Elden Ring: Should You Take the Side Path or Main Gate in Stormveil Castle?

In Elden Ring, you've finally defeated the first plot boss. You're walking forward when you get to a big castle gate, and your screen tells you that you've arrived at Stormveil Castle. To the left, you'll encounter an NPC who advises you to avoid the main gate and instead use the side path. To an experienced Souls fan, this screams trap. Now you must decide whether to follow this shady man's advice or to ignore him and proceed through the main gate. Let's talk about the path to choose in Elden Ring.

Should You Take the Main Gate or the Side Path in Stormveil Castle

The NPC you meet to the right of the main gate will warn you about the dangers that lie beyond. He'll tell you that everyone who has taken the main gate before you has been killed. The NPC reveals a hidden side road that only he knows about. He guarantees that by following this trail, you will be able to quickly reach the castle. This seems like a trap to many people, and it sounds even worse to someone who has ever played a Souls game.

So far in the game, you haven't encountered many pleasant NPCs. Aside from Verra and the shopkeepers, the majority of NPCs will attempt to murder you on the spot. It would be simple to dismiss this man's counsel as a ruse. You'd be wrong because this NPC is telling the truth. If you desire, he will open the gate for you, but as soon as you step inside, you will be attacked by arrows. Even if you manage to evade the archers' arrows, you will be killed by two massive creatures.

Taking the sideway is significantly safer, but it still presents its own set of challenges. In an impromptu boss arena, you'll run into one of the game's harder foes. You'll find yourself in a dark chamber with a chest in the corner and a body with a key that you must use to advance. After a few steps into the room, you'll hear the door close behind you, and a knight will assault you right away.

This is one of the more difficult enemies in the early game, hence it may be considered too many boss battles. If you die to the knight, you can return and continue the fight, this time starting with a backstab to gain an advantage. The door will also not close and lock again, allowing you to flee if necessary. Despite this, entering Stormveil castle via the side path is still the greatest option. Check out our other Elden Ring guides if you need any additional assistance.