How to avoid the Winter Lanterns in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Winter Lanterns were my least pleasant memories from Bloodborne. After finishing the game, I was relieved that I would never have to face them again, but the nightmares flashed back as I witnessed the terrifying visages of the Aging Untouchable aka the Winter Lanterns of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

Aging Untouchable are a group of enemies in the new Elden Ring DLC that are, as suggested by the name, untouchable. They bombard you with Flame of Frenzy-like attacks that inflict madness. Unless you know how to deal with these terrifying lurkers of the dark, it can be fatal if you are unfortunate enough to meet one in your journey.

NOTE: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinion.

---

How to avoid Aging Untouchable aka Winter Lanterns in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

Head to Abyssal Woods to find these enemies. (Image via FromSoftware)

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is difficult and there is no doubt about it. It’s so hard that many users are spamming negative reviews on Steam, with some even claiming a refund, just because they are unable to beat even the first boss of the new expansion. But honestly, in my experience with the DLC, I believe that, once you get an idea of things, it is very manageable.

This is also the case for the Winter Lanterns in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. At first, they may seem terrifying, and unfair even, but once you learn what to do, their threat levels significantly go down. The Aging Untouchables can be found in the Abyssal Woods, with giant glowing heads and withered black bodies. You can’t miss them.

Thanks to a kind stranger’s message that I found on the ground when I entered the Abyssal Woods for the first time, I got to know that the best way to deal with these Winter Lanterns in Elden Ring Shadow is to sneak past them.

Whenever you spot one of them nearby, crouch down and seek the bushes. Use stealth tactics, and hide around the bushes to get past the Aging Untouchables unnoticed.

Combat is optional against these enemies. (Image via FromSoftware)

However, there is a way to deal with this enemy with violence if you want. If you are tired of hiding around, then simply go near one of the Winter Lanterns but don’t attack yet. Wait for them to attack you with their hands and once you get the chance, parry them. This will stagger them, and you can finish them off with a powerful strike.

Once killed the Winter Larnterns will drop Swollen Grape, which is actually not a grape but a swollen eyeball. You can use this item as a material for crafting Aged One’s Exultation Talisman. This Talisman gives you an attack boost whenever madness is triggered near you.