Unearthing the Gold Scarab: A Comprehensive Guide to Conquering the Abandoned Cave in Elden Ring

In the expansive and enigmatic realm of Elden Ring, adventurers tirelessly seek out formidable artifacts that can elevate their gaming journey.Among these treasures lies the Gold Scarab talisman, a coveted accessory that augments the number of runes collected from vanquished foes by an impressive 20%. This significant boost not only accelerates leveling but also expedites gear upgrades, making it an essential item for any aspiring Tarnished warrior. However, acquiring the Gold Scarab necessitates a perilous journey through the treacherous Abandoned Cave, located in the dangerous Caelid region, where players must confront formidable foes and navigate dangerous environments. This manual offers a thorough pathway for gamers to conquer the obstacles that await them.

Locating the Gold Scarab Talisman

The quest for the Gold Scarab talisman begins in the Abandoned Cave in Caelid. To reach this harrowing dungeon, the most efficient path is to warp to the 'Smoldering Wall' Site of Grace. From there, head eastward while keeping an eye out for hostile creatures of the night, including Caelid’s ferocious monstrous dogs. You may also encounter the formidable Abductor Virgin, a creature capable of dealing substantial damage if not approached with caution. The exact location of the Abandoned Cave can be pinpointed on your map, which enhances navigation through this perilous landscape.

If the 'Smoldering Wall' Site of Grace eludes you, don’t fret. Travel through the well-trodden pathway into Caelid from Limgrave, moving along the main road that leads past the Caelum Ruins. Look for a nearby telescope symbol on your map; just south of that, you'll discover the 'Smoldering Wall' Site of Grace. This site will be your vital waypoint before delving deeper into the ominous surroundings.

Once you’ve arrived at the edge of the ravine where the Abandoned Cave is located, you need to traverse a set of precarious tree branches or roots acting as a bridge over the chasm. The entrance to the Abandoned Cave can be found approximately halfway down the cliff face if you venture directly east from the 'Smoldering Wall' Site of Grace. Be particularly careful during this traversal, as slipping off the branches could lead to a quick demise.

A Dangerous Descent into the Abandoned Cave

Upon entering the Abandoned Cave, it is crucial to save your progress by resting at the 'Abandoned Cave' Site of Grace. This dungeon is fraught with peril: darkness obfuscates your path, evil scarlet rot permeates through the pools on the cave's floor, and surprising geysers threaten to engulf unprepared players. This treacherous environment is further populated by Servant of Rot enemies and sinister giant rats, both of which can inflict debilitating effects, including scarlet rot and poison.

Immediately after the Site of Grace, you will need to leap down into the heart of the cave, where the pervasive scarlet rot awaits. To mitigate this damage, stock up on Preserving Boluses—items that can counteract the effects of rot. These can be procured from the Nomadic Merchant near the 'Caelid Highway North' Site of Grace or crafted if you have learned the recipes by acquiring the Armorer’s Cookbook (6) from the Siofra River area. A wise adventurer will also consider utilizing the various armor sets that provide resistance against scarlet rot, such as the excellent Cleanrot armor set, which can be obtained by defeating Lesser Cleanrot Knights.

As you explore the cave, be vigilant and gather valuable items such as Aeonian Butterflies, Toxic Mushrooms, Fire Grease, and Dragonwound Grease. In addition to these, look out for the Venomous Fang and the Serpent Bow weapons scattered throughout the cave. Should you wish to head directly to claim the Gold Scarab, proceed along the path to the left of the dormant Abductor Virgin, carefully avoiding any lurking dangers.

Navigating the Dangers of the Abandoned Cave

As you forge ahead, prepare to dodge geysers spewing scarlet rot while navigating through a path that leads past an Effigy of the Martyr summoning pool. If you feel under-leveled or outmatched, this summoning pool allows you to call upon an ally for support. Continuing through, you'll encounter a room dominated by a colossal Miranda Flower, a sight that can be both intimidating and beautiful. Climb the nearest ledge afterward to enter a tunnel leading you to the climactic encounter with the dungeon's dual bosses.

The Duel with the Cleanrot Knights

Within the depths of the Abandoned Cave, players must confront the Cleanrot Knights, a duo of formidable warriors reminiscent of the Lesser Cleanrot Knights scattered throughout the realm. One knight is armed with a spear, while the other wields a sickle. Battling two adversaries at once can be daunting, so summoning Spirit Ashes or collaborating with fellow players is highly recommended for those who prefer a fair fight.

Interestingly, both knights are immune to rot, which reflects their nature as fierce denizens of the cave. Their attacks can be interrupted, and an aggressive strategy of quickly assaulting them can turn the tide in your favor. Be wary, though, as the sickle knight can bolster their defenses with a fire resistance buff, demanding that players employ other methods of elemental damage.

At the outset of the encounter, only the spear-wielding knight is present, kneeling at the center of the arena. Swiftly focus your efforts on this knight before the second adversary enters the fray, as dealing damage promptly can help you avoid becoming overwhelmed when both are attacking simultaneously.

Since both knights are primarily melee combatants, utilizing ranged weapons or magic can significantly reduce the risks of getting caught in their attacks. However, stay alert for the sickle knight's ranged magical projectiles, which can be avoided by rolling or sidestepping. Additionally, if the sickle knight unleashes scarlet rot upon you, ensure you use Preserving Boluses promptly to alleviate any rot status effects you may suffer.

Claiming Your Reward

Once you triumph over the Cleanrot Knights, a satisfying reward awaits 7,000 runes and, most importantly, the coveted Gold Scarab talisman. Equip this magnificent talisman to witness the dramatic increase in your rune gains, making future endeavors easier and more fruitful.

The Gold Scarab can also be paired with Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot items, providing an extraordinary rune boost of an additional 30% for three minutes, thus enhancing your farming efforts even further. This potent combination enables players to increase their rune earnings by over 50%, a boon that no Tarnished should overlook while adventuring through The Lands Between.

Conclusion

Acquiring the Gold Scarab talisman not only enhances your rune-collecting abilities but also enriches your overall gameplay experience in Elden Ring. This guide has detailed essential steps for navigating the Abandoned Cave and triumphing over the Cleanrot Knights, paving the way for a successful and rewarding journey. As you delve deeper into the game's labyrinthine world, remember to explore other vital resources such as the best talismans in Elden Ring and additional walkthroughs to aid you in your quest for glory.