You’re standing there, staring at a massive stone pipe vomiting molten rock, and you’re probably thinking the same thing everyone else did: "How on earth do I get past that?" The ruined forge lava intake is one of those classic FromSoftware environmental puzzles that feels more like a brick wall than a level mechanic. If you’ve stepped into the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, specifically the Ruined Forge Intake dungeon located in the Gravesite Plain, you know the frustration. It’s loud, it’s hot, and if you mistime a jump, you’re looking at a "You Died" screen before you can even process the mistake.
Let's be real. It isn't just about survival. It's about that sweet, sweet loot. This specific forge is tucked away to the southeast of the Castle Front Site of Grace. You drop down a few rocky ledges, avoid some annoying bloodfiends, and suddenly you're in a dark, humid corridor that smells like sulfur and regret. Most players rush in, see the lava, and immediately try to roll through it. Don't do that. You’ll just end up as a crispy Tarnished snack.
Why the Ruined Forge Lava Intake Trips Everyone Up
The level design here is vertical. It’s a literal forge, after all. The main gimmick involves interacting with levers that tilt massive, cylindrical pipes—the intakes—to create bridges. If you don't find the lever, you aren't going anywhere. Honestly, the hardest part isn't the platforming; it’s the Golems. These stone-skinned jerks have a weak spot on their backs (the glowing red gem), but in the cramped quarters of the ruined forge lava intake, getting behind them is a nightmare.
You’ve got to use the environment. The lava isn't just an obstacle; it's a boundary that dictates how you move. I’ve seen people spend twenty minutes trying to jump to a ledge that is clearly out of reach, ignoring the giant lever sitting right behind a stone pillar. It’s easy to miss because the lighting in these dungeons is intentionally oppressive.
The Path to the Altar
Getting to the end isn't just about wandering. You need a plan.
First off, once you hit the main chamber, look for the lever on the raised platform. Pulling this is non-negotiable. It shifts the largest intake pipe in the room. Once that pipe lowers, it creates a massive ramp. You’ll run up the spine of this thing like you own the place. But watch your step—the collision physics on the edges of these pipes can be a bit slippery.
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Wait. Did you kill the Smithing Golem first? If you didn't, he's going to toss a rock at your head while you're mid-sprint. It’s worth the two minutes to bait him into a heavy attack, dodge, and then pierce that red glint on his lower back.
The Loot You’re Actually Looking For
Let’s talk rewards. You aren't just here for the scenic view of subterranean magma. The ruined forge lava intake is a goldmine for Smithing Stones, specifically the higher-tier ones and the new Smithing-Hardscript items introduced in the DLC.
- Ancient Meteorite Ore Greatsword: This is the big prize. It’s at the very end, at the forge altar. It scales with Strength and Intelligence (mostly Strength), and the weapon art is a literal gap-closer that ends in a massive explosion. It’s a beast in PvP.
- Smithing Stones [7] and [8]: These are scattered on corpses throughout the side rooms. If you’re trying to get a new DLC weapon to +24 quickly, this dungeon is mandatory.
- Greater Potency Talisman: Hidden in a side passage near the second intake pipe. If you like throwing Hefty Pots, you need this. It’s a game-changer for fire-based builds.
The "Smithscript" weapons are also a highlight. These are the ones you can actually throw. In this dungeon, you’ll find the Smithscript Dagger. It’s a short-range projectile weapon that scales with almost everything. Kinda weird, but definitely fun for a hybrid build.
Survival Tips for the Magma Chambers
Magma is a jerk. Even with high Fire Resistance, the "lava" in the ruined forge lava intake deals tick damage that can stun-lock you if you’re caught in a corner.
- Flame, Protect Me: If you have the Faith for it, use this incantation. It trivializes the chip damage if you accidentally clip a lava flow.
- The Backstab Rule: Golems are slow. If you’re a magic user, don't bother hitting their front. Use something with a high arc or just get in close with a quick-step Ash of War.
- Look Up: FromSoftware loves hanging slimes and gargoyles from the ceiling. In the intake rooms, check the rafters before you loot a corpse.
The verticality is the key. If you feel stuck, find a way to go higher. The levers are always positioned above the pipes they control. It’s a simple logic, but in the heat of combat (literally), it’s easy to forget.
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Handling the Final Jump
There’s a specific spot near the end of the ruined forge lava intake where you have to jump from a moving pipe to a static ledge. My advice? Don't jump at the peak of the animation. Wait until the pipe settles. The game's engine sometimes eats your inputs if the platform is still technically in its "moving" state.
I’ve lost about 80,000 runes to that specific jump because I was impatient. Don't be like me. Just wait the three seconds for the stone to stop grinding.
Hidden Secrets and Missable Paths
Most players miss the secondary lever. After you cross the first major pipe, there's a small doorway tucked behind some rubble. It leads to a lower chamber with three slimes and a chest containing a Somber Smithing Stone [9]. It’s easy to walk right past it because you’re usually focused on the giant Golem patrolling the main bridge.
Also, check the "dead ends." In the ruined forge lava intake, a dead end usually means there’s an illusory wall or a drop-down point you haven't seen yet. Specifically, near the third intake pipe, there is a ledge you can drop onto that leads to a stash of Smithing-Hardscripts. These are crucial for the new weapon infusions.
Misconceptions About the Intake
Some guides suggest you need a specific item to "cool" the lava. That's nonsense. You don't need a frost pot or a special spell. You just need to move the pipes. The lava is a static environmental hazard, not a puzzle you solve with items.
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Another weird rumor is that you can "climb" the lava falls. You can't. It's instant death or, at the very least, a very quick trip back to the last Site of Grace. Stick to the stone.
Moving Forward: What to Do Next
Once you've cleared the ruined forge lava intake and claimed the Ancient Meteorite Ore Greatsword, your next move should be heading north. This dungeon is a great "power-up" spot before tackling the bosses in Scadu Altus.
Actionable Steps:
- Upgrade your weapon: Use the stones you found immediately. The difficulty spike in the Shadow Keep is real.
- Equip the Meteorite Sword: Even if you aren't a Strength build, test the weapon art. It’s one of the most reliable ways to stagger large enemies in the DLC.
- Check your map: There are two other "Ruined Forge" locations in the Shadow Realm. One is the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past. If you liked the mechanics here, go there next for more Smithscript weapons.
- Restock on Boluses: You probably used a few neutralizing boluses or fire-thaw ones. Restock at the Twin Maiden Husks before your next dungeon crawl.
The forge is a test of patience and observation. If you can handle the heat, the rewards are some of the best in the early-to-mid game of the expansion. Just remember: pull the lever, kill the Golem, and for the love of Marika, don't touch the lava.