All Elden Ring Paintings Locations and Solutions

Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by “Richard McLachlan”

If you’re venturing through Elden Ring and aiming to unlock all the hidden paintings scattered around, this guide has got you covered. We’ll help you find each painting and solve the puzzles they conceal. Each painting ties directly into the game’s expansive lore and offers unique rewards. Solving these puzzles is essential for anyone looking to gain special items like rare gear, spells, and other valuable assets that can significantly enhance your gameplay. Let’s get started on uncovering these artistic treasures and the benefits they hold.

What Are Elden Ring Paintings?

In Elden Ring, paintings aren’t just pretty pictures—they’re intricate puzzles waiting to be solved. Each painting you come across depicts a specific location within the game world. Your task is to track down that exact spot in the vast Lands Between. Once you’ve pinpointed the location, you’re in for a reward that can range from rare weapons and armor sets to powerful spells and useful consumables.

How Do Paintings Function as Puzzles?

Here’s how it works: First, you stumble upon a painting tucked away in some remote corner or guarded by a formidable foe. The painting itself provides clues—sometimes subtle, sometimes not so much—about where its subject lies. Your job is to interpret these clues and embark on a quest to find the real-world equivalent of what’s depicted.

Overview of the Process: Finding, Locating, and Rewarding

Once you’ve found the painting and deciphered its clues, the real adventure begins. You’ll need to traverse the often treacherous terrain of Elden Ring to locate the exact spot shown in the artwork. This could mean scaling mountains, delving into dungeons, or navigating dense forests. Upon reaching your destination, your efforts are handsomely rewarded with items that aren’t just trophies—they’re tools that can turn the tide in your battles and exploration.

Why Solve These Puzzles?

Solving these painting puzzles isn’t just about the thrill of the chase; it’s about reaping rewards that can significantly boost your gameplay. Imagine wielding a weapon with unmatched power, donning armor that makes you near-invincible, or mastering spells that turn enemies into allies. These rewards aren’t just for show—they’re essential for overcoming the challenges that lie ahead in Elden Ring.

Types of Rewards and Gameplay Benefits

The rewards you earn from solving these puzzles are varied and invaluable. From enhancing your combat prowess to unlocking new abilities and shortcuts, each reward plays a crucial role in shaping your journey through the Lands Between. Whether you’re a warrior, a mage, or something in between, these items will prove indispensable in your quest to conquer Elden Ring’s formidable foes and unravel its deepest secrets.

Homing Instinct Painting Location and Reward

Painting Location: The “Homing Instinct” painting is nestled in the northeastern part of East Limgrave, just south of the Mistwood Ruins. If you’re coming from the First Step Site of Grace, head east towards the Mistwood forest. As you approach the edge of the forest, look for a small cave hidden by some overgrown foliage. Inside, you’ll find the painting, illuminated by a stray beam of light piercing through the cave’s opening.

Visual Aid: Imagine a map of East Limgrave with a pinpoint on the northeastern side, highlighting the cave near Mistwood. This visual would include major landmarks and paths to guide you directly to the cave’s location.

Solution: To find the location depicted in the painting, start at the Mistwood Ruins and head southeast towards the coast. The painting shows a distinct cliff overlooking the sea, marked by a lone tree with twisted branches. To reach this spot:

1. Navigate through the Mistwood forest, staying clear of the roaming patrols.
2. Use the tree line as your guide, keeping the cliffs to your right.
3. Once you spot the twisted tree, you’ve arrived. Stand beneath it and look out towards the sea to trigger the solution sequence.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: The area around Mistwood is crawling with enemies, including packs of wolves and patrolling knights. Stealth can be your ally here; use tall grass for cover and time your movements to avoid detection. If combat is unavoidable, consider using ranged weapons to thin out enemies from a distance before engaging up close.

Reward: Upon solving the “Homing Instinct” puzzle, you’ll receive the “Twisted Branch Talisman.” This unique item boosts your stealth capabilities by minimizing the sound of your movements, making it easier to sneak past enemies or get the drop on them before they notice. It’s particularly useful in densely populated areas or when facing foes that are sensitive to sound. This talisman can be a game-changer in your strategy, especially for players who prefer a stealthy approach to confrontations.

Prophecy Painting Location and Reward

Painting Location: The “Prophecy” painting is found in a secluded tower in West Limgrave, west of the Agheel Lake North Site of Grace. From there, head southwest until you encounter a crumbling stone tower. The tower, mostly overrun by ivy, contains a winding staircase that leads to a small room at the top where the painting awaits, overlooking the scenic views of Limgrave.

