In Elden Ring, finding powerful bosses and hidden locations is part of the thrill that keeps players coming back. One such encounter is with Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy a grotesque and chaotic demigod who waits deep within Mt. Gelmir. The path to reaching the Lord of Blasphemy is not straightforward, involving exploration, puzzle-solving, and a descent into one of the game’s most sinister legacy dungeons. Knowing exactly where to find Rykard and how to access his domain is essential for players seeking the Remembrance of the Blasphemous, the Blasphemous Blade, or simply aiming to progress through the demigod bosses. This guide will detail the location of the Lord of Blasphemy and how to get there effectively.
Where to Begin: Getting to Mt. Gelmir
Mt. Gelmir is a volcanic and hostile region located to the west of the Altus Plateau. Players typically reach this area after making progress through the Altus Plateau via the Grand Lift of Dectus or the Ruin-Strewn Precipice. From here, the journey becomes progressively more dangerous, filled with lava, deadly enemies, and precarious paths.
Points of Entry into Mt. Gelmir
- Grand Lift of Dectus Route: Use the medallions to activate the lift, ascend to Altus Plateau, then move northwest through the region until you reach the Bridge of Iniquity Site of Grace.
- Ruin-Strewn Precipice Route: Defeat Magma Wyrm Makar and gain access to Altus Plateau. Proceed west toward Mt. Gelmir from the Wyndham Ruins area.
Once in Mt. Gelmir, players should seek out the Volcano Manor, which is the key to reaching Rykard, the Lord of Blasphemy.
Volcano Manor: The Path to the Lord of Blasphemy
The Lord of Blasphemy resides deep within the heart of Volcano Manor, a mysterious and aristocratic location that disguises its true horrors. Gaining access to Volcano Manor can be done through several different paths, each with its own challenges and rewards.
Volcano Manor Invitation
The most straightforward method is by receiving an invitation from Lady Tanith. She can be encountered after completing a questline involving Rya, a scout who first appears in Liurnia of the Lakes. Accepting her request will grant access to the Volcano Manor’s front door, skipping much of the dangerous terrain around Mt. Gelmir.
Alternative Access Through Mt. Gelmir
If players prefer to explore or missed the invitation, they can manually climb Mt. Gelmir through the dangerous winding path beginning at the Bridge of Iniquity. This route includes navigating past Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast, scaling cliffs, and making use of ladders, Spiritsprings, and rope bridges. Eventually, this leads to the back entrance of Volcano Manor.
Volcano Manor Questline and Boss Access
Upon entering Volcano Manor and speaking to Lady Tanith, you will be offered the opportunity to join the manor and carry out assassinations. This side quest allows you to invade other NPC Tarnished across the Lands Between. Completing these invasions eventually grants you access to the inner sanctum of the manor, opening the path to Rykard himself.
Completing the Assassination Missions
- Talk to Tanith and accept her offer.
- Pick up assassination letters from the table inside the manor.
- Travel to designated red marks on your map to defeat targets.
- Complete at least two to three assassination contracts to gain access to the Abductor Virgin Teleporter or the secret passage through the drawing room wall.
This progression unlocks a secret hallway behind a false wall, revealing a path to the dungeon area where Rykard awaits.
Path Through the Legacy Dungeon
After unlocking access to the inner Volcano Manor, players must venture into one of the most challenging legacy dungeons in Elden Ring. The manor transforms into a labyrinth of lava lakes, iron maidens, snake cultists, and deadly traps.
Key Tips to Navigate the Dungeon
- Prepare for Fire Resistance: Many enemies and environmental hazards deal fire damage. Equip fire-resistant gear and talismans.
- Watch for Illusory Walls: Several false walls hide shortcuts and items.
- Use Elevators and Hidden Ladders: These often connect previously explored areas and provide alternate paths back to the entrance.
Eventually, players will reach the Audience Pathway Site of Grace, which is right before the boss room. This is the final checkpoint before the encounter with the Lord of Blasphemy.
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy Boss Room
The battle against Rykard is distinct from most Elden Ring boss fights due to the presence of the Serpent-Hunter weapon, found in the arena. This spear is designed specifically to combat Rykard and scales automatically with your stats, even if unupgraded.
Phases of the Fight
- Phase One God-Devouring Serpent: This phase includes massive sweeping attacks, lava pools, and deadly bites. Use the Serpent-Hunter spear to keep your distance and deal high damage with each charged strike.
- Phase Two Rykard Emerges: After the serpent’s body is destroyed, Rykard fuses with it, becoming the Lord of Blasphemy. He gains new fire-based attacks, including exploding skulls and a massive sword combo. Stay mobile and time your strikes between his animations.
Defeating Rykard rewards players with theRemembrance of the Blasphemous, which can be exchanged for either the Blasphemous Blade (a powerful Greatsword that heals on kill) or Rykard’s Rancor spell. You’ll also gain a large number of runes and unlock deeper progression in NPC quests involving Tanith and others.
Alternate Method: Abductor Virgin Shortcut
There’s also a lesser-known method to reach Rykard’s location without completing Volcano Manor’s questline. This involves being captured by the Abductor Virgins beneath the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Allow yourself to be killed by them while inside their jaws, and you’ll respawn in the lava-filled caverns underneath Mt. Gelmir. From there, you can work your way up through the back end of Volcano Manor and eventually reach Rykard’s boss room.
Why Use This Method?
- Skip several assassination missions.
- Access the dungeon earlier in the game if you’re up for the challenge.
- Speedrunners often use this route to shave time.
Final Notes on the Lord of Blasphemy
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, is one of the most uniquely presented bosses in Elden Ring, and his location is deeply tied to the game’s exploration systems. Whether you choose the traditional Volcano Manor route or the shortcut through the Abductor Virgins, finding this boss is a memorable journey filled with lore, danger, and reward. His blasphemous existence, fused with a serpent god, tells a story of rebellion against the Golden Order and a lust for power at all costs.
Once defeated, his domain becomes a turning point in several questlines and a treasure trove for rune farming and item collection. Make sure to thoroughly explore the Volcano Manor, talk to all NPCs, and prepare for one of the more cinematic and lore-rich fights in the game. The Lord of Blasphemy may be hidden deep beneath molten rock and secret corridors, but for any Tarnished seeking glory or vengeance, he is a boss well worth tracking down.