Elden Ring is overflowing with secrets, and if you’re the kind of player who enjoys exploration and uncovering hidden treasures, you’re in for a treat. The Lands Between is massive, and many of its rarest items are stashed away in unmarked corners, off-map paths, or behind illusionary walls. In this article, we’re highlighting 28 lesser-known locations where you can find rare gear, unique weapons, powerful talismans, and more — perfect for new runs or late-game optimization.

Whether you're on your first journey or a seasoned Tarnished diving into New Game+, this guide will help you make the most of your exploration.
1. Sellia’s Hidden Ladder (Caelid)

Behind the second sealing door in Sellia, there's a ladder leading to a corpse holding a powerful spell. You'll need to light the three flame towers first to access it.
2. Auriza Side Tomb (Altus Plateau)

Often mistaken for the main catacomb nearby, this location has a complex trap-based layout and rewards you with the Golden Epitaph, ideal for faith builds.
3. Highroad Cave (Limgrave)

Tucked behind a waterfall, this early-game cave offers the Blue Dancer Charm — a great find for low-encumbrance builds.
4. Secret Path to the Haligtree

Once you activate the Grand Lift of Rold with both Haligtree Medallions, a hidden path becomes available. Within lies the Night's Cavalry Set and unique Ashes of War.
5. Subterranean Shunning-Grounds (Leyndell)

Deep beneath the capital is a sprawling sewer system that houses some of the most disturbing enemies and one of the best endurance talismans in the game.
6. Hidden Wall at Volcano Manor

Behind one of the manor’s guest rooms is an illusory wall that leads to a secret dungeon. Here, you can find rare serpent-themed gear.
7. Morne Tunnel (Weeping Peninsula)

Often skipped by players rushing through the early zones, this tunnel holds upgrade materials and the Rusted Anchor, a great strength-based weapon.
8. Mountaintop Shack (Mountaintops of the Giants)

Check inside this unassuming shack for a body holding a powerful cold sorcery. It’s easily missed in the snowstorm.
9. Yelough Anix Tunnel (Consecrated Snowfield)

An endgame location with high-tier smithing stones and a strong boss guarding a late-game colossal weapon.
10. Converted Fringe Tower Puzzle

Solve the puzzle with the correct emotes to gain access to one of the best Intelligence-scaling staffs.
Bonus Exploration Tips

If you’re exploring these hidden zones and finding the grind a bit too steep, many players look to supplement their builds by farming runes or acquiring specific gear ahead of time. For Xbox users, some choose to buy Elden Ring runes Xbox to give themselves an edge in particularly punishing areas.

Likewise, if you’re on PS5 and need that one item you missed due to a quest lockout or a failed NPC interaction, some opt to Buy Elden Ring items PS5 through trading hubs or communities focused on cooperative gameplay. It’s all about how you want to tailor your experience.
The Remaining Hidden Gems

Here’s a quick list of other locations worth digging into:

Village of the Albinaurics – A hidden cave behind a pot-shaped NPC

Deep Ainsel Well – Reachable via Nokstella, this area offers high-tier loot

Dragonbarrow Cave – A strength weapon paradise

Sealed Tunnel – Full of illusory walls and smithing materials

Minor Erdtree Catacombs – Often overlooked, but rewarding

Nokron's Cliffside – Contains a hidden Black Whetblade

Cliffbottom Catacombs – Tight and tough, but worth it

Stillwater Cave – Great for poison-focused builds

Perfumer’s Grotto – Rare aromatics and unique crafting items

Giants' Mountaintop Catacombs – Endgame loot and boss

Sage’s Cave – Packed with hidden passages

Gelmir Hero’s Grave – Brutal chariots, but excellent rewards

Uhl Palace Ruins – Often missed beneath the lake

Deeproot Depths – Entire secret region full of loot

Haligtree Canopy – Just outside the main tree route

Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum – Great for rune farming

Frenzied Flame Proscription – Unlocks alternate endings and armor

Dragon Temple Lift Room – Contains powerful dragon incantations

These hidden corners of Elden Ring are more than just obscure footnotes — they’re integral to what makes the game’s world feel so rich and rewarding. Some of the best weapons, armor sets, and spells aren’t handed out through mainline progression; they’re earned through curiosity and determination.

So grab your lantern, double-check your map, and maybe even revisit some old zones. The Lands Between is still full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Happy exploring, Tarnished.