Visual Aid: Visualize a map of West Limgrave highlighting a path from Agheel Lake North, weaving through the fields and pointing towards an isolated tower marked by its dilapidated appearance and the encroaching greenery.

Solution: The painting illustrates a forgotten graveyard shrouded in mist, with distinctive stone arches that are partially broken. Here’s how to find it:

1. Start from the tower with the painting and head towards the coast, keeping the lake to your east.
2. Search for the graveyard north of the Weeping Peninsula entrance. This area is misty, with the stone arches visible amidst the fog.
3. Once at the graveyard, locate the largest arch and stand directly beneath it, facing northward, to solve the puzzle.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: Navigating to the graveyard involves passing through territories controlled by hostile knights and graveyard ghouls. Keeping to the shadows and using the environment for cover can help you avoid unnecessary fights. For the ghouls, quick, fiery weapons or area spells will be effective due to their vulnerability to fire and crowd control tactics.

Reward: Solving the “Prophecy” painting puzzle grants you the “Ethereal Oak Shield.” This shield slowly regenerates your health over time, making it invaluable for lengthy explorations and battles where sustaining minimal damage is crucial. Its regenerative properties can save on healing items, allowing you to stay in the fray longer or explore more freely without constant concern for your health bar.

Liurnia – Resurrection Painting Location

Painting Location: The “Resurrection” painting is secreted away in an ancient watchtower on the western edge of Liurnia of the Lakes, near the Raya Lucaria Academy. From the Debate Parlor Site of Grace, make your way west, skirting the lake’s edge until you reach a crumbling tower partially overgrown with ivy and moss. Inside, the painting hangs on a wall that still stands against time, protected from the elements by the remnants of a roof.

Visual Aid: Imagine a map highlighting the terrain of Liurnia of the Lakes. The route starts at the Debate Parlor and traces a path westward along the shoreline, pointing out landmarks such as scattered ruins and distinctively shaped trees. The map would detail the approach to the tower, with a symbol denoting its significant height and the dense vegetation partially obscuring it.

Solution: The painting portrays an ancient graveyard bathed in moonlight, with a particularly ornate tombstone that stands out. To find this location:

1. Depart the tower and head north, following the contours of the lake until you reach a clearing.
2. Within this clearing, look for a group of old tombstones. The one from the painting is easily recognizable by its elaborate carvings and the way it catches the moonlight.
3. Stand before this tombstone and observe it to activate the puzzle’s completion.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: The area around the graveyard is known for its spectral guardians and misty conditions which can disorient:

• Visibility Issues: Carry a torch or use light-based spells to better navigate through the fog.
• Spectral Enemies: These foes are often resistant to physical attacks. Equip magic or holy weapons, or prepare spells that can affect ethereal beings.

Reward: Solving the “Resurrection” puzzle awards you the “Spirit Summoner’s Bell.” This artifact allows you to summon spirits with reduced FP cost, enhancing your ability to bring forth allies during combat. This can significantly alter your strategy in tough battles, providing necessary distractions or additional firepower when taking on groups of enemies or formidable foes. The bell is especially useful for players who rely on summoning for exploration and combat, giving them a longer sustain and more versatility in their tactical approach.

 

Caelid – Whisper of the Dune Painting Location and Reward

Painting Location: The “Whisper of the Dune” painting can be located in a desolate shack in the southern part of Caelid, near Redmane Castle. Journey southeast from the castle, keeping an eye out for a dilapidated shack surrounded by the scarlet rot-infected ground. The shack is small and easy to miss but contains several clues to its significance, including scattered notes and, importantly, the painting itself, propped against an old, cracked wall.

Visual Aid: Imagine a detailed map of the southern Caelid region, with Redmane Castle at the center. A trail leads from the castle through the rot-infested lands directly to a marked spot indicating the shack. This map would highlight landmarks and safer paths to navigate the dangerous terrain.

