Academy Crystal Cave is a location in the Liurnia of the Lakes in Elden Ring and the location of a couple Crystalians. This cave also contain a rare weapon, a Stonesword Key, and a good number of crafting items. As part of our Elden Ring guide, we're going to explain how to complete Academy Crystal Cave.

Elden Ring: How to Complete Academy Crystal Cave

On this page, we're going to reveal how to complete Academy Crystal Cave. We'll include the location, a walkthrough, and any additional information, like item drops.

Academy Crystal Cave Location: How to Find It

The entrance to Academy Crystal Cave sits along the western cliffside edge of the Academy of Raya Lucaria, surrounded by Scarabs. It’s not hard to spot, but it does require two whole Stonesword Keys to enter. It’s a steep price, but it’s one we’d recommend paying, especially if you’re a spellcaster because there’s a couple of great items within. You’ll also find a Stonesword Key in this cave, meaning the net cost of entry is ultimately only one key.

Academy Crystal Cave: Walkthrough

As you begin your initial descent into the Academy Crystal Cave, grab the Budding Cave Moss on the left-hand side and make sure you have a torch or other such light source on hand as this is a dark one. Hit up the Site of Grace here, snag another Budding Cave Moss, pick up the patch of Crystal Cave Moss, and loot along the left wall for a rat with its back turned – an easy target.

While the first rat was an easy one, there are a couple more along this path that aren’t as ambivalent. Exercise patience by taking them out one at a time and continue following this passageway, grabbing more Crystal Cave Moss as you go. The path eventually veers off to the left and into a foggy and crystal-filled area. Pause here to assess your surroundings first – there are a lot of enemies in here that could quickly cause your demise.

In the distance to the left, you can see the silhouettes of three mage enemies – you want to try and avoid grabbing their attention until you can get in close, their projectile attacks are nasty when they’re all firing them off at once. However, they’re not the only mages here. Look to your right to see a sorcerer all by its lonesome – it should be your first target, followed by the mage on the opposite side of the crystal outcrop here who will likely notice you after you begin attacking the first mage.

At this point, you’ll likely have the attention of the three other mages, but you’re in a much more advantageous position here. Use the crystal outcrops to your advantage by using them to deflect the magic projectiles that come your way, and take them out at the safest opportunity. With this first herd of enemies handled, turn back around and head to the cave’s southeastern corner to find some Cuckoo Glintstone.

Now we can start progressing further into this chamber. It’s easy to get lost with how open and dark it is, but as long as you head north you’ll find the path forward. Next to a flock of fireflies is another sorcerer enemy who guards an entryway into a side room. Defeat the sorcerer and enter the room behind it to find some more Budding Cave Moss and a Stonesword Key in the cage.

Exit this side room and head toward the passageway illuminated by a lantern, picking up the Silver Fireflies along the way if you haven’t yet. This passage leads to a wooden door that’s clear for opening, but make sure you’re healed up first as there are a couple more sorcerers in the following room.

After entering, make a beeline for the standard sorcerer closer to the mist gate as it’s much weaker than the mage with the pointed hat that’s defending the doorway. With that first one out of your hair, take out the tougher mage and turn back around toward the wooden door into this room. There’s an Illusory Wall here along the western caveside, right next to a patch of Budding Cave Moss. Head through it, take out another sorcerer who’s up here, and open the treasure chest at the end for a Crystal Staff.

After finding the Crystal Staff, that’s just about all there is to the Academy Crystal Cave. Drop off the ledge here to find another treasure chest containing a Rune Arc. All that’s left is to leave this area via the adjacent doorway and find the mist gate leading to the boss in the eastern corner. Heal back up and steel yourself for the two Crystalian bosses that lie ahead.

Academy Crystal Cave: Boss Fight Strategy

Academy Crystal Cave: Item Drops and Loot

Do you have any tips and tricks for how to complete Academy Crystal Cave in Elden Ring? Let us know in the comments section below, and check out our Elden Ring guide for more information.