In the mysterious world of Elden Ring, players often encounter hidden challenges that reward curiosity and observation. One of the most intriguing of these is the Liturgical Town puzzle. This puzzle stands out because it combines exploration, environmental storytelling, and the game’s trademark sense of mystery. The Liturgical Town, with its eerie silence and ghostly inhabitants, invites players to slow down and think carefully about what they see. Solving the puzzle requires attention to detail and an understanding of Elden Ring’s unique approach to world design, where every statue, path, and shadow may hold a clue.
What Is the Liturgical Town Puzzle?
The Liturgical Town puzzle is a well-known challenge located in the Mountaintops of the Giants region. It appears in the area known as Ordina, Liturgical Town, a snow-covered city filled with tall buildings, frozen statues, and mysterious magic barriers. Players arrive here as part of their journey toward the Consecrated Snowfield and eventually Miquella’s Haligtree. The town’s cold and silent atmosphere immediately sets it apart from other locations, creating a sense of isolation and suspense.
At first glance, the town looks abandoned, but a shimmering magical seal blocks the main gate leading to the next area. The puzzle revolves around breaking this seal, which is no simple task. Players must figure out how to unlock it by activating several statues hidden within an alternate version of the town-a version inhabited by invisible enemies and spectral assassins.
How to Access the Liturgical Town Puzzle
Before starting the puzzle, players must reach Ordina, Liturgical Town, located in the northern part of the Mountaintops of the Giants. To get there, you must have access to the region by using the Grand Lift of Rold, which requires both halves of the Rold Medallion. Once you arrive in the area, the town’s mysterious aura and strange sounds will immediately signal that something unusual is waiting.
At the entrance, you’ll find an imp statue that allows you to Enter Evergaol. This is the key to the puzzle. When activated, the town transforms into a magical version of itself-dark, foggy, and crawling with invisible Black Knife assassins. In this alternate world, players must find and light four candles located on statues throughout the town. Lighting all of them will break the seal in the normal version of the town, unlocking access to a crucial late-game area.
Exploring the Evergaol Version of the Town
Once you enter the Evergaol version of Ordina, the town becomes much more dangerous. The eerie calm is replaced with haunting music and deadly enemies. The assassins that roam here are invisible, making it easy to get ambushed if you’re not careful. Using items or spells that reveal hidden foes-such as the Sentry’s Torch or Unseen Form-can make navigation easier. Stealth and patience are essential as you search for the candle statues.
Tips for Navigating the Area
- Move slowly and listen for footsteps or breathing to detect nearby assassins.
- Use the Sentry’s Torch to reveal invisible enemies before they strike.
- Memorize the town layout before entering the Evergaol to save time.
- Climb rooftops and ladders to avoid direct combat and get a better view of the area.
Because enemies can attack from the shadows, it’s often best to avoid unnecessary fights and focus on lighting the statues quickly. Each statue can be found in a different part of the town, requiring a mix of exploration and platforming.
Locations of the Candle Statues
There are four statues that need to be lit to solve the Liturgical Town puzzle. Each one requires a slightly different route and presents its own set of challenges. Below is a breakdown of where to find them and how to reach each safely.
First Statue
The first statue is located near the town’s entrance, close to the starting point after you enter the Evergaol. You’ll see a staircase leading up to a platform with a candle brazier. Be careful-an assassin often patrols this area, so use your torch or a revealing spell before approaching. Once it’s safe, interact with the statue to light the first candle.
Second Statue
The second statue can be found atop one of the rooftops near the center of the town. To reach it, climb a nearby ladder on the north side of the plaza. From there, cross a series of rooftops until you find the candle burning faintly in the mist. Watch out for archers and hidden assassins who can knock you down while climbing.
Third Statue
The third candle statue is hidden behind a building near the frozen bridge on the western edge of the town. This area can be tricky because of multiple assassins lying in wait. Stay alert and move slowly through the fog. Lighting this statue usually triggers another enemy ambush, so be prepared to roll or dodge immediately afterward.
Fourth Statue
The last candle is located at the top of the central tower, which requires climbing multiple ladders and rooftops. This is the most challenging part of the puzzle, as enemies often guard the base and upper levels. Once you reach the top, interact with the statue to light the final flame. When all four candles are lit, a message will appear indicating that the seal has been broken.
Returning to the Normal Town
After lighting all the candles, exit the Evergaol by returning to the starting point and deactivating the magic seal. You’ll find yourself back in the normal version of Ordina. The main gate that was previously locked will now be open, allowing you to enter a portal leading to Miquella’s Haligtree-a crucial late-game area filled with new enemies, treasures, and lore. This reward makes the Liturgical Town puzzle one of the most important in Elden Ring, serving as a gateway to one of the most memorable regions in the game.
Common Mistakes and Helpful Advice
Many players struggle with this puzzle due to the stealth mechanics and confusing layout of the town. One common mistake is trying to fight every enemy. Because assassins are nearly invisible and hit hard, engaging them directly is often a bad idea. Instead, focus on movement and observation. Learn to use height to your advantage-rooftops provide safety and better visibility.
Another mistake is ignoring the Sentry’s Torch. This item, sold by certain merchants, is one of the best tools for this puzzle. It reveals hidden foes, making it far easier to navigate safely. Players who bring it will have a much smoother experience lighting the candles and avoiding sneak attacks.
The Lore Behind Ordina, Liturgical Town
Beyond the puzzle itself, Ordina has deep lore connections to Elden Ring’s wider story. The name Liturgical Town hints at its religious or ceremonial background. The ghostly figures frozen in prayer throughout the streets suggest that this town was once devoted to worship-possibly connected to the Haligtree and Miquella’s followers. The magical seal that locks the gate could represent divine protection or punishment, preserving the sanctity of what lies beyond.
Many fans speculate that the assassins haunting the Evergaol version of the town are remnants of a massacre or divine curse. Their presence adds to the unsettling feeling that the town’s downfall was caused by dark magic or betrayal. This layered storytelling makes the puzzle not only a gameplay challenge but also an emotional and narrative experience.
The Liturgical Town puzzle in Elden Ring perfectly captures what makes the game so compelling-mystery, danger, and discovery woven together in a hauntingly beautiful world. From exploring the snow-covered streets to lighting the final candle, every moment feels deliberate and meaningful. Solving the puzzle not only grants access to the Haligtree but also deepens the player’s understanding of Elden Ring’s lore and atmosphere. The combination of stealth, exploration, and symbolism makes the Liturgical Town one of the most memorable locations in the game, rewarding players who approach it with patience, strategy, and curiosity.