How to Get to Leyndell Royal Capital in Elden Ring
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How to Get to Leyndell Royal Capital in Elden Ring
Leyndell Tips
Leyndell, Royal Capital is widely considered one of the most impressive areas in Elden Ring — a sprawling golden city built around the base of the Erdtree, filled with intricate architecture, deadly enemies, and exceptional loot. The two Great Rune requirement ensures most players arrive with sufficient strength to handle its challenges, and the area’s vertical complexity rewards exploration more than almost any other region. Take several sessions to fully clear it — the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds, the rooftop network, and the inner sanctum leading to Morgott all contain unique rewards worth collecting before the capital transforms after beating the Fire Giant.
FAQ
⚡ Quick Answer
How to Reach Leyndell Royal Capital
Leyndell requires two Great Runes — defeat any two shardbearers such as Godrick and Rennala (or Radahn, Morgott, etc.). Then reach the Altus Plateau via the Grand Lift of Dectus or the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, and travel east to the capital’s outer walls. The main gate is on the western side.
1
Collect two Great Runes. Leyndell’s entrance is sealed until you hold at least two Great Runes from defeated shardbearers. The earliest and most accessible are Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle (Limgrave) and Rennala in the Academy of Raya Lucaria (Liurnia). Rennala technically does not drop a Great Rune — if you use her, you need a second from Radahn, Morgott, or another shardbearer.
2
Reach the Altus Plateau. Leyndell sits on the Altus Plateau — the elevated region above Liurnia. The easiest route is the Grand Lift of Dectus: collect both halves of the Dectus Medallion (left half in Fort Haight, Limgrave; right half in Fort Faroth, Caelid) and activate the lift at the northern end of Liurnia. Alternatively, climb through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice dungeon without the medallion.
3
Navigate the Altus Plateau to Leyndell’s outer walls. From the Grand Lift of Dectus head northeast across the Altus Plateau. Follow the main road east — it curves toward the enormous golden walls of Leyndell visible in the distance. The outer wall has a large gate on its western face. Activate the Outer Wall Phantom Tree Site of Grace as you approach for a fast travel point near the entrance.
4
Enter through the main western gate. The main entrance to Leyndell is the large gate in the western outer wall. With two Great Runes the gate opens freely — ride through on Torrent and activate the Leyndell, Royal Capital Site of Grace just inside. The capital is a large, complex area — explore carefully and activate every Site of Grace you find to create fast travel points throughout the city.
5
Fight Morgott, the Omen King to progress. Leyndell’s main boss is Morgott, the Omen King — found at the foot of the Erdtree inside the capital. Defeating him is required to access the Mountaintops of the Giants and the game’s later areas. He is a challenging mid-game boss — arrive at Soul Level 70–80 with a +16 or higher weapon.
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Explore thoroughly — Leyndell has exceptional loot: the capital contains some of the best items in the game including the Erdtree’s Favor talisman, Golden Order Principia incantation book, and the Bolt of Gransax — one of the most powerful spears available. Take your time exploring every building and rooftop.
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Use rooftops and branches for shortcuts: Leyndell has a complex vertical structure — climbing onto building rooftops and navigating the enormous golden branches lets you bypass many street-level enemies. The giant branches are walkable and connect different sections of the city, opening shortcuts between Sites of Grace significantly.
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Recommended level 65–80: Leyndell enemies — Crucible Knights, Tree Sentinels, and Leyndell Knights — are among the most aggressive and hard-hitting in the mid-game. Arrive with solid armor and a +14 or higher weapon. The capital rewards careful, methodical exploration more than aggressive rushing.
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The capital changes after certain story events: after progressing past a specific story point Leyndell transforms permanently into Leyndell, Ashen Capital — the layout changes, many NPCs and enemies disappear, and certain items become inaccessible. Explore the original Leyndell Royal Capital fully before advancing the story past the Mountaintops of the Giants.
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The Subterranean Shunning-Grounds are beneath the city: a well cover near the Avenue Balcony Site of Grace leads to the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds — a separate underground dungeon with its own bosses and the route to the Deeproot Depths. Explore it separately from the main capital as it has distinct loot and bosses.
How many Great Runes do you need to enter Leyndell?
You need two Great Runes from defeated shardbearers. The most accessible early options are Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle and Radahn in Caelid. Note that Rennala does not drop a Great Rune — defeating her alone does not count toward the requirement.
How do you get to the Altus Plateau to reach Leyndell?
Use the Grand Lift of Dectus by collecting both halves of the Dectus Medallion — the left half is in Fort Haight in eastern Limgrave and the right half is in Fort Faroth in Caelid. Alternatively, climb through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice dungeon in northeastern Liurnia without needing the medallion.
Does Leyndell change permanently in Elden Ring?
Yes — after defeating the Fire Giant and burning the Erdtree, Leyndell permanently transforms into Leyndell, Ashen Capital. The layout changes, many enemies and NPCs are replaced, and certain items become inaccessible. Fully explore and collect everything in the Royal Capital version before progressing past the Mountaintops of the Giants.
What is the main boss of Leyndell Royal Capital?
The main boss is Morgott, the Omen King — found at the foot of the Erdtree inside the capital. Defeating him is required to progress to the Mountaintops of the Giants. He is a challenging mid-game boss at recommended Soul Level 70–80 with a +14 or higher weapon.