Solution: The painting shows a dune-like landscape with a distinctive, lone twisted tree at its peak, surrounded by the toxic red waters typical of Caelid. Here’s how to find this location:

1. Leave the shack and head directly south until you reach the edge of the scarlet rot waters.
2. Follow the edge of the water to the east, watching for a rise in the land that forms a small dune.
3. The twisted tree, stark against the sky, marks the spot. Approach the tree and observe the surrounding landscape to trigger the solution.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: The journey to and around the scarlet rot areas of Caelid is perilous due to the toxic environment and aggressive enemies. Protective gear against scarlet rot is a must, and utilizing ranged attacks can help keep the dangerous fauna at bay. Speed is also an advantage; avoiding prolonged battles and quick navigation can prevent excessive damage and resource depletion.

Reward: Successfully deciphering the “Whisper of the Dune” painting rewards you with the “Rotfeather Talisman.” This talisman enhances your resistance to scarlet rot, significantly reducing the damage taken from one of the game’s most debilitating status effects. This is especially useful in Caelid and similar environments, allowing for longer exploration without the constant need for cure items or spells. It’s an essential item for anyone planning to delve deeper into the more corrupted regions of the Lands Between.

Altus Plateau – Champion’s Song Painting Location and Reward

Painting Location: The “Champion’s Song” painting is found within a grand tower located in the northeastern part of Altus Plateau, just north of the Grand Lift of Dectus. To find the tower, follow the main road leading north from the Lift and keep an eye out for an ancient stone structure that stands taller than its surroundings. The painting is displayed prominently on the second floor, accessed via a spiral staircase that winds around the tower’s interior.

Visual Aid: Consider a map of Altus Plateau, with the Grand Lift of Dectus clearly marked. A highlighted route would extend northward, with waypoints indicating major landmarks like ruins and outposts, leading directly to the tower. This map would offer a visual guide through the region’s terrain, ensuring easy navigation.

Solution: The painting depicts a magnificent view from atop a high cliff overlooking the convergence of two rivers below, a distinctive feature within the Altus Plateau. Here’s how to reach this location:

1. Exit the tower and follow the main road north until you reach the cliff’s edge.
2. Navigate east along the cliff until you see a large boulder that matches the one in the painting.
3. Stand next to the boulder and look down at the rivers to complete the puzzle.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: This area is patrolled by both roaming knights and airborne enemies. It’s advisable to keep movements stealthy or use distractions. For aerial threats, a bow or spells can be effective. The terrain here can be tricky, with steep drops and narrow ledges, so watch your step as you navigate.

Reward: Solving the “Champion’s Song” puzzle rewards you with the “Echo’s Fury Sword,” a powerful weapon that boosts your attack speed for a short duration after defeating an enemy. This sword is particularly useful in situations where you are outnumbered, allowing you to dispatch enemies quickly and maintain momentum in combat. Its unique ability makes it a valuable addition to any warrior’s arsenal, especially those who thrive in fast-paced combat scenarios.

Flightless Bird Painting Location and Reward

Painting Location: The “Flightless Bird” painting is located in the heart of Leyndell, Royal Capital, inside a once-opulent palace that now lies in partial ruins. The palace is on the eastern side of the capital, not far from the Avenue Balcony Site of Grace. As you navigate the labyrinthine streets of Leyndell, look for a grand archway with a crest depicting a lion. The painting is housed in a large hall just beyond this arch, hanging on a wall that miraculously remains untouched by the surrounding decay.

Visual Aid: Picture a detailed map of Leyndell, Royal Capital, highlighting the route from the Avenue Balcony Site of Grace through twisted streets and notable landmarks like statues and fountains, leading directly to the palace. The map would clearly mark the entrance with the lion crest to assist in identification.

Solution: The painting features a serene garden within the city, overlooked by towering statues that have lost their glory to time. To find this location:

1. Exit the palace and head southwest towards the garden district of Leyndell.
2. Look for a garden with two large, flightless bird statues—these are unique and hard to miss once you are in the vicinity.
3. Position yourself between the statues and face northward, towards the tallest building in sight to complete the puzzle.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: Leyndell is filled with both patrolling enemies and hidden dangers. Moving quietly through the streets and using distractions can help avoid unwanted confrontations. It’s beneficial to use the high ground and rooftops for better vantage points and to bypass ground-level hazards.

Reward: Upon solving the “Flightless Bird” puzzle, you’ll receive the “Garden’s Whisper” cloak. This unique piece of attire enhances stealth, making you less detectable to enemies. It also offers moderate resistance to magic, useful in Leyndell’s magic-heavy environment. This cloak is particularly valuable for those who rely on surprise and evasion, providing an edge in both avoiding combat and executing strategic attacks.

