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Exploring the world of Elden Ring is a thrilling experience packed with secrets, puzzles, and locked areas that require specific items to enter. From hidden dungeons to legacy dungeons and underground cities, these zones often hold incredible rewards—but they’re also easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention. After clocking in over 250 hours across multiple playthroughs, I’ve learned that certain key items make or break your journey through the Lands Between.

Whether you’re venturing out solo, taking advantage of Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting, or planning to buy Elden Ring Items for convenience, this guide will walk you through 7 essential methods to unlock those mysterious barriers and hidden pathways.

1. Stonesword Keys – Unlock Imp Statue Fog Doors

One of the most common locked elements you’ll encounter are fog walls guarded by imp statues. These require one or more Stonesword Keys to dispel. These fog doors often hide useful loot, shortcuts, or even entire dungeons. I personally make it a point to always have at least two keys on me. They're sold by merchants or found throughout the world, and they’re worth it for the treasure within—like the Godskin Prayerbook or early access to deadly Spirit Ashes.

2. Academy Glintstone Key – Enter Raya Lucaria Academy

To access the legacy dungeon Raya Lucaria Academy, you’ll need an Academy Glintstone Key. One is found near the sleeping dragon in the lake northwest of the academy gate. This was a frustrating point in my first playthrough until I realized the map clue was literal. A second key can be used to let in allies if you're playing co-op. Don’t miss this area—it's central to progressing the storyline and farming sorcery-based Elden Ring Items.

3. Haligtree Secret Medallion – Unlock the Grand Lift of Rold’s Alternate Path

This key item is split into two halves, and it took me ages to track down both. When you assemble them, you can access the Consecrated Snowfield via the Grand Lift of Rold. The area is difficult, but it leads to Miquella’s Haligtree, one of the most rewarding and challenging zones in the game. I used Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting to prepare my build before heading in, and I’m glad I did—this region is not for the underpowered.

4. Dectus Medallion – Reach Altus Plateau

The Dectus Medallion also comes in two halves, found in Fort Haight and Fort Faroth. Using it at the Grand Lift of Dectus will let you skip some of the harder mountain passes and reach Altus Plateau early. However, you can also take the longer path through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice. In my experience, using the lift felt more “on-path,” but the alternate route is great for finding optional Elden Ring Items and crafting materials.

5. Sewers Key – Open Subterranean Shunning-Grounds

When you progress through Leyndell, look for the key that unlocks the well leading into the city’s sewers. This area is massive, hidden, and crucial for accessing the Frenzied Flame ending. I missed it entirely during my first run and had to circle back. Watch out—the Shunning-Grounds are home to some of the game’s toughest NPC invasions and secret bosses.

6. Imbued Sword Keys – Use Teleportation Gates at the Four Belfries

The Four Belfries in Liurnia contain three magic portals that lead to unique areas, but they each require an Imbued Sword Key. These aren’t as common as Stonesword Keys, so choose wisely. The teleporters can take you to otherwise inaccessible parts of the map or offer glimpses into alternate endings. I remember using one to reach a pre-Raya Lucaria area that gave me early access to valuable loot.

7. Seluvis’s Potion and Quest Items – Unlock Hidden NPC Quest Areas

Not all locked areas are physical. Some are tied to NPC questlines and require specific items to access. For example, giving Seluvis’s Potion to the right character—or refusing it—can affect whether you access Nokstella and its secrets. These choices impact major narrative outcomes. Always think twice before using quest-related items, especially if you plan to buy Elden Ring Items and optimize a quest-based build later on.

My Experience with Key Item Progression

In my early playthroughs, I skipped many locked areas simply because I didn’t fully understand the importance of certain key items. I learned to always check item descriptions and to revisit old places when I acquired something new. Later, when I used boosting services like Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting, I could access these zones faster and experiment with new builds that needed late-game materials.

Now, I regularly keep a stash of keys and medallions ready and plan my progression around them. If you're short on time or just don’t want to miss anything, buying Elden Ring Items to fill in your inventory can give you the flexibility to explore at your pace.

Unlocking all of Elden Ring’s hidden areas is one of the most satisfying aspects of the game. From massive legacy dungeons to quiet, lore-rich corners of the map, key items are your gateway to seeing everything the Lands Between has to offer. With the right approach—and a little help from buy Elden Ring Items options—you’ll never be locked out of content again.

Find Out More:Elden Ring: What Are the Most Balanced Builds?