FromSoftware games tend to be cryptic, and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree continues that trend. But a message that appears as you approach Shadow Keep will leave players scratching their heads. It reads: "Somewhere, a great rune has been broken… and with it, a powerful charm." And if you're wondering what that means, you're not alone.

You can explore Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree at your own pace and tackle the challenges in your own order, but as you approach Shadow Keep, the gigantic, menacing black tower at the base of the Erdtree, you'll hear a distinct breaking sound and see "A large rune has been broken somewhere" on your screen.

In the far south of the map, in Cerulean Coast, there is a dungeon called Stone Coffin Crypt with a boss fight and an important character at the bottom. I won't spoil who it is, but the road was blocked off as you approached Shadow Keep. Now that the "great rune is broken", you can proceed to Stone Coffin Crypt.

The message also states that "a powerful spell" has been broken. Return to Needle Knight Leda and you'll discover that Miquella has placed a magical spell on her followers that has affected their minds and caused them to support Miquella's cause. With the spell broken, the followers are questioning their motivations and support for Miquella. Talk to the NPCs you've encountered so far to hear new lines of dialogue and continue their questlines.