Conquering Gaol Cave in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide Through Treasures and the Frenzied Duelist

Venturing into the Gaol Cave in Elden Ring unveils a treacherous journey filled with intimidating enemies and rewarding loot. Nestled in the western region of Caelid, the Gaol Cave challenges players with its winding passages and hidden traps. At the end of this perilous path lies the Frenzied Duelist, a formidable boss ready to test your combat prowess. This walkthrough will guide you through the cave and provide strategies to conquer its final challenge. Prepare yourself for an adventure through dark tunnels and lurking foes as you aim to emerge victorious with valuable rewards.

The Path to Gaol Cave

Northeast of Fort Gael and northwest of the Caelid waypoint ruins, you will find the entrance to Gaol Cave at the swamp's edge. To unlock the entrance, you will require two Swordstone Keys. Adjacent to the 'Gaol Cave' Site of Grace, a treasure chest awaits with 1x Rune Arc. Navigate the initial passage and deal with the rat next to the corpse to collect 1x Golden Rune. Continue along the northeastern passage and stay alert for a right-side passage leading to a deceptive dead end. The ground will give way, dropping you into a cell below.

The Descent and Exploration

Exit the cell and move into the southwestern tunnel. Though a door to the right remains locked, advance down the southwestern path. Deal with two enemies along the way and proceed south, where the side cells will soon open. Be cautious as two more enemies guard a closed gate to the left; proceed through the right cave at the next fork. Engage the mother rat and a normal rat to collect items, including 1x Golden Rune, 2x Turtle Neck Meat, and 1x Golden Rune.

Beware of poison traps on the right as you enter a room with bookshelves and three enemies. Finding treasure here rewards you with a treasure chest (1x Somber Smithing Stone) and a corpse bearing 1x Golden Rune. A door here provides a shortcut when unlocked. Additionally, discover a lever that opens all the cells within the cave, unlocking access to various items guarded by burning, explosive undead.

Cave Treasures

Throughout the cave, behind the newly unlocked doors, you can discover an array of items, including 5x Old Fang, Pillory Shield, 2x Golden Rune, Wakizashi Dagger, 2x Golden Rune, 1x Swordstone Key, and 1x Rainbow Stone. In the room with the rainbow stone, break through boards in the southwest corner to drop into a path leading to the boss arena.

Combat with the Frenzied Duelist

The confrontation with the Frenzied Duelist boss brings memories of the Gravekeeper Duelist from Murkwater Catacombs. The Frenzied Duelist employs combos that bridge large distances and catches dodging players quickly. While his attacks can be relentless, there are gaps in his onslaughts, allowing for opportunities to heal or counterattack.

Strategies for Victory

In the Duelist's second phase, he gains a damage-boosting technique that extends his attack range and combo duration. The new spinning flail attacks require precise dodging for successful counterattacks. However, the boss exhibits predictable behavior, making it possible to anticipate and evade his strikes. Victory over the Frenzied Duelist grants 6700 Runes and the Putrid Corpse Ashes.

Post-Battle Rewards and Final Path

Upon defeating the Frenzied Duelist, players can proceed through a passageway to reach the Limgrave coast. Here, the Regalia of Eochaid Straight Sword and 3x Glowstone await on the cliffs, marking the end of the Gaol Cave journey.