You’re wandering through the Mistwood, probably dodging a giant bear that’s way too fast for its size, and you see it. A small, unassuming domed building. Inside is an elevator. You step on, expecting a short ride down to a basement or a dungeon. Instead, the floor keeps dropping. And dropping. For almost a full minute, you descend into the earth until the ceiling opens up into a literal galaxy.
That's the Siofra River.
Honestly, it’s one of the most iconic "wow" moments in gaming history. Most players remember that first glimpse of the starry sky underground, but then they get sniped by a spectral minotaur from three miles away and lose all their runes. If you've been there, you know the pain. This place is a masterpiece of level design, but it's also a death trap if you don't know where the loot is hidden or how the mechanics actually work.
Siofra River: What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks think Siofra River is just a pretty detour. It’s not. It is actually the "lower floor" of a massive subterranean complex that connects to the Eternal City of Nokron and even the Mohgwyn Palace—though you can't just walk to those places. You'll see those high-up buildings and wonder how to reach them. You can't. At least, not from here.
📖 Related: Why the 2006 Cars: The Video Game Still Outruns Modern Racing Titles
The biggest mistake is trying to explore this place too early. Sure, you can access it the moment you reach Limgrave, but those Ancestral Followers? They don't miss. Their "Dwelling Arrows" are basically guided missiles that deal magic damage. If you see a blue glint in the distance, you’re already in trouble.
How to Survive the Snipers
- Serpentine, basically: Don't run in a straight line. Use the large stone pillars and trees as cover.
- Torrent is your best friend: You can ride your horse here. Use his double jump to get onto the ruined arches.
- Stay low: The water is shallow, but it slows you down. Stick to the embankments when you can.
Finding the Flame Pillars (The Real Objective)
If you want to fight the boss of this area—the Ancestor Spirit—you have to play a game of hide-and-seek. There are eight stone obelisks scattered around the main riverbank. You have to light the fire at the base of each one.
- One is right by the Siofra River Bank Site of Grace. Easy.
- Another is tucked behind a hill to the west, guarded by a few followers.
- Look for the little island in the middle of the lake. There’s one there, usually surrounded by those annoying lightning wisps.
- Check the cliffs on the eastern edge.
- Move north toward the Worshipper's Woods. There are two in the clearing there.
- The last couple are further north, near the path leading to the "Below the Well" grace.
Once you light all eight, the stone stairs at the Hallowhorn Grounds will glow. You’ll know you did it because a notification pops up on the screen. Go touch the glowing deer carcass. Yes, you have to touch the dead thing. It teleports you to an arena that is, quite frankly, gorgeous. The Ancestor Spirit isn't the hardest boss in Elden Ring, but the music and the atmosphere make it a Top 5 encounter.
The Loot You’re Definitely Missing
Most people run through, kill the deer, and leave. You’re leaving some of the best early-game gear behind if you do that.
There is a Horn Bow hidden under the stairs of the Hallowhorn Grounds. It’s on a corpse tucked away in a corner. This bow is special because it scales with Intelligence and adds magic damage to every shot. If you’re a hybrid build, it’s a game-changer.
📖 Related: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5: Why the Wait Actually Paid Off
Then there’s the Clarifying Horn Charm. You have to find a waygate (one of those small stone teleporters) located on top of a ruin. To get there, use Torrent to jump onto the fallen pillars near the Worshipper's Woods. It teleports you to a high ledge where a single Ancestral Follower is chilling. Kill him and grab the talisman. It boosts your Focus, which helps you resist Madness and Sleep—super useful for later areas like Raya Lucaria or the Frenzied Flame village.
The Connection to Caelid
Ever noticed that massive elevator at the far north end of the river? The one that requires two Stonesword Keys to activate? That is the Deep Siofra Well.
Take that lift up and you’ll find yourself in a canyon in Caelid. This is the only way to reach the Great-Jar. If you talk to the giant jar sitting in front of the arena, he’ll challenge you to defeat three "Knights of the Great-Jar" (NPC invaders). Beat them, and you get the Great-Jar's Arsenal. It’s the best equip-load talisman in the game. It basically lets you wear heavy armor without "fat rolling."
Lore: Who Actually Lives Here?
The people you’re fighting aren't just random ghosts. They are the Ancestral Followers. According to item descriptions like the Ancestral Follower Ashes, these people "disdain metals and the use of writing." They believe that new life sprouts from death—hence the horns growing out of their heads and the spirits of animals everywhere.
🔗 Read more: Why Gears of War 4 Still Matters More Than You Remember
They are essentially the "Old Guard" of the Lands Between. They were here way before the Erdtree showed up. While everyone else is obsessed with Golden Grace and Marika, these guys are just vibing in the basement, worshipping the natural cycle of the world.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Run
If you’re currently standing in the Siofra River and feeling overwhelmed, do this:
- Get the Map Fragment first: It’s on a corpse at the base of the stairs leading to the Hallowhorn Grounds (the big building with the pillars). It makes navigating 100% easier.
- Find the Merchant: There’s a Nomadic Merchant hidden in the ruins. You have to climb some scaffolding and drop down into a room. He sells Larval Tears, which you need if you want to "respec" your character later.
- Don't fight everything: The Claymen near the start are slow. Just run past them. Save your flasks for the snipers further up.
- Equip Fire or Holy: The Ancestor Spirit is weak to both. If you have some Fire Grease or a Holy-infused weapon, the fight will be over in minutes.
Once you’ve cleared the Ancestor Spirit and grabbed the Horn Bow, head to that northern elevator. Getting that Great-Jar's Arsenal talisman early is the single best thing you can do for your build if you're planning on using heavy weapons or shields.