How to explore Mountaintop in Elden Ring Nightreign. This covers how to unlock, where to find it, how to claim its rewards, and whether you should go to the Mountaintops.
Shifting Earth and How to Remove Them GuideTable of Contents
Mountaintop Unlock Conditions and Rewards
| Unlock Condition | Defeat 3 types of Nightlord |
|---|---|
| Recommended Level | Lvl. 9 or higher |
| Reward | Favor of the Mountaintop - Halves frostbite damage and frost buildup. - Nearby frostbite boosts attack. |
| Boss | Mountaintop Ice Dragon |
| Features | The path to the summit is long and time-consuming |
Unlocked by Defeating 3 Types of Nightlords
To unlock the Mountaintop, you must defeat three different types of Nightlords.
Obtain Favor of the Mountaintop
Climbing to the Mountaintop grants the Favor of the Mountaintop, which grants you 50% resistance against frostbite damage and buildup. Defeating Great Enemies in the area lets you pick from three Dormant Powers, including Frostbite-type weapons so you have more ways to take advantage of Frostbite effects
Effective Against Fissure in the Fog
Defeating Great Enemies on the Mountaintop guarantees that one of your Dormant Power choices will be either Attack Boost (Dragons) or Frostbite Resistance. Keep in mind that Fissure in the Fog, Caligo, is a dragon that uses Frostbite attacks, so both Attack Boost (Dragons) and Frostbite Resistance will be effective.
Fissure in the Fog (Caligo) Boss Guide - Weaknesses & How to BeatTrophies Can Be Obtained
- IconAcquisition Condition
- Mountaintop
Conquered the "Mountaintop"
Conquering the Mountaintop allows you to obtain the "Mountaintop" and "Shifting Earth" trophies.
How to Get to the Mountaintop
Accessible from Near the Castle or Spectral Hawk Trees
When a Shifting Earth is active, the Mountaintop shows up in the northwest part of the map. You can reach it by heading over from the central Castle, using one of the Spectral Hawk Trees to the south or going to the west of the Mountaintop, or by taking one of the nearby Spiritstreams.
Triggered by Defeating Nightlords
The Mountaintop unlocks when you defeat a Nightlord. Just keep in mind that if you keep losing, the Shifting Earth event won't be triggered, so try to defeat a Nightlord you're confident you can beat.
Guaranteed to Occur When Mountaintop is Unlocked
When the Mountaintop is unlocked by defeating 3 types of Nightlords, the Mountaintop will immediately become active. Currently, this is the only time you can trigger a specific Shifting Earth, so don't miss the unlock timing and conquer it.
Mountaintop Walkthrough
- Level up and challenge on the 2nd day
- Enter from Spiritstreams or Spectral Hawk Trees
- Head for the summit while defeating as many bosses as you can
- Defeat the Snowfield Trolls
- Defeat the Flying Dragon
- Defeat the Snowfield Trolls
- Defeat the Demi-Human Swordmaster
- Obtain the Favor of the Mountaintop
- Defeat the Mountaintop Ice Dragon
Level Up and Challenge on the 2nd Day
| Recommended Level | Lvl. 9 or higher |
|---|
At the Mountaintop, you'll come across several Great Enemies, but the real challenge is the Mountaintop Ice Dragon. With its huge pool of health and high attack damage, it’s not something you may want to face too early. Trying to take it on Day 1, when you’re still at a low level with basic gear, can really backfire. Instead, play it smart, level up to around Level 9, and give it another go on Day 2.
Enter from Near the Castle or Spectral Hawk Trees
If you're looking to reach the Mountaintop, you've got a few options. You can head through one of the Spiritstreams located just south of the area, use one of the Spectral Hawk Trees found in the southern part of the map, or to the west of the Mountaintop. Just go for the entry point that's closest to you.
Mountaintop Entrance Locations
Head for the Summit While Defeating Bosses
There are several bosses on the Mountaintop.. However, since the climb to the summit takes time and leaves little room for exploring, it’s smart to take on some bosses along the way. This not only helps you level up but also lets you collect valuable Dormant Powers, which you can use later on.
Defeat the Mountaintop Ice Dragon Last
The area where you fight the Mountaintop Ice Dragon is locked in a constant, fierce blizzard that frequently inflicts Frostbite. Fortunately, the "Favor of the Mountaintop" grants Frostbite resistance, and defeating nearby bosses gives you the Attack Boost (Dragons) Dormant Power. Your best bet is to head for the summit while taking out those bosses, so that you can level up, and once you're ready, take on the Mountaintop Dragon.
Defeat the Snowfield Trolls
As you make your way to the Mountaintop from the Site of Grace near the Castle at the map’s center, you’ll encounter a Snowfield Troll. It’s not a boss, but defeating it rewards you with a Dormant Power, so it's worth taking down.
