Unlocking the Secrets of Ymir: A Guide to the Ruins of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

In the enigmatic world of Elden Ring, players are often guided by quests filled with riddles and secrets. One of these intriguing quests is found within the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, involving the mysterious Ruins Map given by the character Ymir. This guide will take a deep dive into the locations the Ruins Map reveals and what players must accomplish at each site, all while enhancing your understanding of this captivating journey.

Understanding Ymir's Quest

Upon your initial encounter with Ymir at the Cathedral of Manus Metyr, he presents you with the first Ruins Map. This map not only serves as a catalyst for your adventure but also hints at a greater destiny influenced by celestial bodies. Your journey will lead you to three unique ruins, culminating in a series of tasks that unveil the tale of the stars and your fate. However, it’s important to note upfront that this guide contains spoilers related to Ymir's questline and several significant late-game locations in the DLC.

First Ruins Map: Finger Ruins of Rhia

The first site on your adventure is the Finger Ruins of Rhia, located in the Southern Shore, close to the picturesque Cerulean Coast. Assisting players, numerous guides detail the route to take to reach this sub-region, but a brief overview includes the following steps:

• Make your way to the northern segment of the ruins.
• Locate the iconic hanging bell at the center of the ruins.

When you interact with the hanging bell, you will activate its resonance. Interestingly, you do not need to use the Hole-Laden Necklace that Ymir gave you; simply triggering the bell interaction suffices to complete this task. Upon accomplishing this, you will earn the Crimson Seed Talisman +1, significantly enhancing your HP restoration from the Flask of Crimson Tears.

With your reward in hand, return to Ymir, who will provide you with the next Ruins Map to continue your exploration.

Second Ruins Map: Finger Ruins of Dheo

Your next destination, as indicated by the second Ruins Map, takes you to the Finger Ruins of Dheo. This site lies hidden within the Eastern hinterlands of Scaduview, a secretive region within the Shadow Realm. To successfully navigate to this location, the initial step involves locating the Shadow Keep's Back Gate and acquiring the O Mother gesture from Bonny Village in Scadu Altus, as these elements are essential for accessing the hidden area that leads to the ruins.

A summary of your journey to the Finger Ruins of Dheo can be outlined as follows:

• Travel towards the center of the ruins.
• Activate the hanging bell located there.

Upon ringing the bell, your efforts will be rewarded with the Cerulean Seed Talisman +1, which boosts FP restoration from your Flask of Cerulean Tears. Again, return to Ymir to hand over the findings from your adventure, and he will subsequently grant you with the third Ruins Map.

Final Ruins Map: Cathedral of Manus Metyr

The final location revealed by Ymir is none other than the Cathedral of Manus Metyr itself. In a twist of fate, the Finger Ruins here are not on the surface; instead, they are hidden beneath. To uncover this area, you must wait until Ymir departs from his throne to unveil the entrance. Here’s how to proceed:

• Bed at the nearest Site of Grace will be used to reload the area.
• Upon your return, check Ymir’s throne; interacting with it will reveal a concealed pathway.

Once you descend the ladder, you will enter the Finger Ruins of Miyr. Be prepared, as an invader NPC known as Swordhand of Night Anna awaits you in this underground locale, presenting a challenge that should be manageable for players who have navigated the previous tasks. After overcoming this foe, make your way to the far end of the ruins and once again ring the hanging bell.

However, be warned! This act triggers a climactic encounter with Metyr, the Mother of Fingers. It's vital that you are adequately prepared for this boss fight, as victory will lead you to further unravel the mysteries enveloping Ymir’s story.

Conclusion and Next Steps

By successfully tracking down each Ruins Map location within the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, you not only progress through Ymir’s questline but also unlock the deeper narrative threads that intertwine with your journey. Each ringing of the bell serves not just as a step towards completing Ymir’s tasks, but as a moment of revelation that ties your fate to the stars above.

With these locations and tasks now clear, your journey awaits further obstacles and enigmas. Should you require additional assistance, you may explore our guides, which cover the initial steps in Shadow of the Erdtree, list the various Erdtree bosses you might encounter, and catalog all the Sites of Grace discovered throughout this expansive realm.