Elden Ring is packed with secrets, and hidden chests are one of the most rewarding treasures you can discover. These chests often contain rare weapons, upgrade materials, or valuable items that can give you a serious boost in your journey. Finding them isn’t always straightforward, but with a little exploration and patience, you can uncover some truly game-changing rewards. Look Beyond the Obvious Paths The first rule of treasure hunting in Elden Ring is to check every nook and cranny. Developers love to hide chests off the beaten path, behind walls, or even under seemingly harmless terrain features. Pay attention to areas that look slightly out of place, like a dirt patch with an unusual color, a cluster of rocks that seems to form a trail, or a small alcove behind a group of trees. I remember one chest tucked behind a waterfall near Limgrave—it was easy to miss if you didn’t float down carefully. Sometimes, simply jumping from a ledge to an unseen lower area can lead you to a hidden chest. It’s a great way to rack up elden ring runes early in the game without grinding endlessly. These extra runes can make a huge difference when upgrading your weapons or leveling up your character. Hidden Chests in Caves and Ruins Caves and ruined structures are treasure troves in Elden Ring. They often contain enemies that guard a chest, so expect a bit of combat before claiming your prize. Some of the best hidden chests are located at the end of these mini-dungeons. Don’t forget to explore side passages and dead ends—they sometimes hold the rarest loot. If you ever find yourself low on currency, there are ways to acquire cheap elden ring runes safely without relying solely on exploration. Certain merchants and NPCs offer ways to exchange items or perform small tasks to boost your rune count. It’s not as exciting as uncovering a hidden chest, but it’s useful if you’re aiming to upgrade a specific weapon or armor set. Pay Attention to Environmental Clues Elden Ring’s world is designed with subtle hints that guide players to hidden chests. For instance, you might notice a trail of flowers, an oddly shaped tree, or even a series of rocks leading up a hill. These small details often indicate that there’s something worth discovering nearby. Taking the time to observe your surroundings carefully can save you from wandering aimlessly. Another tip is to listen closely—sometimes chests emit faint glimmers or unique sounds that alert you to their presence. Pair this with your map exploration, and you can pinpoint locations that are likely to contain loot. If you’re in a pinch, services like U4GM can help you restock certain items or runes, but honestly, the thrill of finding a chest on your own is hard to beat. Revisit Areas After Progression As you level up and gain new abilities, previously inaccessible areas may open up. Revisit regions you’ve already explored to check for hidden chests you couldn’t reach before. Maybe a blocked path is now climbable, or a tough enemy that once guarded a chest has been defeated with your new skills. This approach not only rewards exploration but also encourages mastery of your character’s abilities. Team Up with Curiosity Sometimes, it’s all about trial and error. Don’t be afraid to experiment with jumping, rolling, or attacking the environment to see if anything reacts. Many hidden chests are cleverly camouflaged or require specific actions to appear. Even if you don’t find a chest on your first try, the process of exploring helps you learn the landscape and discover shortcuts that can save time later. Personally, I’ve found that keeping a mental note of suspicious-looking areas pays off in the long run. When you circle back with better gear, previously unreachable chests suddenly become attainable. Elden Ring rewards curiosity and persistence, and finding these hidden treasures can make your journey far more exciting. Hidden chests in Elden Ring are scattered all across the map, often in the most unexpected places. By paying attention to environmental cues, revisiting older areas, and experimenting with movement and combat, you can uncover some of the game’s best rewards. While it’s tempting to seek shortcuts or purchase runes, there’s a unique satisfaction in discovering these treasures on your own. Whether you’re stacking elden ring runes for upgrades or hunting for rare items, a little exploration goes a long way.