In the world of Elden Ring, few locations hold as much mystique and dark reverence as the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion. This eerie and ancient site is deeply tied to one of the game’s most powerful and fascinating systems Dragon Communion. As players explore the Lands Between, the Grand Altar offers not only unique incantations and spells but also deeper lore into the nature of dragons and the practitioners who sought to consume their power. Understanding the role of the Grand Altar is essential for those pursuing a dragon-themed build or looking to uncover some of Elden Ring’s most mysterious secrets.
What Is the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion?
The Grand Altar of Dragon Communion is a secluded and sacred location found in Elden Ring. Unlike the more easily accessible Church of Dragon Communion found in Limgrave, the Grand Altar offers a broader and more powerful selection of Dragon Communion spells. This area is hidden away in the crumbled remains of a forgotten world, accessible only after players complete specific steps in the questline involving the underground region of Caelid and the Cathedral of Dragon Communion.
Location and Access
To reach the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion, players must venture into the craggy and decayed ruins of Caelid. Specifically, this altar is located on the southern island known as the Greyoll’s Dragonbarrow, but players must first navigate through perilous terrain and powerful enemies.
- First, players need to access the teleporter behind the Cathedral of Dragon Communion.
- Defeating bosses such as Greyoll or using Dragon Hearts unlocks new options at the altar.
- The path is obscured by rot, dragons, and other deadly foes this is not a casual journey.
Once accessed, the Grand Altar allows for the exchange of Dragon Hearts a rare currency dropped by slain dragons for devastating Dragon Communion Incantations.
Dragon Communion Explained
Dragon Communion is a dark ritualistic practice found throughout Elden Ring. Followers of this path believe in consuming the essence of dragons to inherit their strength. While morally questionable, the results are undeniable: fire-breathing abilities, rotten dragon roars, and elemental destruction become available to those willing to offer dragon hearts.
Dragon Hearts and Their Use
Dragon Hearts are obtained by slaying dragons throughout the Lands Between. These can include:
- Flying Dragon Agheel
- Glintstone Dragon Smarag
- Decaying Ekzykes
- Borealis the Freezing Fog
- Greyoll the Elder Dragon
Each heart can be used at the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion to unlock new spells. The altar has a greater inventory than the Church of Dragon Communion, including the most advanced and destructive incantations in the game.
Notable Incantations at the Grand Altar
The Grand Altar of Dragon Communion offers exclusive incantations that embody the raw destructive force of draconic power. These spells are visually stunning and extremely powerful, especially when used by faith or arcane-focused characters.
Examples of Powerful Dragon Spells
- Placidusax’s Ruin: Channels the power of the ancient dragon lord, unleashing golden flame in wide sweeps.
- Ekzykes’s Decay: A rot-infused dragon breath that causes massive damage and status build-up over time.
- Borealis’s Mist: Unleashes frost breath in a wide cone, perfect for crowd control and frostbite buildup.
- Glintstone Breath: Converts dragon power into a magical projectile, ideal for arcane builds.
These incantations require high Faith and Arcane stats, making them most effective in builds specifically tailored to Dragon Communion magic.
Benefits of Visiting the Grand Altar
For players interested in dragon-themed gameplay, the Grand Altar is essential. It offers a far richer selection of incantations than the early-game Church of Dragon Communion, and accessing it signifies a mid- to late-game progression in your journey.
Why Choose the Grand Altar?
The Grand Altar is more than a spell vendor. It is a turning point for many builds, offering tools that are not only powerful but thematically unique.
- Access the most advanced Dragon Communion spells in Elden Ring
- Enhance builds that focus on elemental and status effect magic
- Delve deeper into the mysterious lore of dragons and their worshippers
Additionally, the visual effects and impact of these spells give players a sense of becoming something more than human closer to the dragons they consume.
Dragon Cult vs. Dragon Communion
In Elden Ring’s lore, there is a key distinction between the Dragon Cult and Dragon Communion. While both revere dragons, their philosophies and practices differ.
Key Differences
- Dragon Communion: Involves eating dragon hearts to gain power, often seen as heretical and corrupting.
- Dragon Cult: Worships dragons as divine beings, seeking to emulate their power through lightning and reverence, not consumption.
The Grand Altar represents the peak of the Communion path a place where power is gained through sacrifice and transformation, not faith and reverence.
Role in Lore and Worldbuilding
The presence of the Grand Altar raises questions about humanity’s relationship with dragons in Elden Ring. Are dragons simply another force to be conquered, consumed, and repurposed? Or is there something deeper, a forgotten pact between mortals and these primeval beasts?
The Price of Power
Dragon Communion is portrayed as dangerous and taboo. Those who engage in the practice are often twisted or cursed, showing the cost of such strength. Players who follow this path may notice changes in their character’s appearance and their interactions with the world.
Building a Dragon Communion Character
To get the most out of the Grand Altar and Dragon Communion spells, players should invest in key stats and gear.
Recommended Attributes
- Arcane: Increases dragon spell power and unlocks more advanced incantations.
- Faith: Essential for casting incantations and scaling damage output.
- Mind: Boosts FP, allowing more frequent casting of powerful breath attacks.
Pair these stats with talismans and gear that boost incantation damage or reduce FP cost to become a true dragon-wielder.
The Grand Altar of Dragon Communion is one of Elden Ring’s most intriguing and powerful locations. Hidden deep within the ruins of Caelid, it offers players access to unique dragon spells that can reshape the battlefield. More than a spell shop, the Grand Altar represents a dark and powerful choice to consume the essence of dragons and take their power for your own. For players who want to walk a path of destruction, transformation, and raw elemental fury, the Grand Altar is a destination worth seeking out and mastering.