Elden Ring: 18 Combat Strategies Using Environmental Traps
Elden Ring’s expansive world is filled not only with fierce enemies and challenging bosses but also with a variety of environmental traps that players can use to their advantage. These traps offer clever ways to weaken or even eliminate foes without wasting precious resources. Mastering how to use environmental hazards effectively can turn difficult encounters into manageable fights and conserve your valuable Elden Ring Runes for upgrades.
Here are 18 combat strategies that incorporate environmental traps to help you dominate the Lands Between.
1. Lure Enemies into Spike TrapsMany caves and ruins feature spike traps that trigger when enemies walk over them. Use ranged attacks or bait foes into these traps to chip away at their health safely.
2. Push Enemies off CliffsSeveral locations have ledges or cliffs where you can knock enemies off with charged attacks or weapon skills, instantly defeating them and avoiding prolonged fights.
3. Use Poisonous SwampsAreas with toxic swamps can be used to your advantage by drawing enemies into these zones where they suffer from poison buildup over time.
4. Fire Pits and Explosive BarrelsLure enemies close to fire pits or barrels and use fire-based attacks or ranged arrows to trigger explosions for massive damage.
5. Boulder TrapsCertain tunnels and pathways have rolling boulders triggered by stepping on pressure plates. Leading enemies onto these plates can crush them efficiently.
6. Hanging TrapsSome dungeons contain hanging nets or spikes that can be activated remotely. Timing these correctly can take down groups of enemies.
7. Environmental Hazards in Boss ArenasBoss arenas sometimes feature traps or environmental hazards that deal damage. Position yourself to maneuver enemies into these dangers.
8. Luring Enemies into Firebomb AreasUse throwables or ranged weapons to attract enemies to areas littered with firebombs or incendiary objects for strategic explosions.
9. Using Water BodiesSome enemies are slowed or vulnerable when they enter water bodies. Push or kite foes into rivers or lakes to exploit this.
10. Collapsing FloorsIn specific dungeons, floors collapse when triggered, sending enemies to their deaths. Lead tougher foes into these traps during boss fights or miniboss encounters.
11. Thorny Bushes and PlantsCertain plant hazards cause damage or status effects when enemies pass through. Use this to soften groups before engaging directly.
12. Magnetic FieldsIn areas with magnetic traps, metal-armored enemies can be pulled or stuck, giving you a window to attack freely.
13. Snow and Ice SlopesLeaning on slippery surfaces can cause enemies to lose footing or slide into hazards below.
14. Exploit Enemy AIMany enemies chase relentlessly, so use their AI against them by retreating through trap-filled areas.
15. Combustible Oil PoolsThrow fire spells or flasks into oil pools near enemies to cause area-of-effect damage.
16. Use Ranged Attacks to Trigger TrapsYou don’t always have to be near the trap to activate it—sniping pressure plates or explosive barrels can keep you safe while dealing damage.
17. Break Barricades and StructuresDestroying certain environment objects can cause debris to fall on enemies.
18. Combine Environmental Damage with Status EffectsInflict poison or bleed status on enemies before pushing them into traps for quicker kills.
Effectively using these strategies not only conserves your stamina and health but also helps you farm Elden Ring Runes more efficiently. If you want to speed up your progress, some players choose to buy Elden Ring items or Elden Ring Runes to upgrade faster and experiment more with these tactics.
Environmental traps are an often underutilized tool in Elden Ring’s combat system. Mastering them can make even the most challenging battles more manageable, giving you an edge in exploration and boss fights alike. Next time you face a tough enemy, look around—you might find the perfect trap waiting to turn the fight in your favor.