10 Elden Ring Easter Eggs and Hidden References

Yearning for some mystery in a phenomenal setting?

Elden Ring is a captivating dark-fantasy action RPG that has garnered significant attention – and rightfully so. It drops you into a vast, dark-fantasy realm filled with strange creatures, cryptic secrets, and enigmatic lore.

Elden Ring Redefining Modern Gaming

Imagine The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but with a unique twist. Combat in Elden Ring is intentionally difficult, akin to other games by FromSoftware (such as Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne). If you enjoy overcoming tough challenges, this game delivers.

You are exploring intriguing locations, finding fantasy weapons (like scythes, katanas, and bows), and encountering strange puzzles and characters. The game’s visuals, inspired by artists like Frank Frazetta and Zdzisław Beksiński, create a captivating and immersive experience.

And what is more, Elden Ring lets you engage with its story at your own pace. Dive deep into the lore or simply enjoy the exploration – it’s up to you.

What’s up With the Easter Eggs?

Those hidden surprises or secrets that developers intentionally place within the game can take various forms, such as hidden messages, special scenes, or references to other works.

Easter eggs allow developers to showcase their creativity and communicate with dedicated players. They create a bond between creators and gamers, like a silent dialogue.

Finding an Easter egg requires keen attention to detail and sometimes hard work. You feel this delightful sense of accomplishment when discovering these hidden treasures. Easter eggs often reference other games, franchises, or media as a way of paying tribute or pulling the leg.

Elden Ring is filled with intriguing Easter eggs and references that pay homage to various inspirations. Here are a few notable ones!

Easter Egg 1: Tribute to Dark Souls

The Giantdad meme from Dark Souls lives on! Look for a giant skeleton wielding a Zweihander in the Glimmering Caves. You can also find a set of armor resembling Siegmund from Dark Souls.

It’s hidden in a secret area accessible through a well in the Frostbite Tundra. And, while not direct Easter eggs, the presence of bonfires and Estus Flasks is a nod to the Dark Souls series. Resting at bonfires and sipping from your flask will feel familiar to fans.

Easter Egg 2: Miyazaki’s Signature Hidden Areas

Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of Elden Ring, has kept the specifics of hidden areas under wraps. However, players have discovered intriguing secrets throughout the game, such as the Jarburg village, the Chapel of Anticipation, and the Inverted Carian Study Hall.

While every Elden Ring player visits the Chapel of Anticipation (it’s the default starting area), not everyone realizes that you can return there later in the game. Head to the Four Belfries in Liurnia of the Lakes, find the portals opened with Stonesword Keys, and take the left path to revisit the Chapel.

There, you’ll get another shot at a boss you encountered earlier.

Bonfire Basics

Head to the Carian Study Hall and ride alongside the nearby cliffs. There, you’ll find a series of descending platforms leading to the town of Jarburg and a nearby Site of Grace.

This village was once home to the living jars you encounter throughout your Elden Ring adventure, and it contains fascinating lore.

To access Inverted Carian Study Hall, start the Ranni questline. While you don’t need to finish it, you’ll receive a small statue from Ranni. This area is incredibly easy to miss, but its design is intricate and worth exploring.

Elden Ring players have been intrigued by FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki’s recent tease that a final secret still exists within the two-year-old game. Despite years of analysis, Miyazaki believes there’s more to discover.

While he hasn’t revealed specifics, fans speculate that it might involve careful observation of item positioning in the open world or even hidden encounters tied to specific times of day. So, the hunt continues for that elusive secret!

Easter Egg 3: Berserk Manga Reference

Elden Ring has drawn inspiration from the iconic manga Berserk, although not in direct copies. Some notable references include for instance Radahn. This demigod’s silhouette and combat style resemble Nosferatu Zodd and the mythical civilization’s leader, Supreme King Gaiseric from Berserk.

While not identical, these echoes add depth to Radahn’s character dynamics. Rykard’s Blasphemous Blade evokes Skull Knight’s blade from Berserk.

Video by Schreiner

Additionally, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in Elden Ring heavily references Berserk, featuring nods to the Great Helix Tree, Locus’ armor set, and Guts’ Berserker Armor and Dragonslayer sword.

Easter Egg 4: Homage to Demon’s Souls

It’s common knowledge that FromSoftware loves to include beginner traps in its games, and Elden Ring is no exception. Fans of Demon’s Souls will recognize the infamous NPC Patches, who often sets traps for unsuspecting players.

While you can’t wield a weapon called the “Moonlight Greatsword” in Elden Ring, they can find and equip the “Dark Moon Greatsword.” This weapon lacks the iconic glowing blade but comes with a skill called “Moonlight Greatsword,” which solidifies the reference.

The ability temporarily bathes the Greatsword in light, increases magic attack power, adds a frost element buff, and unleashes a blade beam with charged attacks.

