The Grand Lift of Dectus stands as one of the most important travel mechanisms in Elden Ring, acting as a massive elevator connecting the regions of Liurnia of the Lakes and the Altus Plateau. For many players, reaching this lift marks a significant milestone in the game’s exploration and progression. However, gaining access to the lift requires more than just finding its location it demands dedication, exploration, and the assembly of a special medallion. Understanding the Grand Lift of Dectus is crucial for anyone aiming to progress further in the game’s story or unlock high-level areas.
What Is the Grand Lift of Dectus?
The Grand Lift of Dectus is a colossal stone structure located at the northern edge of Liurnia of the Lakes. It acts as a transition point to the Altus Plateau, an elevated region rich with new enemies, dungeons, and secrets. Unlike traditional elevators or stairways, this lift operates only when the player possesses a specific item: the Dectus Medallion.
Importance of the Lift
Accessing the Grand Lift of Dectus allows players to:
- Enter the Altus Plateau and continue the main questline
- Reach new NPCs, quest hubs, and legacy dungeons
- Explore more advanced areas with stronger loot and tougher enemies
The lift is not only a gateway but also a narrative and thematic moment in the game’s design, emphasizing the grandeur and mystery of the world of Elden Ring.
How to Unlock the Grand Lift of Dectus
To activate the Grand Lift of Dectus, players must find and unite the two halves of the Dectus Medallion. These are hidden in two different forts located across the Lands Between, and neither is easily accessible early in the game.
Left Half of the Dectus Medallion
The left half can be found inFort Haight, located in the Mistwood region of Limgrave. Here’s how to get it:
- Travel to the Mistwood area southeast of Limgrave
- Enter Fort Haight and ascend to the top floor
- Open a chest containing the left half of the medallion
This area is guarded by enemies, including a powerful knight at the top, so be prepared before you enter.
Right Half of the Dectus Medallion
The right half is hidden inFort Faroth, located in the Caelid region. This area is notably more dangerous, with poisonous swamps and powerful foes nearby.
- Travel to the Dragonbarrow sub-region of Caelid
- Enter Fort Faroth, which is heavily guarded by bats and beasts
- Climb the ladder inside the fort to find the medallion half in a chest
Due to the higher difficulty of this area, some players prefer to sneak past enemies rather than engage directly.
Activating the Lift
Once both halves of the Dectus Medallion are in your inventory, head to the Grand Lift of Dectus. A cinematic will play, and the lift will carry you up to the Altus Plateau.
Using the Medallion
Stand on the circular platform between the two statues and press the prompt that appears to hoist the medallion. This action triggers the lift mechanism, allowing seamless passage to the upper region.
If you arrive at the lift without the medallion, the prompt will not appear, and the lift remains inert.
Alternative Path to Altus Plateau
Interestingly, the Grand Lift of Dectus is not the only way to reach the Altus Plateau. Elden Ring, true to its design philosophy, offers multiple routes.
Hidden Ruin-Strewn Precipice Path
Players who wish to bypass the medallion requirement can reach the Altus Plateau via the Ruin-Strewn Precipice. This path involves climbing a series of dangerous cliffs and caves in the northeastern edge of Liurnia.
- Start at Ravine-Veiled Village
- Progress through the vertical dungeon structure
- Defeat the boss Magma Wyrm Makar at the summit
- Proceed through the exit leading to the Altus Plateau
This route is more combat-heavy but accessible earlier, especially for players exploring thoroughly.
What Lies Beyond the Lift
Crossing the Grand Lift of Dectus reveals the vast and challenging Altus Plateau. This region serves as a bridge to even more dangerous areas like Leyndell, the Royal Capital.
Key Features of Altus Plateau
- Golden fields and craggy cliffs rich in environmental detail
- Powerful enemies such as Tree Sentinels and Leyndell Knights
- Access to critical story locations and NPCs
It’s recommended to enter this region with upgraded weapons and stats, as difficulty spikes significantly compared to Liurnia.
Exploration Rewards and Secrets
Thoroughly exploring the Grand Lift of Dectus and its surroundings rewards players with more than just transportation. The area is home to hidden items, side quests, and lore-relevant details.
Notable Finds Near the Lift
- Golden Rune items scattered along the lift’s approach
- Message hints and ghost NPCs referencing the medallion
- Optional mini-bosses guarding rune clusters and weapon upgrades
The lift itself serves as a centerpiece for some recurring themes in Elden Ring legacy, ambition, and ancient power structures now decayed or repurposed.
Tips for Players Approaching the Lift
Successfully reaching and using the Grand Lift of Dectus can require careful planning. Here are some useful tips for players:
- Ensure your level and weapon upgrades are adequate before exploring Caelid
- Use stealth and Torrent to bypass difficult enemies in Fort Faroth
- Mark Fort Haight and Fort Faroth on your map for future reference
- Be ready for increased challenge in the Altus Plateau after using the lift
Approaching the lift prepared makes the transition smoother and keeps you from getting overwhelmed by the abrupt jump in enemy strength.
The Grand Lift of Dectus is one of the most iconic and functionally important landmarks in Elden Ring. Its towering design, unique activation mechanic, and narrative placement make it unforgettable. By collecting both halves of the Dectus Medallion and unlocking this ancient lift, players gain access to a whole new level of adventure. Whether you reach Altus Plateau by hoisting the medallion or by scaling the treacherous cliffs of the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, the lift remains a vital part of the Elden Ring journey, symbolizing the shift from early exploration to advanced conquest.