The Gaol Cave in Elden Ring is a challenging and rewarding location situated in the western part of Caelid. This guide will provide a detailed walkthrough of the Gaol Cave and strategies to defeat its final boss, the Frenzied Duelist.

Finding the Gaol Cave

The entrance to the Gaol Cave is northeast of Fort Gael and northwest of the ruins of the Caelid waypoint, located at the edge of the swamp. To access the cave, you will need two Swordstone Keys to unlock the entrance.

Initial Steps

Upon entering the cave, you'll find the 'Gaol Cave' Site of Grace. Next to it, there's a treasure chest containing 1x Rune Arc. Proceed through the passage, where you'll encounter a rat next to a corpse holding 1x Golden Rune (2). Defeat the rat and collect the loot.

Navigating the Passages

Take the passage to the northeast and look for a side passage on the right. This leads to a dead end where the ground collapses, dropping you into a cell below. Exit the cell and head into the southwestern tunnel. You’ll find an enemy on the right; the door behind this enemy can only be opened from the other side, so continue southwest.

Battling Through the Cave

Defeat the two enemies in your path and continue south. Soon, the cells on the side will begin to open, releasing more enemies. Two foes guard a closed gate on the left, so continue through the right side of the cave. At the next fork, a mother rat and a normal rat are found on the left, guarding 1x Golden Rune (4), 2x Turtle Neck Meat, and 1x Golden Rune (3).

Reaching the Lever

After navigating past some poison traps on the right, you’ll enter a room with bookshelves, three enemies, a treasure chest containing 1x Somber Smithing Stone (5), and a corpse with 1x Golden Rune (5). Unlock a familiar door to create a shortcut, and find a lever at the top of the room. This lever opens all the cells in the cave.

Collecting Loot

Behind the newly opened cells, you’ll encounter burning, exploding undead. Carefully defeat them to avoid damage and collect various items, including 5x Old Fang, a Pillory Shield, 2x Golden Rune (2), a Wakizashi Dagger, 2x Golden Rune (4), 1x Swordstone Key, and 1x Rainbow Stone.

Entering the Boss Arena

In the room with the Rainbow Stone, chop away some boards in the southwest corner. This action will lead you to the boss arena after a few drops.

Defeating the Frenzied Duelist

The Frenzied Duelist’s behavior resembles that of the Gravekeeper Duelist from the Murkwater Catacombs. His attacks and movements are predictable but can be deadly if not managed properly.

First Phase Strategy

The Frenzied Duelist has combos that can bridge large distances quickly, making it challenging to maintain a safe distance. He can string together five to six punches, but there are longer pauses between each attack. Use these pauses to heal, attack, or reposition yourself.

Second Phase Strategy

In the second phase, the Duelist buffs himself, increasing his damage and attack frequency. He uses his flail’s range more effectively, incorporating spinning attacks that require precise dodging. Despite the increased aggression, he remains slow and predictable. Focus on reading his movements and timing your dodges to avoid damage.

Rewards and Post-Battle Exploration

Upon defeating the Frenzied Duelist, you’ll receive 6700 Runes and the Putrid Corpse Ashes. Additionally, a passageway will open, leading you to the coast of Limgrave. Here, you’ll find the Regalia of Eochaid Straight Sword and 3x Glowstone on the cliffs.

Additional Tips

1. Preparation: Ensure you are well-prepared before entering the Gaol Cave. Stock up on healing items, antidotes for poison, and consider equipping gear that enhances your resistance to status effects.

2. Exploration: Thoroughly explore each area of the cave. Many valuable items are hidden behind breakable walls or guarded by enemies in side passages.

3. Combat Strategy: Pay close attention to enemy patterns. The Frenzied Duelist, like many bosses in Elden Ring, telegraphs his moves. Learning these patterns can turn a difficult battle into a manageable encounter.

4. Utilize Shortcuts: Unlocking shortcuts, such as the lever that opens all the cells, can save time and provide strategic advantages if you need to retreat and regroup.

The Gaol Cave in Elden Ring is a testament to the game’s challenging yet rewarding design. By carefully navigating the cave, defeating enemies, and using strategic combat against the Frenzied Duelist, you can reap significant rewards and gain valuable experience. This walkthrough aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to conquer the Gaol Cave and emerge victorious in your Elden Ring journey.At the same time, we also provide you with Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items for sale services, follow mmoexp, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a 6% discount