Setting fire to the Erdtree is one of the most decisive story progression points in Elden Ring. Doing so drastically alters the hub world, alters environmental landscapes, and permanently locks off several quests and unique collectible items. Completing a targeted checklist before taking this irreversible step ensures you capture all essential gear and narrative endings.
Complete NPC Quests and Character Interactions
Many side quests tied to major NPCs like Corhyn, Goldmask, and Nepheli Loux become inaccessible after the capital transforms. Advancing their storylines beforehand ensures you secure unique armor sets, weapons, and key mending runes needed for alternate game endings. Make sure to talk to every available merchant and questgiver in Leyndell to finalize their trajectories.
Certain companions in the Roundtable Hold will also shift location or vanish permanently following the flames. Clearing out dialogue options with Roderika, Hewg, and Gideon Ofnir guarantees you do not miss out on vital lore context or early upgrading opportunities. Taking time to resolve these character arcs helps keep your options wide open for the endgame.
Collect Exclusive Items from Leyndell Royal Capital
Before Leyndell turns into the Capital of Ash, you must scour its streets for unique items that vanish after the story transition. The legendary weapon Bolt of Gransax, located on the giant spear structure, is completely missable if not picked up early. Additionally, valuable incantations, armor sets, and smithing stone bearings hidden within the original city layout must be gathered promptly.
Exploring the sewers beneath the capital is also recommended prior to advancing the main plotline. While the subterranean grounds remain accessible later, navigating them before the city changes offers a much smoother gameplay progression. Securing key items here guarantees you will not be forced into tedious backtracking during late-game challenges.
Secure Upgrade Materials and Key Bell Bearings
Maximizing your weapons and Spirit Ashes requires an ample supply of high-tier upgrade materials. Gathering the Somberstone and Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearings scattered across Leyndell and the Mountaintops of the Giants allows you to purchase unlimited stones from the Twin Maiden Husks. Having these vendors stocked prevents gear bottlenecks when preparing for tough endgame bosses.
It is equally important to harvest unique upgrade items like Great Grave Gloveworts and Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones from accessible regions. Ensuring your primary equipment is fully upgraded grants a significant advantage against late-game opponents. Taking inventory of your crafting and enhancement resources now saves significant effort later.
Finalize Optional Regions and Secret Bosses
Tackling optional areas like Volcano Manor, Miquella's Haligtree, and the underground rivers is best done while regional paths remain straightforward. Completing assassination contracts and defeating demigods in these zones rewards powerful Remembrance weapons and rare talismans. Clearing these extra challenges enriches your overall playthrough experience without risking locked doors.
Defeating optional field bosses across the continent also grants massive amounts of Runes to boost your overall level. Entering the final stretch of the game with optimized stats makes navigating endgame dungeons much more manageable. Once your checklist is complete, you can confidently ignite the Erdtree and embrace the finale.