Elden Ring guide: Impaler’s Catacombs walkthrough

Impaler’s Catacombs is a hidden dungeon in Elden Ring’s Weeping Peninsula. It’s home to sneaky ninja Imps and a particularly deadly spike trap, but clearing it will award you with the Demi-Human Spirit Ashes. If you’re lucky, you might also leave with the rare Imp Head (Cat) helmet dropped by Fanged Imps.

Impaler’s Catacombs location

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

The Impaler’s Catacombs are located on the northeastern cliff in the Weeping Peninsula region. To get there, follow the path south until you see a merchant, then make a U-turn to the left, and follow the road up the cliffs. Keep following the path past the circle of creepy undead mages, and you’ll see the door to the catacombs pop up on your left.

Impaler’s Catacombs enemies and items

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

Unfortunately, this place is full of Fanged Imps. The first one will try to jump you from the left directly after walking down the first staircase. Enter slowly to be able to dodge it. About halfway down the next staircase, you’ll find a Grave Violet plant. Beware of the second Fanged Imp on your left. Find the Summoning Pool in the next room.

Next, take down three more Fanged Imps in the hallway. It’s possible to fight them one-by-one by approaching slowly. Be sure not to miss the Grave Glovewort on the coffin on the left. When the path splits in two, continue straight ahead to find a room with one Fanged Imp and two more Grave Glovewort.

Turn back and go down the other corridor, but be very careful: As soon as you touch the floor, it will rise and push you into the spiked ceiling. If you sprint, you can pick up a Grave Violet in the opening on the left side (see the screenshot above), but this is optional. To continue the main route, you actually need to go underneath the trap floor. Trigger it on purpose, dodge back, then jump down.

The area ahead is full of undead. Avoid their grab attacks (indicated by the raised arms), and you’re free to collect several Grave Glovewort. As the undead keep spawning, you might consider sticking around for a bit to grind Runes. Before climbing the ladder at the end of the room, loot the two corpses to find Prattling Pate: ‘Please Help’ and Root Resin.

After climbing the ladder and pulling the lever, the door to the Impaler’s Catacombs’ boss will open.

Impaler’s Catacombs boss: Erdtree Burial Watchdog

Before rushing through the mist, consider going back to the site of grace for a quick HP and Flask refill. Just beware that you’ll have to take down the two Fanged Imps again before visiting the Impaler’s Catacombs Boss.

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

Once you do go through the mist, be prepared to face a fire-breathing stone Erdtree Burial Watchdog with a massive blade and plenty of Fanged Imp minions. For now, try to avoid the Watchdog and take down those Imps first.

After that, throw everything you’ve got at the Watchdog, such as your best Spirit Summon. It’s quite weak to Physical damage, and its sword strikes aren’t that fast, so a good strategy is to dodge and attack from behind. When its head starts shaking, it’s time to create some distance. The fire-breathing is about to start.

Once you defeat the Erdtree Burial Watchdog, you will obtain the unique Demi-Human Ashes.