Solving the Falling Snow Marks Something Unseen Puzzle in Elden Ring
Elden Ring's Mountaintops of the Giants is home to the Heretical Rise, a sealed mage's tower that can be accessed by solving a tricky puzzle. The imp statue's book hints at the solution, stating, Falling snow marks something unseen. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to solve the puzzle and gain access to the Heretical Rise.
Crossing the Invisible Bridge
To solve the puzzle, you will need to cross an invisible bridge over a vast chasm and enter the Heretical Rise via an open-air balcony. The only chasm nearby is north of the tower, near the Freezing Lake Site of Grace on the lake's northwest coast. Travel west from the site of grace (toward Castle Sol), and you'll eventually come across a broken bridge that points to the Heretical Rise.
The remainder of the bridge and the stairway leading to the balcony are invisible. To navigate this bridge, you can use the falling snow to your advantage. Watch where the snow catches and where it doesn't to get an idea of the bridge's path. It's also a good idea to bring some rainbow stones or rocks to help you check your footing.
Using Items to Aid Navigation
- Bring a handful of items like rainbow stones, rocks, or other objects to help you cross the bridge.
- Use the falling snow to notice the invisible bridge's path.
- Watch for other players' bloodstains and messages to help guide your way.
- Use a bow and arrows to check for a safe path ahead (though this might be difficult with poor visibility).
- Consider using a weapon with an Ash of War effect that spreads across the ground, like the Icerind Hatchet's Hoarfrost Stomp, to see the perimeter of the bridge.
Once you've crossed the invisible bridge, you'll need to navigate an invisible staircase to reach the balcony. Use the environment below you as a guide, looking for a pair of spirit trees near the cliffside. The stairway is directly across from them.
Ration your remaining stones and make your way carefully up the stairs. When your feet are roughly on the same level as the balcony, make a slight right and then go straight. You've now completed the most challenging part of the puzzle.
Completing the Puzzle and Reward
Once you've entered the tower and seen the Heretical Rise message on your screen, you've completed the puzzle. You can now safely teleport to any Site of Grace and enter the tower from the front door.
Be cautious, as the tower is guarded by Marionette Soldiers. But if you've made it this far, you should be fine. Your reward for solving the puzzle is the Founding Rain of Stars sorcery, found in a chest at the top of the Rise.
Founding Rain of Stars Sorcery Stats
The Founding Rain of Stars sorcery is a decent addition to your arsenal, with a short-range AoE effect that releases a downpour of star rain for a short period.
- Spell Type: Primeval Sorcery
- Stamina Cost: 31
- FP Cost: 27
- Requirements: Intelligence 52
While the sorcery doesn't stagger enemies, it does deal respectable magic damage. However, its short range and inability to have multiple instances make it less reliable in PvE. It's best suited for use against melee enemies.