You've probably heard the rumors or seen the orange glow on the map. Deep in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, there is a place that feels fundamentally wrong. It’s the Abyssal Woods. Getting there is a headache. Honestly, it’s one of the most cryptic paths FromSoftware has ever designed, requiring you to find a literal "hidden path" that isn’t just a simple illusory wall, but an entire dungeon transition that most players walk right past.
Midra is the final boss of this region, tucked away in the Midra’s Manse legacy dungeon. But before you can even think about fighting him, you have to survive the trek.
The Secret Start: Finding the Shadow Keep’s Coffin
If you're wondering how to get to Midra Elden Ring style—which usually means "find a coffin and jump in"—you’re partially right. The journey starts in the Shadow Keep. This is the massive fortress controlled by Messmer the Impaler. You need to reach the Main Gate Plaza. From there, head up the stairs and cross the bridge where the small burning boats and militia enemies are hanging out.
Look for a ladder. It’s on the right side of the bridge, hidden behind some breakable boats. Most people miss this because they're too busy dodging fireballs. Go down that ladder. You’ll find yourself in a shallow watery area with a painting. Keep going through the wall—yes, it’s an illusory wall—and you’ll find a coffin.
Climb in. Don't ask questions. This is Elden Ring.
The coffin takes you down to the Castle Watering Hole in the lower Scadu Altus. This isn’t the woods yet, but it’s the only way in. You'll see some Golems. Ignore them or fight them; it doesn't really matter. Your goal is to follow the river south.
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Navigating the Recluses' River
The path is narrow. It’s a vertical climb down, basically. You’ll be jumping across rock platforms and dodging those annoying fly-men. Keep heading south until you reach the Recluses' River Downstream site of grace.
Here is where it gets tricky. You need to find the Darklight Catacombs.
The catacombs are tucked into the cliffside at the very end of the river path. If you reach a dead end with a waterfall, you’ve gone the right way, but you need to look for the ledges that lead you safely to the entrance of the dungeon. This isn't just a side quest. The Darklight Catacombs are a mandatory gauntlet you must complete to exit into the Abyssal Woods.
Inside the Darklight Catacombs
The lights are out. Literally. You’ll be pulling levers to turn on giant chandeliers just so you can see where you're stepping. There’s a Bigmouth Imp at the bottom that will try to snipe you with cannonballs. It’s frustrating. But once you beat the boss of this area—Jori, Elder Inquisitor—the back door of the arena opens up.
Step out. The sky turns a sickly yellow-orange. Welcome to the Abyssal Woods.
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Surviving the Abyssal Woods
This place is miserable. I mean that as a compliment to the level designers. You can't use Torrent here. The horse is "too scared," which is game-dev speak for "we want you to play this like a stealth game."
There are enemies here called Aging Untouchables. They have giant winter-lantern heads covered in eyes. If they see you, they warp to you and inflict Madness instantly. You cannot kill them with normal weapons. Well, you can parry them if you're a god at timing, but for most players, the move is to crouch in the tall grass and pray.
To reach Midra, you need to head southwest. The woods are a sprawling mess of trees and fog. Follow the faint path toward the largest structure on your map in the southwest corner. That’s Midra’s Manse.
Entering Midra’s Manse
Once you reach the Manse, the vibe shifts from "stealth horror" to "classic haunted house." The front door is open, but the interior is a maze of library shelves and secret passages. You’ll meet an NPC named Nanaya, or at least, you'll find what’s left of her.
To get to the boss, you have to find the library. There’s a specific painting you need to hit to reveal a hidden path. It’s behind a desk on the first floor. This leads you to the upper rafters and eventually to the grand hall.
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The Encounter with Midra
When you finally find Midra, he’s... not what you expect. He’s a frail man impaled by a golden spear. He begs you to leave. If you attack him, the real fight begins. He transforms into the Lord of Frenzied Flame, a boss that looks like something straight out of a cosmic horror painting.
His head is a literal sun of madness.
Essential Preparation Tips
If you're going to take him on, you need to gear up. Midra deals massive Fire and Madness damage. The Boltdrake Talisman won't help you here; you need the Flamedrake Talisman +3 and anything that boosts Focus. Focus is the stat that determines how much Madness buildup you can take before your brain melts.
- The Clarifying Horn Lamp is a must-have tool here.
- Wear the Solitude Set or the Lionel’s Set if you have the endurance; they have high madness resistance.
- Don't bother with a shield unless it has 100% fire block, because his flame trails will chip you to death anyway.
Midra is a "dance" boss. He has long, sweeping strikes with his sword and AOE bursts of flame. Most of his attacks have a slight delay, designed specifically to catch you if you panic-roll. Wait for the swing, roll into him, and get your hits in.
Getting to Midra is half the battle. The Abyssal Woods are designed to break your spirit before you even see the boss fog. But once you stand before the Lord of Frenzied Flame, you’re in for one of the most cinematic and haunting fights in the entire Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
Actionable Steps for the Journey
Start at the Shadow Keep Main Gate Plaza and find the ladder behind the boats to begin the descent. Ensure you have plenty of Clarifying Boluses crafted before entering the Abyssal Woods to manage the Madness buildup from the fog and enemies. If you find yourself struggling with the Untouchables in the woods, use the tall grass and watch their patrol patterns; they always follow a set path. Once inside the Manse, look for the "Fragile" painting to find the hidden route to the library rafters. Defeating Midra grants you the Remembrance of the Lord of Frenzied Flame, which can be traded at Firelink for the Greatsword of Damnation or the Midra's Flame of Frenzy incantation. Both are top-tier picks for Faith-based builds.