Altus Plateau is a major turning point in Elden Ring, presenting both breathtaking views and intense dangers. Located beyond the treacherous Ruin-Strewn Precipice or the Grand Lift of Dectus, this region marks a critical transition into the later parts of the game. With stronger enemies, layered landscapes, and new challenges, players need to adapt their exploration strategies to survive. This guide provides helpful, reliable tips based on in-game experience and expertise to help you navigate Altus Plateau safely while maximizing your gains in elden ring runes and elden ring items.
Before even setting foot in Altus Plateau, make sure you're well-prepared:
Reach at least level 60–70, and ensure your main weapon is upgraded to +10 or higher (Standard) or +5+ (Somber).
Stock up on healing flasks and craft items like Preserving Boluses to deal with Scarlet Rot from nearby areas like Lake of Rot.
Equip gear with good physical and elemental defense. Enemies in Altus use a mix of physical, fire, and holy attacks.
The first thing to do after arriving is to unlock the Altus Plateau map fragment. Without it, navigation becomes risky and inefficient. Head north of the Grand Lift of Dectus to find the map stele near the Altus Highway Junction Site of Grace.
Altus Plateau has tough field bosses, such as Tree Sentinels and Night Cavalry. Summon Spirit Ashes like Lhutel the Headless or Mimic Tear to distract or tank enemies. These ashes are extremely valuable, giving you time to reposition or heal during difficult fights.
If you want to farm elden ring runes efficiently, seek out safer zones like the Forest-Spanning Greatbridge area. Defeating enemies like Leyndell soldiers or mounted knights here offers high rune rewards with manageable risk. Always explore with your horse, Torrent, for quick escapes if ambushed.
Altus Plateau features many wide-open fields patrolled by groups of enemies. Pulling more than one patrol group can easily lead to death. Use a bow or spells to draw one enemy at a time, especially when dealing with crossbow-wielding soldiers or mounted knights.
This region introduces foes like Oracle Envoys and Wormface, who deal Death Blight or Madness. Equip talismans like the Prince of Death's Pustule or gear with high Vitality to resist these dangerous status effects. Always keep an eye out for build-up indicators on your HUD.
Altus Plateau hides many valuable elden ring items in its cliffs, ruins, and catacombs. Explore thoroughly to find:
Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears for flask upgrades.
Ashes of War hidden in enemy camps.
Legendary weapons and talismans, such as the Erdtree’s Favor.
Thorough exploration rewards players with powerful gear, making the late-game more manageable.
Altus Plateau contains NPC invaders like Rileigh the Idle and scripted ambushes in narrow passes. Always enter new areas cautiously. Use the Lantern or a torch when exploring shaded ruins to avoid stepping into traps blindly.
This Site of Grace provides an important checkpoint near the center of Altus. It also gives you easy access to the area’s Minor Erdtree, where you can face powerful bosses and earn more runes and elden ring items like Crystal Tears for your Flask of Wondrous Physick.
Eventually, your goal in Altus Plateau is to reach Leyndell, Royal Capital. You can either head north through the Shaded Castle and Windmill Village or take the direct eastern route through the Altus Highway. Be cautious near the capital outskirts—enemy difficulty ramps up fast.
Altus Plateau is both a challenge and an opportunity. With preparation and careful exploration, you can safely collect vast amounts of elden ring runes and powerful elden ring items while progressing toward the endgame. Stay vigilant, take your time, and remember: every Grace you touch brings you one step closer to mastering the Lands Between.