Easter Egg 5: Hidden NPC Dialogues

There are several hidden NPC dialogues and interactions that add depth to the lore and provide valuable loot. Amongst them you can encounter White-Faced Varre next to The First Step Grace in Limgrave at the very start of the game. After gaining access to Torrent, return to the Church of Elleh at night to meet Ranni.

Roll into a talking tree south of Agheel Lake North Grace to reveal Boc. Keep talking to the monkey until you’ve exhausted all dialogue options.

Find Sorceress Selen under the Waypoint Ruins and accept her offer to teach you sorceries. Encounter Bloody Finger Hunter Yura southeast of the lake in Limgrave. After killing the dragon, talk to him again.

You’ll be invaded by Bloody Finger Nerijus north of the lake. Stay alive long enough for Bloody Finger Hunter Yura to appear and help you defeat him. In Murkwater Cave, open the chest and fight Patches until he surrenders.

Exhaust his dialogue, then reload the area and talk to him again. Later, find Blaidd in Mistwood Ruins and speak to the merchant at the Church of Elleh.

Easter Egg 6: Secret Boss Fights

Elden Ring features several hidden bosses that add an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the game. Bayle the Dread can technically be considered the first optional boss. To find this enormous dragon, head to the Jagged Peaks region in the far southeast.

Follow the path up the hill to the Pillar Path Waypoint Site of Grace. From there, take the left path, skipping the dragons, until you reach Bayle’s arena at the top of the peak.

Video by Rusty.

Keep an eye out for Starscourge Radahn who is an optional hidden boss. Details on its location are scarce, but it’s worth exploring different areas to uncover its secrets. Another elusive boss, Mohg, Lord of Blood, awaits those who venture into specific regions.

Seek out clues and explore thoroughly to discover its lair. Remember, these bosses offer unique challenges and rewards, so don’t miss out.

Easter Egg 7: Nods to Literature

Apart from the aforementioned Berserk, Elden Ring also features mythological references. For example Fortissax may hint at Nidhogg, the dragon that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil in Norse mythology.

Liurnia could be an allusion to the swampy region of Greece where Hercules fought the hydra.

As for multiple pupils of fire giant—various figures in Irish mythology are described as possessing eyes of seven or three of them. There are also mentions of such marvelous eyes in Chinese traditions and in the writings of Pliny and Ovid.

Easter Egg 8: Hidden Items and Their Lore

The game is full of secrets and hidden items waiting to be discovered. Some of the rare items that you might not know about include Dragoncrest Shield Talisman and Cinquedea—these two items can be found at the bottom of the exterior structure of the Bestial Sanctum.

Sword of St Trina inflicting the Sleep Status can be found in an underground room in the forsaken ruin. There are also: The Frozen Needle, Ritual Sword Talisman, Alabaster’s Sword, just to name a few.

Seek them out for their unique properties and hidden abilities, discover their secrets for a thrilling experience.

Easter Egg 9: Environmental Storytelling

Elden Ring is a masterclass in environmental storytelling, seamlessly weaving its lore into the very fabric of its world. As you step into Limgrave, the remnants of a cataclysmic event known as the Shattering surround you.

Ruined villages, collapsed churches, and desolate cities bear witness to the war between demigods. These visual cues tell the story without relying on text walls or NPCs. Elden Ring allows unhindered exploration, yet the story unfolds consistently. Whether you head to Caelid or Raya Lucaria first, you’ll witness madness in the academy and a war-tainted landscape.

Each location reflects the overarching narrative. The Boss Battles prove to be symbolic, facing Margit the Fell Omen on the bridge to Stormveil Castle isn’t just a fight—it’s a pivotal moment. The environment mirrors your growth from tarnished to adventurer.

Climbing the Erdtree signifies your ascent to heroism. Even the Capital, once mighty, bears scars. Dead soldiers, ruined siege equipment, and destroyed buildings reveal the weight of the Shattering. Elden Ring’s storytelling is as much about what you see as what you hear or read.

Easter Egg 10: Inside Jokes

Elden Ring has its fair share of inside jokes and humorous messages left by players. Some of the most amusing ones include:

• “You don’t have the right”: You’ll find this message next to doors that can’t be opened. It’s become a running gag, especially when you encounter it multiple times in a row. The repetition just adds to the humor.
• “Behold! Two handing!”: This gem appears near suits of armor, and it’s a playful nod to the game mechanics. It’s like the game is saying, “Look, you can wield your weapon with both hands!”
• “Be wary of edge, lord”: You’ll spot this warning in front of Ensha. It’s a clever twist on the usual “be wary of danger” messages. After all, in Elden Ring, edges can be treacherous!
• “You don’t have the right, therefore left!”: A delightful play on words that got many players giggling. It’s a testament to the creativity of the community.

If you’re up for a challenging adventure in a beautifully crafted world, Elden Ring awaits! And beware as there are likely many more Easter eggs and other undisclosed references waiting to be discovered, therefore explore for yourself, be observant, and don’t be shy to share whatever hidden gems you come across. Remember to explore every nook and cranny, strike illusory walls, and pay attention to your surroundings. Happy hunting!