can pose a challenge for low-level players. One Elden Ring player shares a short clip that exemplifies the user base’s experience upon visiting Caelid.
The clip shows a user named supmansup exploring Caelid on horseback. They come across a caravan with an unopened chest and get off Torrent to loot it. At that exact moment, they are attacked by a giant enemy from off-screen who seemingly aims to swallow them whole. Getting hit from off-screen is common throughout Elden Ring and the Dark Souls games, but it never fails to be amusing.
It appears that many players are not fond of Caelid and its many terrifying enemies. Users share their troubling experiences with the giant dogs and crows that inhabit this land, with one calling Caelid a nightmare of a region. They don’t drop many runes but can aggro players from afar, making them some of Elden Ring’s worst enemies.
Many other users share stories of their adventures in Caelid, and some managed to visit the area before getting access to Torrent. It would have been a challenging experience for them to navigate Caelid’s swamps without Torrent, as players don't face the same movement penalties on horseback.
Despite being optional, players should consider exploring Caelid to obtain its many valuable items and conquer its dungeons. Additionally, they can start Millicent’s questline, one of Elden Ring’s most elaborate side-quests that takes players all over the map. Defeating Starscourge Radahn also unlocks the pathway to a deep underground area similarly filled with unique items, equipment, and enemies to fight. Essentially, much of Elden Ring is optional and not required to beat the main story, but many fans consider these areas to be a vital part of the experience.
Elden Ring is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.