As an avid Elden Ring invader with over 300 hours invested in player vs player combat, I‘ve explored every nook and cranny of the Lands Betweensearching for the best locations to invade.
In this expert guide, I‘ll be sharing my top 13 spots for invasion, ranked from the early game to the late game areas. For each location, I‘ll explain:
- Why it‘s a great invasion spot
- Recommended player level and gear
- Enemy types and environments
- Invasion strategies and tips
Whether you‘re a seasoned invader looking to spice up your experience, or new to PvP and want to learn the ropes, this guide has got you covered. Time to put on your bloody finger and wreak havoc!
1. Stormveil Castle
Recommended Level: 20-40
Stormveil Castle stands as one of the hottest early game invasion spots in Elden Ring. As a mandatory main story area packed with deadly enemies and elaborate level design, many hosts summon cooperators here, opening themselves to invasion.
The cramped corridors, rooftop rafters, and open courtyards give you ample opportunities to stage an ambush on the host and their phantoms. You can also lure them towards groups of Banished Knights to split their attention.
Make sure to use hit-and-run tactics and avoid getting surrounded. At SL 30 with a +3 or +4 weapon, this area is rife with activity and great for racking up invasion victories.
2. First Step
Recommended Level: 15-30
As the starting area tutorial zone, the First Step sees a constant stream of new players and veterans creating new characters. It‘s simple enough for total beginners but has enough quirks to appeal to experienced hosts looking to engage in early game PvP.
The main advantage here is that you‘ll often encounter solo hosts, as many have yet to unlock cooperative multiplayer. Punish overeager opponents by blocking the bridge exit with your body while enormous grafted scions advance from behind.
With minimal enemy threats, the First Step lets you focus purely on outplaying your human opponent. It‘s ideal for low level invasion builds.
3. Liurnia of the Lakes
Recommended Level: 50-70
The expansive lake region of Liurnia is where the PvP and coop really picks up steam in Elden Ring. The abundance of mini-dungeons, evergaol bosses, and hidden areas make it a hotspot for jolly cooperation.
As an invader, you can choose between intense 3v1 fights on the field or claustrophobic battles within castle walls. No matter your style, Liurnia has something for you.
I recommend invading at the Academy Gate Town grace point, where the bridge provides an easy environmental kill chokepoint. Lure phantoms with ranged attacks then watch them plunge to their deaths!
4. Leyndell, Royal Capital
Recommended Level: 80-100
As you approach the endgame, the royal city of Leyndell transforms into a PvP battleground, with veterans and completionists constantly cooping to clear the region.
Invade at the East Capital Rampart site of grace to catch coop groups moving between zones. Use the battlements for cover and strike vulnerable casters first.
You can also set up ambushes around corners to separate phantoms from the host. But watch out for dedicated gank squads that will show no mercy if they surround you—always have an escape plan ready.
5. Frozen Lake (Mountaintops of the Giants)
Recommended Level: 100-120
The frigid mountain peaks see lots of activity from level 100+ duelists and gankers seeking the largest PvP signs. If you enjoy the challenge of outnumbered fights, equip your frost weapons and crack some skulls.
Note that you‘ll often encounter highly optimized builds with endgame spells and weapon arts capable of one-shotting. Come prepared with 60 Vigor, heavy armor, and maxed weapons to stand a chance.
A deadly strategy is to lure opponents onto the icy lake then ambush them with ranged attacks. Many overconfident phantoms will slip, stumble, and make for easy pickings as they flounder helplessly.
6. Main Academy Gate (Raya Lucaria)
Recommended Level: 60-80
The leading magic university of the Lands Between attracts ambitious scholars seeking forbidden knowledge (especially the boss kill needed for the Rennala fight). Where there‘s bosses, there are cooperators ripe for invasion.
Focus on separating the host from his phantoms among the maze of rooms and bookshelves inside the library, or rain death upon them from one of the exterior rooftops. This area favors mage builds to counter all the spellspam.
For extra chaos, lure them upstairs to be pummeled by the rolling ball contraptions. Just beware of falling through the collapsing floor into the lake of rot below!
7. Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum
Recommended Level: 90-110
Deep underground in the Consecrated Snowfields lies Mohgwyn Palace, an ominous nest of deranged albinaurics presided over by the blood lord himself. Many players struggle with this disturbing area and call in coop help.
Invasion signs are abundant at the Palace Approach grace. Use hit and fade tactics on the narrow uphill path, and don‘t be afraid to retreat downhill when overwhelmed. The enemies here hit brutally hard, so never overcommit.
If you manage to isolate the host inside the bloody arena with Mohg, the ensuing madness all but guarantees a win. Just be ready to dodge that nasty phase 2 bloodflame explosion!
