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After defeating Morgott, use the Rold Medallion at the Grand Lift of Rold to enter the Mountaintops of the Giants. Follow the route through Zamor Ruins, Freezing Lake and Giants’ Gravepost to the Foot of the Forge, then defeat the Fire Giant. The Forge is the region’s story endpoint—but speaking with Melina there advances the story to Crumbling Farum Azula, so take care of anything you want to do first.
How to reach the Mountaintops after Morgott
- Defeat Morgott in Leyndell and receive the Rold Medallion from Melina.
- Leave Leyndell through the Forbidden Lands and follow the path to the Grand Lift of Rold. The Black Blade Kindred near the lift is optional; you can run past it.
- At the lift, choose the Rold Medallion option to travel to the Mountaintops.
For the standard story route, Castle Sol and the Haligtree Secret Medallion are not required. The normal entrance is the Rold Medallion route after Morgott. (Push Square; Elden Ring Interactive Map)
Follow the main route to the Fire Giant
From the lift to Freezing Lake
Pick up the West map fragment shortly after arriving. Continue to Zamor Ruins, then follow the route through the cliffs and across the narrow bridge exposed to a giant archer. Keep going until you reach the frozen river and Freezing Lake.
From Freezing Lake to Giants’ Gravepost
Cross or skirt the lake and continue toward the western side of the area. The First Church of Marika is an optional detour along the eastern approach; it contains a Sacred Tear and a Site of Grace. To continue toward the boss, head for Whiteridge Road and take the chain bridge to Giants’ Gravepost. The East map fragment is just beyond that chain.
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From Giants’ Gravepost, travel toward the Foot of the Forge Site of Grace. It is the practical checkpoint before the Fire Giant. When you are ready to fight, cross the nearby chain into the arena. (PowerPyx)
What is optional before the Forge?
You do not need to clear every dungeon or defeat every regional boss to reach the Forge. Use this guide to decide whether an optional detour matches your goal:
| Activity | Required for the Forge route? | Why take the detour? |
|---|---|---|
| Black Blade Kindred near the Grand Lift | No | Optional encounter; it can be bypassed. |
| First Church of Marika | No | Provides a Sacred Tear and a Site of Grace. |
| Castle Sol and Commander Niall | No | Defeating Commander Niall grants the left half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. Together with the other half, it unlocks a hidden Grand Lift of Rold route toward the Haligtree. |
| Other regional dungeons and bosses | No | Optional exploration includes Giant-Conquering Hero’s Grave, Giants’ Mountaintop Catacombs and Spiritcaller’s Cave. |
Castle Sol is the most consequential detour if you want to pursue the Haligtree route; it does not replace the ordinary path to the Fire Giant. (Elden Ring Interactive Map; PowerPyx)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do after defeating the Fire Giant
- Climb toward the Forge of the Giants and cross the chain.
- Follow the rim to the Forge Site of Grace.
- Rest and spend any runes you want to use before continuing.
- Speak with Melina and select “I’m ready” when you intend to advance the story. This sends you to Crumbling Farum Azula.
The Melina interaction is the important point of no return for this route: the choice advances the story beyond the Mountaintops. The available route guidance does not establish that completing the activities listed here amounts to full regional completion; reaching the Forge is a main-story route, not a checklist of every collectible, quest or optional encounter. (Push Square; Elden Ring Interactive Map)
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