Defeat the Flying Dragon
In the southern part of the Mountaintop area, you'll soon come across a Flying Dragon that's already tangled up in a fight with a Troll. Use this distraction to your advantage, wait until the dragon's focus is away from you, then strike it down. Defeating it down not only clears your way forward but also earns you valuable Dormant Powers, like Attack Boost (Dragons) or Cold Affinity weapons.
Defeat the Snowfield Trolls
In the southeast area of the Mountaintop, you'll run into Snowfield Trolls, including two that serve as bosses. They’re currently in a battle with a Giant Dog, so it's best to approach them quietly and strike before they notice you. Taking them down can reward you with valuable Dormant Powers, like Frostbite Resistance or Cold Affinity weapons.
Defeat the Demi-Human Swordmaster
On the north side of the Mountaintop, you'll eventually encounter the Demi-Human Swordmaster along with a few other Demi-Humans. Beating him rewards you with useful Dormant Powers, like Frostbite Resistance or Cold Affinity weapons. However, he's tucked away deep in the area, so reaching him can take some time.
Obtain the Favor of the Mountaintop
Once you're at the mountaintop, you'll discover blue giant crystals that has sprouted from the mountain. Interact with this crystal and you'll obtain the Favor of the Mountaintop. It halves frostbite damage and frost buildup as well as boost frostbite attacks.
Best Route to the Mountaintop
For the smoothest climb to the Mountaintop, start by taking out the Flying Dragon and Snowfield Trolls along the way. Hold off on the Mountaintop Ice Dragon until you've earned the Favor of the Mountaintop, and if you find yourself with a little extra time after collecting it, try to take on the Demi-Human Swordmaster.
Defeat the Mountaintop Ice Dragon
When you're up against the Mountaintop Ice Dragon, Frostbite is going to be a constant issue. Make sure to pick up some Frostbite Resistance, either from the Favor of the Mountaintop or from defeating the Trolls and Demi-Human Swordmaster. Also, don't miss out on the Attack Boost (Dragons) from the Flying Dragon. Basically, the more bosses you take out, the easier the fight will be.
Frostbite from Blizzard Is Very Dangerous
The area around the Mountaintop Ice Dragon is locked in a constant blizzard, and even if enemy attacks miss, your frostbite gauge still fills up. Because of that, you'll end up suffering Frostbite repeatedly, so make sure to carry plenty of healing supplies to keep your HP in check.
Leaving the Mountaintop
Once you've earned the Favor of the Mountaintop and taken down all the bosses, it's best to exit the mountain and head out. On the second day, the circle you'll need to reach is located on the southeast of the Mountaintop, just a little south of where the Snowfield Trolls roam.
Should You Go to the Mountaintop?
Go if You Want Frostbite-Inducing Effects
You'll be able to pick up useful Dormant Powers such as Frostbite Resistance, a boost to your frostbite attacks, and Cold Affinity weapons. Remember, Frostbite Resistance is especially handy when you're up against the Fissure in the Fog – Caligo. So if the Mountaintop is available and you're ready for that challenge, take advantage of it.
Fissure in the Fog (Caligo) Boss GuideWorth Taking On Even Just for the Lesser Bosses
At the entrance of the Mountaintop area, you'll notice that both the Flying Dragon and Snowfield Trolls are already busy clashing with other enemies, making them easier targets than you might expect. By the second day, when the Mountaintop is active, the circle shows up just to the southeast of the peak. As you make your way toward it, be sure to clear out at least those key bosses near the entrance to set yourself up for the journey ahead.
How to Make the Mountaintop Disappear
Resting in Bed Makes the Shifting Earth Event Disappear
If you want to make the Mountaintop disappear, just take a break at the bed in the Waiting Room. You'll find this room tucked away in the lower right corner of the Roundtable Hold, and you can even warp there using the map.
Roundtable Hold GuideDisappears Naturally After Several Expeditions
If you keep launching expeditions while the Mountaintop is unlocked and active, the Shifting Earth event will end. Make sure you tackle it early rather than waiting too long.
Elden Ring Nightreign Related Guides
Recommended Articles
Growth & Farming
| How to Level Up | Rune Farming |
| Murk Guide | - |
Roundtable Hold Related
| Roundtable Hold Functions | How to Get Relics |
| Sparring Grounds Functions | Small Jar Bazaar |
| Vessels | How to Get and Change Skins |
Combat & Field
Shifting Earth
| List of Shifting Earth Types | The Crater |
| Mountaintop | Rotted Woods |
System & Settings
Other Useful Info
| Trophy List | DLC Information Summary |
| Latest Update Information | Latest Maintenance Information |
| How to Enter Product Codes |
