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The Rotted Woods epitomize one ordeal and reward scenario in the new Shifting Earth event cycle. Drenched in Scarlet Rot and inhabited by Greater Formidable Enemies, these lands test players' endurance, skills, and act of preparation.
Yet for those who dare enter the toxic depths, a game-breaking favor awaits: The Favor of the Rotted Woods. Here's how to enter this gloomy biome and learn its secrets.
Getting into the Rotted Woods
Essential for entry into the Rotted Woods is activation of the Rotted Woods Shifting Earth event. These world-altering events occur only after the defeat of a Nightlord and are chosen randomly. To check if the event is running, have the Expeditions menu open.
If active, the southern part of Limveld shall remain visibly corrupted with Scarlet Rot.Tip: On Day 2, it will be more beneficial to go in. By then, 4–6 Greater Formidable Foes will have been highlighted on the map, providing ease to plan your trips. Try to be about Level 9, with Epic-tier gear, before coming into this deadly region.
Image via: FromSoftware
Entry into the Rotted Woods: Two Main Routes
- Northeast from the Spectral Hawk Tree: This elevated path gives a gentle descent into the rotted zone and has the advantage of skipping most early enemy encounters. Good for cautious players wanting to avoid some of the worst terrain.
- Via the Main Road to the Fort: Short but dangerous. If you can locate the central road, you can progress straight toward the fort, albeit while braving swarms of enemies and difficult terrain.
How to Survive
- Despite the Scarlet Rot being an all-time affliction of travelers through the woods, red flowerbeds scattered here cleanse this Rot instantly upon interaction. This provides respite from the affliction and lets the player go on in the event the player cannot wait to be poisoned.
- The forest also harbors such dangers as the Kindred of Rot and Giant Ants, besides multiple Greater Formidable Foes. Try to remain ranged or sneaky, for whacking this force will get you killed faster!
How to Reach the Fort
Once in the fort, Scarlet Rot ceases to work. Use this free time to stock up and upgrade at the merchant and Smithing table inside.
Go up the stairs and meet your Lordworn Captain. The killing of this dude gives you access to a Dormant Power and to a secret chamber outside the map which will pinpoint the exact location of the Favor deep in the woods.
Image via: FromSoftware
Claim the Favor of the Rotted Woods
With the location pinged, follow your map to a colossal rotted tree. Climb it up to a glowing relic-The Favor of the Rotted Woods. This relic is not just some trophy; it increases your max health, stops Scarlet Rot buildup, and passively regenerates HP after taking any damage. The boon has certainly saved more than one player during boss fights and the final encounter with the Nightlord. The Rotted Woods is a rough though well worth the detour in Elden Ring: Nightreign. Unlike other Shifting Earth events, this area punishes impatience and poor navigation.