Sorcerer Painting Location and Reward

Mountaintops of the Giants – Sorcerer

Painting Location: The “Sorcerer” painting is situated in a secluded cave on the eastern slopes of the Mountaintops of the Giants. To reach it, start from the First Church of Marika Site of Grace and head northeast through the snow-blanketed fields. The cave is partially hidden by a large snowdrift but can be identified by a series of small blue torches placed by a previous wanderer, leading directly into its mouth. Inside, the painting is prominently displayed against the far wall, framed by icicles.

Visual Aid: Envision a map of the Mountaintops of the Giants area, showing a path from the First Church of Marika that winds through icy fields and past notable landmarks such as frozen waterfalls and a giant, fallen tree, leading up to the cave. This map would highlight the blue torches as key navigational aids.

Solution: The painting depicts a hidden alcove illuminated by bioluminescent plants, a rare sight in the icy expanses of the region. To find this spot:

1. Exit the cave and continue east toward the higher elevations, where the snow begins to thin.
2. Search for a small pathway veering north, marked by subtle signs of disturbance in the snow—likely left by the elusive mountain sorcerers.
3. Follow this path until it opens into a small clearing. The bioluminescent alcove, nestled against the mountainside, is at the far end.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: The journey through the Mountaintops of the Giants is treacherous due to the extreme cold and aggressive creatures adapted to the icy environment. Dress appropriately to resist the cold, and keep an eye out for ice patches that can cause slips or falls. Engaging enemies from a distance or using environmental hazards to your advantage can help minimize direct confrontations.

Reward: Solving the “Sorcerer” puzzle awards you the “Frostfire Tome,” a magical manuscript that allows you to learn and cast a unique blend of ice and fire spells. These spells are particularly effective against the diverse range of foes found in colder regions of the game. The tome not only broadens your magical arsenal but also provides tactical flexibility in combat, allowing you to exploit elemental weaknesses with greater precision.

Tips and Tricks for Finding Paintings

Navigating the vast, intricate world of Elden Ring to find the paintings requires keen observation and preparation. Here’s a compilation of tips and insights to help you recognize potential painting locations and tackle the challenges along the way.

Recognizing Painting Locations Based on In-Game Geography

1. Distinctive Features: Look for unusual or uniquely detailed environments—these are often clues. Paintings usually depict locations with notable landmarks like unique rock formations, peculiar trees, or structures.
2. Cultural Hints: Pay attention to the architectural or natural elements that are culturally significant within different regions of the game. For example, a statue with a specific pose or ornamentation might hint at a nearby painting.
3. Ambient Cues: Listen for changes in the game’s ambient sounds or music, which can subtly hint at important or hidden locations.

Recommended Level and Equipment for Each Area

• Level Guidelines: Before exploring a new area for paintings, ensure your character’s level is sufficient to handle the local enemies. This information can typically be gleaned from community guides or by observing the damage dealt by foes in the area.
• Equipment Suggestions: Tailor your equipment to the region. For instance, bring fire-resistant gear when exploring areas with fire hazards or enemies that use fire-based attacks.

Common Challenges

Navigating Tough Terrain

• Steep Cliffs and High Elevations: In mountainous or vertical areas, always have climbing gear or spells that improve mobility. Keep an eye on stamina and take paths that allow for resting spots.
• Water-logged or Swamp Areas: Equip items that boost movement speed in water or use spells to minimize the movement penalty in swamps.

Dealing with Enemies

• Crowded Areas: Use crowd control tactics such as area-of-effect spells or luring individual enemies away from the group.
• High-Level Foes: When facing enemies that are significantly higher level, consider stealth strategies or bypass them if possible until you’re better equipped or have increased your level.

Strategies for Overcoming Difficult Enemies or Terrain

• Learning Enemy Patterns: Spend time observing enemy behaviors and attack patterns. This can provide opportunities to exploit their weaknesses.
• Environmental Use: Use the environment to your advantage—lead enemies into narrow spaces where their numbers count for less, or use natural barriers to shield yourself.
• Alternate Routes: Sometimes the direct path is not the safest. Look for alternate routes that might offer safer or more strategic approaches to a destination.

By equipping yourself with this knowledge and remaining vigilant, you’ll improve your chances of locating and retrieving all the hidden paintings in Elden Ring, while enjoying the rich narrative and complex challenges along the way.

That is all about how you can find all the Elden Ring painting’s locations. For more Elden Ring guides, be sure to check out Retrology.