Elden Ring, FromSoftware's masterpiece, is vast and brimming with secrets. One of the most essential elements to explore the Lands Between is the map, and if you’re playing the game, you’ll quickly realize that its fragmented nature can make navigating it a bit challenging. To help you find your way, let's dive into how to collect map fragments, which are crucial for piecing together the game’s full map and revealing hidden areas.

Why Are Map Fragments Important?

Map fragments are crucial for revealing portions of the in-game map. At first, you’ll start the game with a basic, incomplete map, and many of the areas you’ll explore are shrouded in mystery. Each map fragment you collect unlocks a section of the map, making it easier to navigate, mark important locations, and plan your next move. These fragments are particularly useful for guiding you through the more sprawling regions of the game, ensuring you don’t get too lost in the vastness of the Lands Between.

Where to Find Map Fragments

Unlike some other open-world games, Elden Ring doesn’t simply give you the full map at the start. Instead, you'll need to locate map fragments scattered throughout the game world. Here’s how you can get them:

  1. Explore the World

    • Map fragments are usually found in towers or high points within each region. These locations often require a bit of exploration, and sometimes you’ll need to take a detour or solve environmental puzzles to reach them.

    • Each region has a specific map fragment, so it's important to be thorough in your exploration. These fragments are typically housed in a small, tower-like structure that is hard to miss once you get close.

  2. Check Your Surroundings

    • Pay attention to your surroundings as you venture through the Lands Between. Some map fragments are tucked away in hard-to-reach areas, like on the edges of cliffs or within ruined structures. The game often rewards curiosity, so if you spot an interesting landmark or structure, it’s worth investigating.

    • Keep an eye on the sky, too! Some map fragments are located at higher altitudes or near cliffs that might require a bit of platforming or a well-timed jump.

  3. Use of Stealth and Combat

    • Some map fragments are in places heavily guarded by enemies, requiring you to either fight your way through or use stealth to avoid them. If you’re having trouble with these enemies, consider investing in upgrades or using items to make your journey easier.

    • You can also use Elden Ring marketplace items to enhance your character’s gear and abilities, making it easier to clear difficult areas and locate these map fragments.

  4. Look for Landmark Locations

    • Many players have found that certain map fragments are close to key landmarks or sites of interest. These include locations like the Church of Elleh, Roundtable Hold, and other main hubs. If you’re lost or unsure of where to go, you might want to head toward these points of interest, as they tend to have map fragments nearby.

Additional Tips for Collecting Map Fragments

  • Don’t Rush Through: It can be tempting to rush through the story or main objectives, but exploring and collecting map fragments can make your journey much more manageable. The fragments help you get a broader sense of where you are, and mark points of interest on the map that can lead to hidden items or new quests.

  • Use the Map Wisely: Once you’ve unlocked a fragment, make sure to utilize the map’s full potential. You can place custom markers to highlight specific locations or items you want to return to. Elden Ring’s map system is robust, and customizing it with personal markers can make exploration more effective.

  • Consider Buying Map Fragments: While the game encourages exploration, it’s also worth noting that you can sometimes buy Elden Ring items or resources from NPCs or online marketplaces. These purchases can sometimes include key items or fragments that might help you along the way, especially if you’re looking to avoid certain areas or simply want a quicker route to completing your map collection.

Collecting map fragments in Elden Ring is not just about uncovering the game world but also about ensuring that you can navigate its sprawling regions with more ease. Whether you prefer exploring every nook and cranny or need to gather resources to tackle difficult challenges, these fragments are indispensable tools. As you venture deeper into the Lands Between, remember that patience and attention to detail will lead you to these crucial collectibles, unlocking not just the map but a whole new level of immersion in Elden Ring’s fantastical world.