How to Survive the Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring
The Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring are one of the most unnerving regions introduced in the DLC. After carefully descending a massive waterfall into this shadowy forest, you may think the danger has passed. You even expect to call on Torrent to speed through the treeline-only to discover that your loyal mount refuses to appear. Torrent knows better: something horrifying lurks among the trees, and your survival depends on mastering stealth, patience, and awareness.
The Abyssal Woods are infamous because they feature enemies that cannot be killed. No matter your Elden Ring build, these creatures will annihilate you in seconds if they catch sight of you. Every Soulslike game has a punishing "curveball" zone, and this forest earns that title. The good news is that the Abyssal Woods can be conquered with a smart strategy. Here's how to survive the madness and make it safely to the other side.
The Threat: Elden Ring Madness in the Abyssal Woods
The most dangerous enemies here are the towering giant eyes, horrifying monstrosities that patrol slowly but relentlessly. If they detect you, they will rush to your location, paralyze you with magic, and rapidly build up Madness, a status effect that drains health and instantly kills if it reaches full. Unlike typical foes, these entities cannot be fought head-on. Survival hinges on one rule: do not be seen.
These creatures patrol on predictable routes, and their sightlines are longer than you'd expect. Even if one turns its back, another could be watching from across the swamp. Think of the Abyssal Woods as a giant stealth puzzle rather than a combat arena.
How to Avoid Enemies in the Abyssal Woods
Hide in the Grass
Your best defense is to use tall grass patches scattered throughout the swamp. Crouch low, keep your distance, and only move when the enemy has turned away or is blocked by trees. Patience is crucial here. Wait for their full patrol cycle before dashing across open ground.
When you find yourself in areas with two eye monsters, be extra cautious. One may lure you into moving while the other spots you from afar. Always rotate your camera to keep both in sight.
Beware the Yellow Bell Plants
Adding to the tension are tall yellow plants that chime when disturbed. If you brush against them, the sound instantly alerts any nearby eye monster. Should this happen, don't panic-quickly move to the side and retreat into cover. The monster will investigate the noise before resuming its patrol.
While risky, you can sometimes use these bell plants to manipulate patrol routes, creating openings to sneak past. However, it's safer to avoid them altogether since the Abyssal Woods can be cleared without triggering them.
Navigating the Ravine
One section of the Abyssal Woods forces you into a dark ravine with no grass to hide in. Here, tree trunks become your lifeline. Hug the left wall as you enter, then slip behind the monster through a narrow gap in the trees. Timing is everything: wait for the creature to move forward before circling the back.
This stretch is one of the most stressful, but if you remain patient, you'll get through unscathed.
Supplies That Help with Survival
While you cannot fight the eye monsters directly, you'll need every advantage to endure the Abyssal Woods and the encounters beyond. Be sure to collect these upgrades before venturing too deep:
·Elden Ring Scadutree Fragments - These increase your survivability by boosting damage resistance inside the Shadow Realm. Gather as many as possible to reduce the threat from enemies in Manse Hall and beyond.
·Elden Ring Revered Spirit Ashes - These enhance your Spirit Summons, making them stronger in the battles that follow. You won't be able to use summons in the Abyssal Woods, but once you escape, they'll be invaluable.
If you're missing essential upgrades or consumables, farming or choosing to buy Elden Ring Items online can ensure you're prepared before entering this nightmare zone.
Escaping the Forest: Manse Hall
Once you reach Manse Hall, the worst is behind you. The hall itself still contains enemies that inflict Madness, but these are manageable compared to the instant-death eyes. Here, combat becomes possible again, and your upgraded builds and Spirit Ashes will finally come into play.
The shift from helpless stealth to direct combat is deliberate. Surviving the Abyssal Woods tests your patience and nerves, while Manse Hall demands tactical fighting skill. Together, they form one of the most memorable transitions in the Elden Ring DLC.
Tips for Staying Calm in the Abyssal Woods
·Don't rush. Every mistake comes from impatience. Wait for full patrols and never assume you're safe.
·Watch sound cues. The bell plants are just as dangerous as the monsters themselves. Move carefully around them.
·Keep your camera moving. Situational awareness is key-an unseen eye can ruin a flawless run.
·Plan your route. Identify the next safe patch of grass before leaving cover.
Final Thoughts
The Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring are not about strength or damage-they're about discipline and survival. By hiding in the grass, avoiding the deadly chimes of yellow plants, and carefully sneaking past the giant eye monsters, you'll eventually reach Manse Hall. From there, your build, Spirit Ashes, and Elden Ring Items will carry you forward.
This sinister forest is one of FromSoftware's most devious designs: a space where your usual tools are useless and your only weapon is patience. If you can survive the Abyssal Woods, you're ready for anything else the Elden Ring DLC throws your way.
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