Complete guide to conquering The Great Hollow curse in Elden Ring Nightreign with expert strategies and optimization tips
Understanding The Great Hollow Challenge

The Great Hollow represents one of the most challenging Shifting Earth events introduced in The Forsaken Hollows DLC expansion for Elden Ring Nightreign. This treacherous region offers substantial rewards for brave Tarnished, including exclusive weapons and exceptional rune farming potential. However, entering this area immediately inflicts a debilitating crystal curse that reduces maximum HP by 50%, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario that demands strategic preparation.
This curse mechanic forces players to adapt their combat approach significantly, as the health penalty persists throughout the entire challenge until specific conditions are met. Understanding this temporary disadvantage is crucial for planning your expedition through the hollow’s winding passages and hostile environments.
Step-by-Step Crystal Destruction Process
Your primary objective involves locating and destroying four specific blue crystals scattered throughout The Great Hollow’s expansive terrain. While eight crystals exist in total, you only need to eliminate any combination of four to progress the event. Each crystal requires you to approach closely and activate the “Resonate” interaction prompt, which triggers a destruction sequence that cannot be interrupted by enemy attacks.
During the initial 24-hour period (Day 1), crystal locations remain unmarked, requiring thorough exploration of the castle’s multiple levels and hidden chambers. This exploration phase tests your navigation skills and rewards systematic area clearing. Veteran players recommend prioritizing elevated positions and interior spaces where crystals often spawn in less obvious locations.
Once the second day commences, the game assistance activates, displaying all remaining crystal positions on your map similar to how powerful enemy locations are highlighted. This quality-of-life feature significantly streamlines completion for players who struggled with initial exploration or joined the event later.
Advanced Strategies and Pro Tips
Success in The Great Hollow demands more than just following basic steps—it requires tactical adaptation to the cursed environment. Since you’re operating with half health, prioritize defensive gameplay and avoid unnecessary combat encounters. Use ranged attacks or hit-and-run tactics against enemies near crystals rather than engaging in prolonged melee battles.
Common mistakes include: rushing crystal locations without clearing surrounding enemies, underestimating the persistence of the HP debuff, and failing to utilize the environment for protection. Many players also overlook the importance of managing their healing resources more conservatively while cursed.
For optimized completion, experienced Tarnished recommend: scouting the perimeter first to identify accessible crystals, using stealth approaches to avoid combat, and equipping gear that enhances mobility rather than defense since your health pool is already compromised. Time your crystal interactions during lulls in enemy patrol patterns to avoid interruption.
Claiming Your Victory
After shattering your fourth blue curse crystal, an immediate cutscene triggers, displaying dramatic fractures forming across the massive central crystal structure near the area’s heart. This visual confirmation signals that you’ve reached the event’s climax and can proceed to the final step.
Navigate to the now-shattered enormous purple crystal, easily identifiable by its prominent red marker flag. Interacting with this fractured monolith presents the “Gain the power of the great crystal” option, which permanently removes the debilitating HP reduction curse from your character.
With your full health restored, you can now comfortably explore The Great Hollow’s remaining secrets, engage optional bosses, or farm runes without the constant pressure of operating at half capacity. This curse removal also unlocks access to previously too-dangerous areas that may contain the hollow’s most valuable treasures.
No reproduction without permission:GameCDjnh » How to complete The Great Hollow event in Elden Ring Nightreign Complete guide to conquering The Great Hollow curse in Elden Ring Nightreign with expert strategies and optimization tips
