Elden Ring guide: Fringefolk Hero’s Grave (Stranded Graveyard dungeon)

Fairly early on in Elden Ring, you’ll come across a section of the Stranded Graveyard that’s shrouded in mist. You can’t mist it (pun intended) as this is the starting area of the game. Anyway, right in front of that is an Imp Statue, and beyond is a brutal challenge for newcomers. Here’s our Elden Ring guide to help you complete Fringefolk Hero’s Grave, the Imp Statue dungeon in the Stranded Graveyard.

Note: For more information, check out our Elden Ring guides and features hub.

Elden Ring Fringefolk Hero’s Grave guide – Stranded Graveyard Imp Statue dungeon

To unlock the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave in Elden Ring, you’ll need a Stonesword Key. This rare item can be found while exploring all over the landscape, but you should have one if you chose it as your Keepsake during character creation. However, I wouldn’t advise tackling this if you’re new to the game or the Souls-like genre in general. Still, if you’re up for it or if you’re leveled up further, then you can use the Stonesword Key to open the Imp Statue Dungeon.

The first section is a chamber with putrid liquid. This will cause your poison meter to gradually build up. Once it’s full, your character will get poisoned and you’ll need to cure yourself with an item or a spell. Still, you could just sprint and get to the opposite side, then wait a few seconds for the poison meter to dissipate.

The next area is where things start to get interesting. There’s a deadly contraption here, a rolling Spiked Chariot that moves along the narrow corridors. You can avoid this by watching its movement, sprinting ahead, and reaching a small nook. Beware, though, because some Exile specters are also hiding in these spots.

Note: The moving trap deals extremely high damage. I did this when my character had 1,500 HP and I still lost 80% of my HP bar.

If you get past that section, you might think that you’re safe. However, the machine will continue to follow you to the next hallway. This will be tougher since there’s a bridge, too, making it harder to clear this spot before getting squashed.

Thankfully, there’s a secret path, albeit with more challenges ahead. If you look to your right while facing the bridge, you should see a ledge that you can drop down to. This lets you avoid the Spiked Chariot.

Down below, you’ll fight several Imps before coming across a flamethrower turret. Avoid it and reach the bottom. You’ll be at a cavernous chamber that seems tranquil, but, as you cross the gap, two Grafted Scions will appear. This will be tough if you’re cornered, so try to time your counters perfectly. You can lure them to the steps, as fighting them on the walkway can lead to mishaps if you fall (and they can leap over you).

Once the enemies are taken care of, you can pick up the Erdtree’s Favor talisman (increases HP, stamina, and equip load/carry weight). Likewise, if you look to your right as you’re facing the altar, there’s another ledge. Below that is a pool of water, so it’s safe to jump down.

You’ll soon ride a lift that takes you further upward. As you reach the balcony, you can fight a Knight and pick up a Stonesword Key. However, you don’t want to jump down yet since the Spiked Chariot is there. Instead, look at the ceiling to find three bombs suspended in mid-air.

Hopefully, you’ve got a ranged weapon with you. Aim at the rope holding any of these bombs and fire your arrow/bolt just as the machine is moving underneath it. If you do it successfully, the bomb will explode and destroy the contraption. You’ll no longer have to worry about it.

You should then see a fork in the passageway. If you head upward, still followed by the trap, you can fight a Knight specter that drops the Dragon Communion Seal. This is a weapon that boosts the effects of Incantations that you acquire from the Church of Dragon Communion.

• Requirements – Fai 12
• Scaling – Fai D and Arc C

Next, head down below to the end of the loop, and you should see the entrance to the boss arena. The boss in Fringefolk Hero’s Grave in Elden Ring is none other than an Ulcerated Tree Spirit. Yes, this is the same type of boss that you’ll fight in Stormveil Castle’s Liftside Chamber door secret, as well as the Minor Erdtree in Mount Gelmir.

Watch out for its bite and smash attacks, and roll away when it does its AoE explosion. After killing it, you’ll receive a Golden Seed (used for HP/MP flask charges) and Banished Knight Oleg (an Ash Spirit Summon).

Elden Ring is available via Steam. For more information, check out our guides and features hub.