8. Haligtree Town Plaza
Recommended Level: 120-150
The endgame legacy dungeon Haligtree stands as the ultimate PvP battleground for high level invaders. Getting here requires defeating Loretta at the Mountaintops, so you‘ll only encounter the most seasoned veterans.
The elevated town center sees near endless coop activity and fight clubs. Apply pressure with ranged attacks from the rooftops, or go for max chaos by summoning allies with the Recusant Finger to turn it into a battle royale.
Many gank squads hang out around the Plaza grace wearing full Bull Goat armor and wielding dual spears, so expect stiff competition. Come packing 60 poise, max HP, and your most lethal abilities.
9. Farum Azula (Beside the Great Bridge)
Recommended Level: 125-150
The crumbling dragon city serves as the final stage of Elden Ring‘s main campaign. As such, it sees heavy activity from journeymen pushing through to finish the game, often with phantoms in tow.
In particular, the ledge overlooking the huge chain bridge proves a diabolical invasion point. Use hit and run guerilla tactics and the terrain to your advantage. Bait opponents into overextending then watch them plunge into the abyss!
You‘ll encounter overleveled password phantoms capable of one-shotting you, so don‘t take unnecessary risks. Ideally you want to isolate and pivot between targets to avoid getting stunlocked—easier said than done!
10. Church of Elleh (Limgrave)
Recommended Level: 10-25
As one of the first Limgrave sites of grace, the Church of Elleh remains active even late game for early weapon pickups and coop. It‘s rare to see solo hosts here. Often you‘ll encounter squishy mages desperate for protection on their run to Stormveil Castle.
Don‘t let the pastoral scenery fool you—this peaceful hillside church has been the scene of much spilled blood. Ambush opponents as the crest the hill, or lure reckless phantoms towards the mercy of the Tree Sentinel.
Low level builds shine here. A level 15 invader build with a +2 weapon can still regularly find worlds to terrorize. Just beware of high level password phantoms sporting endgame gear.
11. Inner Consecrated Snowfield
Recommended Level: 130-150
The hiddenHaligtreemedallion region of Consecrated Snowfield stands practically tailor-made for freezing invaders. Slow, hard-hitting enemiescombined with open areas ripe for ambush make it a great late game PvP playground.
Most players only come here while completing Millicent‘s questline for the Haligtree. So you‘ll typically encounter coop groups moving between mini-dungeons like the Ordina Evergaol.
Camp the entrance of dungeons after luring PvE enemies to swarm arriving phantoms.The snow also enables some vicious distraction techniques: lure players off cliffs and high drops during intense fights.
Surviving long enough to invade here proves you‘ve mastered both PvE and PvP combat. It‘s the proving grounds for top level duelists.
12. Dragonbarrow (Caelid)
Recommended Level: 80-100
The scarlet rot wasteland of Caelid terrifies most Tarnished, making it prime real estate for bloodthirsty invaders. Many avoid this place unless chasing coveted crafting materials, legendary weapons, and boss souls for build completion.
Dragonbarrow specifically sees lots of activity around Greyoll‘s Draconic Tree. Ambush coop groups while they‘re distracted fighting the ancient dragon. Try leading them onto the scarlet lake: the rotor buildup negates their estus drinking.
Caelid favors ranged chaos builds. Pick off hosts from the rot-spewing towers using poison arrows, scarlet bolts, or death blight projectiles. Just watch your own footing in the slippery waste!
13. Cathedral of the Forsaken (Deathtouched Catacombs)
Recommended Level: 60-80
Underground areas like the Deathtouched Catacombs often get overlooked as invasion hotspots. Many solo explore these mini-dungeons then summon help upon reaching the challenging Cathedral area boss.
Invasion signs pop frequently at the Cathedral of the Forsaken grace. Use the claustrophobic corridors and wheelchair ambushes to your advantage when ganking groups. Bait snap freeze or glintstone breath attacks from enemies to harass distracted phantoms.
The real terror comes from hiding among the basilisk ambush and cursing unsuspecting opponents as they give chase. Few things feel fouler than punishing healers with deathblight!
Time to Get Bloody
And that concludes my ranked list of prime Elden Ring invasion locations. No matter your level or playstyle preference, these zones offer bloody PvP chaos galore. Now get out there, pop your festering bloody finger, and let the ganking commence!
Whether you aim to crush coop dreams or duel fellow duelists, familiarity with the level layouts and PvE enemy movesets will prove critical to maximizing your invasion potential. Master the environments and use every trick at your disposal.
If you still struggle to secure victories, don‘t get discouraged. Invasions intentionally skew the odds against you to create nail-biting underdog moments. Focus more on style points than your W/L ratio. And above all else, have fun!
