Legacy Dungeons in Elden Ring are some of the most intricately designed and challenging areas in the entire game. From Stormveil Castle to Leyndell and beyond, these zones are dense, multi-layered, and packed with brutal enemies, traps, hidden paths, and major bosses. To help you survive and conquer these unforgettable areas, here are 26 helpful tips that have served me well across multiple playthroughs.

1. Scout From Afar First

Before diving into a new area, try to get a vantage point. Many Legacy Dungeons let you preview parts of the layout from cliffs or rooftops, giving you a sense of potential routes or ambushes.

2. Keep Your Shield Ready

In narrow corridors, enemies often wait just around corners. Keep your shield up or have a quick-reaction spell ready as you move cautiously.

3. Don’t Rush the Front Gate

Some dungeons give you multiple points of entry. The obvious, heavily fortified gate is often the worst route. Look for alternate paths to flank or bypass heavy resistance.

4. Use Spirit Ashes Wisely

Summoning spirits is often allowed in tougher sections of Legacy Dungeons. Save them for enemy-dense areas or mini-boss fights to make things more manageable.

5. Memorize Shortcut Locations

Most Legacy Dungeons are interconnected, and unlocking shortcuts (like ladders or elevators) is crucial for saving time and avoiding repeat deaths on your way back to a boss.

6. Check Every Corner for Loot

Many valuable Elden Ring Items are hidden in obscure corners, ledges, or behind fake walls. Exploration often leads to big rewards.

7. Beware of Ambush Points

Enemies love to hide above doors, around blind turns, and even behind breakable objects. Move slowly and lock on frequently to spot them early.

8. Use Firebombs and Projectiles

When unsure what’s waiting down a corridor, toss a firebomb or use a bow to bait enemies out into the open.

9. Adjust Your Loadout Mid-Dungeon

Don’t hesitate to change weapons, armor, or talismans depending on the section or enemy type. Adaptation is key in these complex zones.

10. Look for Enemy Patterns

Patrolling knights, dogs, and other foes often move in predictable loops. Study their routes before jumping in to avoid getting swarmed.

11. Use Elevation to Your Advantage

Many dungeons have vertical design elements. Dropping down on enemies or shooting from ledges can give you the upper hand.

12. Take Breaks and Reset

If things start feeling overwhelming, step outside, rest at a Site of Grace, and reset the area. A fresh run can often go smoother.

13. Upgrade Before Entering

Before attempting a Legacy Dungeon, make sure to level up and upgrade your gear. This is where buy Elden Ring runes can come into play if you need a boost for progression.

14. Stock Up on Consumables

Antidotes, fire-resistant items, and buffs can all give you an edge, especially in areas with specific elemental dangers.

15. Use Sneak Mechanics

Stealth is surprisingly effective. Many enemies can be backstabbed or avoided entirely with a little patience.

16. Listen Carefully

Environmental audio often hints at enemy movement or nearby threats. Use sound to detect foes before you see them.

17. Keep a Torch or Lantern

Dark interior areas can hide enemies and traps. A light source helps you stay aware and spot details you might otherwise miss.

18. Don’t Forget About Jumping

Jumping lets you access ledges, avoid traps, or strike enemies mid-air. It’s not just for platforming — it’s a core part of combat now.

19. Use Ranged Spells to Pick Off Enemies

Magic users can thin out enemies from a distance. Even one-shotting a single guard can make the next fight much easier.

20. Backtrack After Defeating Bosses

New areas and loot often open up after a major boss is down. Legacy Dungeons evolve, and there’s often more to find after clearing the path.

21. Pay Attention to Lore Clues

Item descriptions and dialogue sometimes hint at dungeon mechanics, trap locations, or hidden doors.

22. Equip Versatile Weapons

Some enemies are weak to slash, others to pierce or magic. Carrying multiple damage types will keep you flexible.

23. Use Buff Spells or Greases Before Key Encounters

Applying a damage buff before a fight can drastically shorten the battle — sometimes even turning a mini-boss into a pushover.

24. Mark Unreachable Items on Your Map

If you see loot you can’t get to yet, mark the spot. You’ll often find a route later that circles back to it.

25. Don’t Underestimate Minor Enemies

Even the weakest mobs can become lethal if you get careless or let your stamina drop. Treat every encounter seriously.

26. Farm Smart if You Hit a Wall

If a Legacy Dungeon proves too difficult, don’t bash your head against it. Take some time to farm runes, collect useful Elden Ring Items, or buy Elden Ring runes to upgrade your stats and come back stronger.

Legacy Dungeons are where Elden Ring really shines, delivering tight level design, high stakes combat, and some of the most memorable moments in the game. With the right approach and preparation, these massive zones become less intimidating and far more rewarding.