Conquering the Frozen Fortress: A Comprehensive Guide to Castle Sol in Elden Ring

Castle Sol, located in the northern part of Mountaintop of the Giants, stands as one of the most challenging fortresses to explore in Elden Ring. For those adventurous enough to venture from the Site of Grace 'Snow Valley Ruins Overlook' and navigate the cliffs to the west, Castle Sol awaits. The journey is fraught with dangers, including formidable enemies and intricate pathways, but with the right guidance, it can be conquered. This comprehensive walkthrough will guide you through the perilous castle and lead you to victory.

Discovering Castle Sol

Begin your journey next to the walking mausoleum, where you'll find a new Site of Grace. As you progress to the castle's courtyard, a fierce Lion Guardian and its injured ally will confront you. Beware of their ice breath and defeat them to secure 2x Somber Smithing Stone (7), 2x Beast Blood, and 4x Old Fang. Search the southeast of the courtyard to find a corpse with 1x Golden Rune (10) and another corpse below the eastern wooden platform containing 1x Smithing Stone (5).

Courtyard to Interior Pathways

Proceed through the wooden barricades in the northwest, following the path between the walls to a room infested with slugs. Clear out these slimy foes and collect 1x Nascent Butterfly before climbing the ladder to claim 5x Fan Dagger from a corpse. Moving west, then southwest, you'll encounter castle guards. These adversaries use firebombs and ballistae, making them highly dangerous, especially the ballistae. Quickly dispatch them by advancing over the wooden bridge to the northeast and climbing the stairs to neutralize the shooters. Behind the second one lies a corpse with 1x Smithing Stone (6) and a ladder descending into a room where you can fetch the "Sorcerer" painting.

The Cursed Courtyard

Opening the wooden door leads you back to the courtyard, populated with wolves and a menacing bird with blade-equipped feet. Stealthily grab 3x Thawfrost Boluses near some crates to the right, then continue south/south-west to find 5x Freezing Grease at the wooden platform's end. Retrace your steps behind the dogs to enter the northern building. Eliminate the ghost guards and ascend the wooden stairs to obtain 1x Golden Rune (10). Proceeding further south reveals a ghost knight preceding the steps to the 'Church of the Eclipse' Site of Grace. Another corpse holds 1x Thawfrost Boluses next to a ladder that climbs to a body with 1x Smithing Stone (5).

Meeting the Ghostly Figure

In the church, converse with the ghostly figure near the altar and collect the Eclipse Shotel. Taking the eastern exit leads you towards the boss, but first, a detour around the church and up a ladder allows you to eliminate a crossbowman. By moving right and jumping onto the roof, you descend a ladder into a rat-infested room guarding 3x Smithing Stone (7). After exiting the room, locate a body with 1x Rune Arc. Scaling the ladder behind the Church of the Eclipse brings you back to the wall.

Labyrinth of Enemies

Continuing south-west along the wall, a ladder appears where another Exile Knight, this time with two swords, awaits. This knight can heal and teleport behind you, but victory grants the Cerulean Amber Medallion +1 from a corpse atop the wooden platform. Once again, head back to the church, use the eastern exit, and enter the opposing building. Here, utilize target fixation to unveil Albinaurics hidden in the darkness. On the lower level, three such enemies reside, while upstairs, a hanging cage holds a knight who'll call reinforcements if alerted. Another level-up features a knight with dual swords, adding to the challenge. Outside, find a lever to activate the lift, spiriting you down once to retrieve 1x Furcalling Finger Remedy before rising to face the boss.

Facing Commander Niall

The ultimate test awaits in a showdown with Commander Niall. Be prepared for a fierce battle, leveraging all the experience and loot collected throughout Castle Sol. His defeat marks the culmination of this arduous journey, rewarding persistence and skill. With determination, even the most complex parts of Castle Sol can be navigated successfully.

In summary, Castle Sol is an intricate maze filled with hazards and treasures. Through meticulous exploration and strategic combat, each corner of this formidable fortress can be uncovered and conquered. Armed with this guide, venturers into the dark recesses of Castle Sol shall emerge victorious, embracing the thrill of their accomplishments.