Conquering the Highroad Cave: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploration and Boss Battle in Elden Ring

In the vast world of Elden Ring, the Highroad Cave stands as a captivating exploration site nestled in Limgrave. With its intriguing landscape, players can encounter various foes, bountiful loot, and even a formidable boss that challenges their skills and strategies. This guide will take you through every twist and turn of the Highroad Cave, ensuring you are well-prepared not only to navigate its complex pathways but also to conquer the guardian that awaits at the end.

Discovering the Highroad Cave

The Highroad Cave is located to the east of the Deathtouched Catacombs and in proximity to the Site of Grace known as the Divine Bridge. To find the entrance to this cave, players must perform a daring leap from the bridge where a pumpkin-headed creature roams, landing in a ghostly well. Once you've embarked on this adventure, mount your horse and ride north, steering your gaze towards the rock face where the cave entrance is hidden.

The Initial Descent

Upon entering the cave, your first step should be to activate the Site of Grace. As you venture deeper into the cave, follow the path that meanders northward. Be prepared to drop down several times as you progress. In the next chamber, you will encounter a pack of wolves. Defeating them will allow you to explore the adjoining corridors.

Exploring Hidden Corners

Take the northeastern passage to find two wolves guarding a corpse containing 1x Golden Rune (1). After securing the loot, drop down several more times, navigating toward the light filtering in above. Keep pressuring the northern path, and you’ll discover a campfire surrounded by wolves, as well as a western passage leading to a corpse with 3x Arteria Leaf.

Retrace your steps back and proceed further north. In the dead-end to your left, you will stumble upon another corpse containing 2x Fire Grease, nestled beside some more wolves. Continue your journey to the right.

Scenic Views and Resources

The next cavern showcases a stunning waterfall, providing a glorious vista of the environment ahead of you. Traverse the cliffs on the left, descending into the depths below. Here, you’ll encounter bats in an open cavern; defeat them and investigate a corpse located at the southern end yielding 3x Smithing Stone (1).

Further Adventures and Drops

Push onward in a north-easterly direction, taking a leap into the cascade tumbling down the waterfall. To your left, another bat-filled cave awaits—clear out these pests, and you’ll uncover 1x Smithing Stone (2) hidden in the shadows. Then, head upstream where, amidst a cluster of Land Octopuses, lies a corpse with 1x Golden Rune (4) tucked away in a dead end. Nothing else of interest remains in this section, prompting your return to the waterfall area.

The Glistening Depths

From your previous vantage point, peer down into the waterfall’s embrace and leap to the gushing water below. If you're connected online, keep an eye out for valuable messages left by fellow players. Ascend onto a fallen pillar to ambush the bats that linger close by. Their demise rewards you with the Scimitar Shamshir—an intriguing weapon for your arsenal.

Continue navigating northeast, where more jumps will lead you to a campfire. Next, follow the nearby passage into a dim room where a Giant Land Octopus clings to the ceiling. Approaching this massive beast will provoke its descent; eliminate it to proceed down the passage leading northwest, culminating in a ledge where yet another corpse lies.

The Path to Triumph

Moving left, you will find a pillar adjacent to the waterfall. A running leap will help you successfully land on it, allowing you to walk beneath the cascade. This route leads south towards a chamber where the boss of Highroad Cave awaits. Prepare for an intense showdown.

Confronting the Guardian Golem

As you enter the boss chamber, the Guardian Golem rises, taking its time to gather itself. Utilize this brief moment to strike before it fully recovers. This opponent, while powerful, moves with a delightful sluggishness, offering players the chance to dodge effectively. The key to outmaneuvering this formidable foe is timing your dodges and attacks appropriately.

Mastering Combat Techniques

The Golem's attacks include sweeping arcs with its axe. When it swings, dodge forward toward its body, allowing you to retaliate with several strikes. Be cautious, even when it appears the Golem's reach spans nearly the entire arena, requiring a vigilant eye.

During the fight, be aware of its tendency to follow up axe swings with fiery breath. Executing a dodge or sprinting to the side will help you avoid this damaging attack. Additionally, the Golem might slam its weapon against the ground multiple times—keeping your distance during these moments is prudent.

Another tricky but critical attack involves a single stomp that generates a shockwave. Avoiding this requires jumping diagonally toward its body during an overhead strike. This maneuver opens up prime opportunities for counterattacks.

Rewards and Completion

As you continue to press the attack, remember that positioning is essential—staying between the Golem's legs grants you the chance to deal considerable damage while minimizing its ability to retaliate. With patience and precision, you will eventually emerge victorious.

Defeating the Guardian Golem yields not only 1700 runes but also rewards you with the Blue Dancer Charm, a valuable addition to your inventory. Your conquest of the Highroad Cave is not merely a test of strength but a thrilling experience filled with exploration, strategy, and rich rewards.

For those seeking further assistance or guidance on navigating Elden Ring's vast world, consider revisiting our comprehensive lists of bosses or peruse more walkthroughs tailored to enhance your gaming adventure.