In the vast and mysterious world of Elden Ring, few bosses are as visually grotesque and narratively significant as Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. As a demigod corrupted by ambition and power, Rykard is hidden away in one of the more unique and disturbing areas of the game: Mt. Gelmir. Finding Rykard is not straightforward. His lair, Volcano Manor, is not only isolated from the main path, but its internal questline can either guide or mislead players depending on the choices they make. Knowing how to find Rykard’s location requires a mix of exploration, combat, and understanding of how Volcano Manor operates within the game’s story structure.
Where to Start: Reaching Mt. Gelmir
Before you can think about Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, you first need to make your way to Mt. Gelmir. Located in the westernmost region of the Altus Plateau, Mt. Gelmir is a fiery, lava-infested zone filled with dangerous enemies, tricky terrain, and powerful loot. Accessing this area typically involves progressing through the Altus Plateau via the Grand Lift of Dectus or the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, depending on your earlier choices.
Key Steps to Reach Mt. Gelmir
- Obtain the two halves of the Dectus Medallion to use the Grand Lift of Dectus.
- Alternatively, travel through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice near Liurnia of the Lakes to reach the Altus Plateau.
- From the Altus Plateau, explore the western side to discover the winding path that leads up Mt. Gelmir.
Once you’ve reached Mt. Gelmir, the next challenge is finding Volcano Manor, the twisted domain where Rykard resides.
Finding Volcano Manor
Volcano Manor is a key location tied closely to Rykard’s lore. There are multiple ways to reach it, and the method you choose may influence how you ultimately encounter Rykard himself.
Method 1: Walking Through Mt. Gelmir
This is the most natural exploration route, but it’s also the most difficult. The road through Mt. Gelmir is filled with strong enemies, lava lakes, and environmental hazards. To get to Volcano Manor this way, you’ll need to pass through several enemy camps and complete some precise platforming sections around cliffs and rope bridges. Eventually, you’ll find a site of grace near the Manor Entrance.
Method 2: Accepting Tanith’s Invitation
If you’ve spoken with Rya, a character in Liurnia of the Lakes, and followed her questline, she will eventually offer to teleport you directly to Volcano Manor. Once inside, you’ll meet Lady Tanith, who asks you to join the manor. Accepting her invitation will allow you to fast-track your access to the manor’s inner workings and Rykard’s domain.
Volcano Manor Questline
Once inside Volcano Manor, players are not forced into a traditional dungeon crawl. Instead, you’re offered a questline that involves hunting down other Tarnished throughout the Lands Between. Completing these invasions progresses the story and eventually opens up the path to Rykard.
Invasion Contracts
Tanith gives you letters that mark the locations of Tarnished to assassinate. Each kill advances your standing within Volcano Manor. After completing at least three assassination contracts, you’ll be granted access to the secret path that leads to Rykard’s true location.
Skipping the Questline
It’s entirely possible to find Rykard without completing the assassination missions. If you explore the manor carefully, you can uncover a hidden path behind one of the manor’s rooms that leads into the lava-filled dungeon beneath. From there, you can fight through the enemies and progress to Rykard without touching the questline but the difficulty is significantly higher.
Entering the Audience Pathway
The final section before reaching Rykard is called the Audience Pathway. Once you’ve completed the Volcano Manor missions or found the hidden path through the manor’s dungeon, you’ll unlock a door that teleports you to a place where the boss fight begins. Here, you’ll be greeted by a scene unlike any other in Elden Ring: a demonic amalgamation of snake and lord Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy.
Preparing for the Fight
Before stepping into the arena, make sure you’re prepared. The game provides a unique item for this boss fight called the Serpent-Hunter spear, which is designed specifically to counter Rykard’s massive form. This weapon scales with your stats and can stagger Rykard efficiently, making it essential for those who haven’t built around heavy damage output.
Make sure you’re stocked on fire resistance items, spirit summons, and gear that boosts survivability. Rykard’s lava attacks and area-of-effect strikes can wipe out unprepared players quickly.
Understanding Rykard’s Lore
Rykard is one of the Shardbearers, demigods who gained immense power through corruption. After consuming the God-Devouring Serpent, he merged with the creature, abandoning humanity and embracing monstrosity. His beliefs in rebellion and blasphemy against the Golden Order made him a pariah, but also a symbol of raw defiance in the lore of Elden Ring.
Why His Location Matters
Unlike other demigods, Rykard chose to isolate himself entirely from the world’s central conflicts. His lair, hidden within the volcanic horrors of Mt. Gelmir, is a reflection of his grotesque ideology. Reaching him is more than just a physical journey it represents a descent into madness and ambition taken too far.
Tips for Finding Rykard Easily
- Follow Rya’s questline to avoid the hard trek through Mt. Gelmir.
- Accept Tanith’s offer in Volcano Manor for quicker access.
- Look for hidden passages behind illusory walls in the manor.
- If you prefer a challenge, bypass the quest and fight your way through the manor dungeon.
- Remember to equip the Serpent-Hunter weapon before starting the boss fight.
Post-Fight Events
After defeating Rykard, Lady Tanith will react in a surprising way. Instead of celebrating your victory, she mourns her lord and offers cryptic words. You can return to the manor to witness what happens next, which can influence other events in the game, especially if you choose to interact with Tanith afterward.
Finding Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, is a journey that combines exploration, lore, and choice. Whether you fight your way through Mt. Gelmir or accept help from those within Volcano Manor, the path to Rykard is among the most unique in Elden Ring. His location is not just a map marker it’s the culmination of defiance, ambition, and horror. Mastering the steps to reach him will not only unlock one of the game’s most memorable bosses but also give you insight into one of Elden Ring’s darkest and most complex figures.